Task Force on Fruit and Vegetable research presents policy recommendations regarding position of fruit and vegetable sector in EU’s R&I policy

16 February 2018

On 23 January 2018, Freshfel Europe (the European Fresh Produce Association) and A.R.E.F.L.H. (the European Assembly of fruit, vegetable and horticulture regions) organised in coordination with the two European university and research centre networks for fruit and vegetable related research, EUFRIN and EUVRIN, a conference on the research priorities for the fruit and vegetable sector for the current Horizon 2020 funding programme and its successor, Framework Programme 9 (FP9). As a result, the four organisations drafted a list of policy recommendations regarding the position of the fruit and vegetable sector in the EU’s Research and Innovation policy for policy makers to consider.

From the discussion during the conference, all the fruit and vegetable business representatives and researchers endorsed the multi-actor approach that is demanded in many Horizon 2020 calls. Involving different types of actors in a consortium not only ensures a more practical focus on the real problems on the ground, but also allows for a fruit and vegetable supply chain perspective. However, the trend towards broad, multi-product projects cannot highlight the sector’s specific problems: diversified products, perishability, different areas of production with specific challenges such as drought, frost and precipitation, and the sector’s added value in relation to health and sustainability. The sector laments that fruit and vegetables remain under-represented within Horizon 2020, and that this is not reflecting the size of the sector in the economy and its societal and health benefits.

To turn the spotlight on these specific problems and possible solutions, the Task Force drafted following policy recommendations regarding the position of the fruit and vegetable sector in the EU’s Research and Innovation policy.

2018-02-12.jpg

Read more:

Food Africa and pacprocess MEA 2025: Powering Regional Trade and Industry Growth

11 July 2025
Returning for their 10th and 6th editions respectively, Food Africa and pacprocess MEA will take place from 9 to 12 December 2025 at the Egypt International Exhibition Center (EIEC). These internationally renowned events have become leading platforms for stakeholders in the food and beverage, processing, and packaging sectors, offering unmatched opportunities to explore business prospects across Africa and the Middle East. »

China Study Tour: An Unmissable Experience in CHINA MEET UP 2025

10 July 2025
China Study Tour: An Unmissable Experience in CHINA MEET UP 2025! Visitors from across the world sign up for China-focused extension of ASIA FRUIT LOGISTICA. Join the Study Tour and Premium Buyer Programme while spaces last. CHINA MEET UP 2025, the official mainland China-focused extension of ASIA FRUIT LOGISTICA, returns to Guangzhou on 8–9 September 2025 with strong momentum and broader global participation. »

Only three weeks left to register as an exhibitor for FRUIT LOGISTICA 2026

10 July 2025
Returning to Berlin from 4 to 6 February 2026, FRUIT LOGISTICA is the leading trade show for the global fresh produce business. Featuring new formats, high-level networking and a global reach, it is an unmissable event for industry professionals. Registration is open until 31 July 2025. Exhibitor registration for FRUIT LOGISTICA, the leading trade show for the global fresh produce business, which will take place in Berlin from 4 to 6 February 2026, is still open for three more weeks. »
PARTNERS