Freshfel Europe

Regulation (EU) 2018/848 on organic production and labelling significantly affects the fruit and vegetable sector. The organic farming system faces many of the same challenges as conventional production such as labour shortages, rising costs, food waste, and market volatility. But the absence of food additives, post-harvest treatments, along with shorter shelf life, etc.

Freshfel Europe welcomes the initiative of the Commission to regulate the substantiation and communication of explicit environmental claims. Fresh fruit and vegetables play a fundamental role in a greener economy and Freshfel Europe supports tools that create trust with consumers in communicating these important assets.

Consumers are key to a successful and effective green transition. The fresh fruit and vegetable sector endeavours to supply consumers with safe, high quality and fresh products that also meet their environmental, social and sustainability product expectations. The fresh fruit and vegetable sector is fundamental for a greener European economy, whose impact filters to global markets.

Freshfel Europe, the European fresh produce association representing the fresh fruits and vegetables supply chain from producers to traders, importers/exporters, wholesalers, retailers and associated logistics and service providers.

Freshfel Europe welcomes the opportunity to give its perspective on the proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament aiming at strengthening the position of farmers in the food supply chain. The fresh fruit and vegetables sector is an essential sector, given both its health and environmental benefits.

Freshfel Europe considers that the fresh fruit and vegetables supply chain is functioning based on long-standing and collaborative commercial relationships. While some unfair trading practices may still occur, these appear limited in a sector characterized by mutual dependence and established trust.