European Commission Ag Commissioner Marion Fisher Boel with Neil Parish, Member of the European Parliament

A video of the opening session of the conference, available thanks to the EC, will only start to give you an idea of the support and commitment shown by European policy leaders, the produce sector, public health organizations and European Union (EU) member states.

Inspiration and a "yes we can" attitude surrounded the conference attendees all week long, and it was a great honor to give the key note address. Even more important for me, however, was to talk informally with representatives from so many countries to hear their plans, share their excitement, and encourage them to create guidelines that will ensure the program’s success – an increase in fruit and vegetable consumption across all 27 participating countries.

Lorelei addresses the European Commission conference

The EC's funding of €90 million annually over the next three years, expanding school fruit schemes to all 27 EU countries means millions of European school children will increase their fruit and vegetable consumption and begin to adopt a healthier lifestyle. Just as they do in the U.S., school fruit schemes will deliver both immediate and long-term benefits to the produce industry in Europe.  I encourage all United Fresh European members and members who do business in the EU to collaborate with member states and engage in this initiative.  Businesses that get involved now have the potential to reap tremendous benefits again in three years, as the EC will most likely dramatically expand funding as school fruit schemes demonstrate their effectiveness. For more information on United’s efforts in Europe, please contact me at 202-303-3400.