Science News: 2021: The International Year of Fruits and Vegetables

– G.A., Senior Editor

Despite the start of a new year, most people remain acutely aware of the importance of taking all the necessary steps to keep themselves safe and healthy. One obviously important factor in our health is our diet. Coincidentally, this year has been declared by the United Nations General Assembly and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations as the International Year of Fruits and Vegetables.

The UN’s fundamental aim is to increase awareness of the nutritional and health benefits of consuming a diet that includes lots of fruits and vegetables. However, efforts will also be made to recognize the global economic importance of agriculture and the fundamental position that fruits and vegetables hold in food security around the world.

Another important area of focus for the International Year of Fruits and Vegetables will be increasing the public’s awareness of the issues of food loss and waste that occur as fruits and vegetables move from farms to our kitchens. By reducing food loss and food waste, we can reduce the number of people facing hunger and food insecurity while also lessening the environmental impact of intensive farming.

Whether your diet changes in 2021 or not, this year should be one in which you consider the importance of fruits and vegetables not only to human health, but also the global economy and our environment.

Click here for the Japanese version.