Supermarket Perimeter - November 2024 - 7

T
he world faces enormous challenges related to health, climate and
a host of other issues.
The fresh fruit and vegetable industry is in the perfect position
to help solve many of them.
That was the main message of the State of the Industry speech
delivered Oct. 17 by Cathy Burns, president and CEO of the International
Fresh Produce Association, on the first day of the group's annual Global
Produce & Floral Show.
Climate change is already having an effect on the world's fruit and
vegetable and food supply in general, and it will only get worse if
technology can't keep up with warming temperatures worldwide, Burns
told attendees.
In the next 30 years, if new technologies don't mitigate the effects of
climate change, there's a 50% chance the world will suffer a major " food
shock " that will significantly disrupt production, Burns said, citing a
Lloyd's of London forecast.
In addition, climate-related inflationary forces are expected to raise
food prices 3% annually in the near future.
Fortunately, in addition to cutting-edge solutions, there's one oldfashioned
one that will help make sure that never happens, Burns said.
" The best thing you can do if you care about the climate and the
environment is to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables. Our industry has
the most sustainable products on the planet. "
Shifting to an entirely plant-based diet would lead to a 75% reduction
in emissions and a 54% increase in water quality, Burns said, citing an
Oxford University study.
IFPA is doing its part, too, creating a technology accelerator program
to address climate problems and other issues that can be mitigated
through new technologies.
In addition, IFPA was recently granted observer status from the
United Nations to participate in the UN's ongoing climate change
program negotiations.
On another front-burner issue, global health, Burns was equally if not
more bullish on produce's role.
" We are the solution to the global health crisis. People need our
products, and we need to provide them so they can live their best lives. "
All around the world, Burns said, people are struggling to maintain a
nutrient-rich diet.
Only 55% of people, for instance, live in countries with adequate
availability of fresh fruits and vegetables. Healthy diets are out of reach
of 3 billion people, and up to 1 billion risk losing access to healthy foods
if a major food supply shock occurs.
Obesity, stroke, diabetes and heart disease are just the headliners
among the health conditions that can be treated with more produceheavy
diets.
IFPA will do its part by appointing a chief medical officer to advise
its foundation on health-related research and messaging, such as
increasing the number of " produce prescriptions " in lieu of traditional
drug treatments.
And there are signs, Burns said, that more people are taking that
health message to heart. Not only are dollar sales of produce up this
year - volumes are also expanding.
" We have the opportunity to change consumer behavior and provide
new experiences, and we don't need to reformulate our products to do so. "
Burns delivered more good news on health and consumption to
show attendees. The association played a key role in saving fruit and
vegetable benefits in the WIC program, ensuring that more low-income
Americans, particularly children, will have access to fresh produce.
" Besides doing the right thing for children and families, it saves a $1
billion in produce sales, " she said.
Other wins for IFPA in the past year cited by Burns include stopping
a PLU sticker ban from being implemented at the state level. The
association is currently fighting that same battle at the national level in
both Australia and New Zealand.
In the EU and Canada, meanwhile, IFPA has joined the effort to make
sure produce is exempt from proposed food packaging bans. The
association will also use $10 million of a new $25 million grant from the
US Department of Agriculture to research and develop new sustainable
packaging options.
Fresh produce's biotech future
When it comes to the acceptance of genetically modified fruits and
vegetables and other high-tech innovations, " it's still early days, "
said Vonnie Estes, vice president of AgFood Tech Innovation for the
International Fresh Produce Association.
But attitudes are changing, she said - as did three experts who share
the stage with Estes in an Oct. 17 roundtable, " The State of Science, " at
IFPA's annual Global Produce & Floral Show.
Biotechnology, climate-smart agriculture and integrated pest and
pollinator management were among the topics discussed.
" It's a really exciting time for innovation in produce with new
breeding technologies, " said panelist Sarah Davidson Evanega, vice
president of business development for Okanagan Specialty Fruits,
creators of the Arctic apple. " Over 80% of consumers now want to
purchase fruits and vegetables for their nutritional value regardless of
the technology (used to create them). We're in a very different era. "
The Arctic has a super-long 28-day shelf life, which is great for
producers, retailers and consumers alike, Evanega said. Reduced
supermarketperimeter.com
NOVEMBER 2024 - 7
Our
industry has
the most
sustainable
products on
the planet. "
Cathy Burns, IFPA
Andy Nelson, Hayley Hyer / Sosland Publishing Company
http://www.supermarketperimeter.com
Supermarket Perimeter - November 2024

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