Valencian fruit and vegetable farmers have launched a campaign that is intent on encouraging consumers to buy local, as the trade in the region has suffered. The move by Valencia-based Anecoop, one of the largest agricultural companies in Europe, is timed to coincide with the United Nations' declaration of 2021 as International Year of Fruits and Vegetables.
The idea behind the International Year of Fruits and Vegetables is to raise awareness about the nutritional and health benefits of eating fresh fruit and vegetables on a daily basis throughout every stage of life.
Last year, the Spanish and Valencian agricultural sectors saw sales and exports shot up by 40% during the March and April lockdown, as widespread health concerns triggered a surge in demand on behalf of consumers. Regrettably, nationwide figures dropped again during the last part of 2020 and stabilized at similar low levels to previous years.
According to theolivepress.es, spokespeople for Anecoop highlight the effort carried out by producers and distributors to guarantee supply of basic products during the health crisis - a feat that should be 'valued' by the public.