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Fruit and vegetables are good sources of dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals and beneficial phytochemicals, and are important for a healthy diet as they help lower risk factors for non-communicable diseases, such as overweight/obesity, chronic inflammation,
high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
Cultivating fruits and vegetables can contribute to a better quality of life for family farmers and their communities. It generates income, creates livelihoods, improves food security and nutrition, and enhances resilience through sustainably managed local
resources and increased agrobiodiversity.
The United Nations has proclaimed 2021 the International Year of Fruits and Vegetables creating a unique opportunity to raise awareness on the important role of fruit and vegetables in nutrition, food security and human and planetary health. It also aims to
reduce food loss and waste and promote sustainability and safety of the fruit and vegetables value chain.
On Tuesday, 15 December 2020 from 13:00 to 15:30 (Rome time) FAO will host a virtual event to launch the International Year of Fruits and Vegetables 2021.
FAO Director-General QU Dongyu will deliver remarks at the launch event in which officials and experts are scheduled to participate.
Journalists can pre-register to watch the launch event by webinar here. It will also
be available by webcast at this link.
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