The Value of European Agriculture
Statement by Juan Marín, President of the European Fruit and Vegetable Association (FruitVegetablesEUROPE) on the global crisis produced by COVID-19
In these times of uncertainty and global health crisis, I would like to send a message of support to all European fruit and vegetable producers and the agri-food sector. For a few weeks now, we have been experiencing difficult times because of the COVI-19 pandemic, which is causing pain worldwide. I want to express my condolences to all families who have been affected by this virus and to encourage those who have family or friends who are fighting or recovering.
This situation makes us see that, now more than ever, it is time to highlight the crucial role that the European agri-food sector is playing during the health crisis. This unprecedented scenario is changing our way of life, our way of working, but it has also created a feeling of unity and joint strength never seen before.
From FruitVegetablesEUROPE, we praise the great work being done by all the European health services. We would like to send our sincere thanks and support to all those who are part of the food chain. They continue to ensure the supply of food to the population and are risking their lives every day to bring healthy food into the pantries of all European consumers.
The European Fruit and Vegetable producing sector guarantee its commitment and responsibility to continue supplying food with the maximum guarantees in terms of safety and quality. Unlike other sectors, the European Agriculture is essential; a shortage of products would have severe consequences at all levels.
This global crisis puts us in front of situations that we thought were impossible. It shows the need to maintain a social model of agriculture based on the social nature, efficiency and sustainability of farming, urging the European Union to defend this agriculture with a strong Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and a budget consistent with its aims.
At FruitVegetablesEUROPE, we appeal to common sense and compliance with the restrictions set by the national authorities and the recommendations of the health bodies in each Member State, hoping that this situation will improve and that normality will soon be established. At FruitVegetablesEUROPE we will continue working to enhance European agriculture with our promotion program: “CuTE: Cultivating the Taste of Europe”.
