2021 is the Year for BC Blueberries!
2021 has officially been named the International Year of Fruits and Vegetables
December 15 officially launches the International Year of Fruits and Vegetables. This was declared by the United Nations’ (UN) General Assembly and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
A Year for Fruits & Veggies
The goal of this celebration is to shine a spotlight on the foundation of a healthy diet, fruits and vegetables. Even with endless research proving the health benefits of fruits and vegetables, like their ability to decrease our risk of disease and improve immune systems, the global population still doesn’t consume enough of them (United Nations, 2020).
The United Nations Secretary-General announced that “by declaring 2021 as the International Year of Fruits and Vegetables, we are taking a closer look at a critical sector and urging the adoption of a more holistic approach to production and consumption that benefits human and environmental health.”
The UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development has recognized that food systems play an integral role in fighting hunger, protecting the environment, and ending poverty. The International Year of Fruits and Vegetables reminds us to rethink how we produce and consume food.
The UN Secretary-General says that 2021’s goal should be to “commit to a healthier, more resilient and sustainable world where everyone can access and afford the diverse nutrition they need” (United Nations, 2020).
For more information on the International Year of Fruits and Vegetables, visit fao.org.
How to Celebrate #IYFV2021 with BC Blueberries
With 2021 being the International Year of Fruits and Vegetables, it’s the year to choose BC Blueberries! Here are a few ideas on how you can support this initiative by choosing BC Blueberries:
1. Introduce more BC Blueberries into your diet.
BC Blueberries are packed full of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, making them one of nature’s greatest superfoods. They help to limit the risk of diseases like cancer, improve insulin response, and eliminate free radicals (harmful by-products) from the body. For recipes to make with BC Blueberries, visit bcblueberry.com/recipes.
2. Support our fruit growers by purchasing BC Blueberries.
Purchasing blueberries from British Columbia’s local blueberry farmers helps to keep small family-run farms in business. Shop locally by going to U-Pick farms during the summer and choosing frozen BC Blueberries throughout any season. Look for “cultivated” or “high bush” “Buy BC” “Product of Canada” on the packages to make sure your blueberries are from BC.
3. Share the message on social.
Spread the word that 2021 is the International Year of Fruits and Vegetables by using your voice online. Follow and tag @fao and @bcbluebrries, and use the hashtags #IYFV2021 #FruitsVegYear and #BCBlueberries.
4. Promote sustainability by shopping conscientiously and locally
Eliminate harmful pollution caused by transport and mass production by purchasing fruit and vegetables that are made sustainably and locally. Visit BC blueberry farms when fresh blueberries are in season and freeze them for the winter months. Or visit the frozen aisle for frozen blueberries that are made in BC.
About the BC Blueberry Council
With more than 80 years of blueberry-growing experience, the BC Blueberry Council represents over 600 highbush growers. Combined these growers have more than 11,000 hectares (27,000 acres) of highbush blueberries planted in order to meet growing demand. The BC Blueberry Council has a strong commitment to on-farm food safety and works diligently with blueberry growers and collaborates with packers and processors to ensure that BC blueberries meet the highest standards for food safety and quality. For more information: bcblueberry.com.