Wednesday, 4 October 16:00 – 17:00 CET

In this session, European Commission delegates and private sector representatives engaged in a meaningful dialogue on Maximum Residue Limits (MRL) and their implications, in conjunction with recent European reforms, on fruit aesthetics. Their analysis extended to the impact along the entire supply chain, encompassing banana production, trade, and distribution. A consensus was reached on the necessity of reshaping consumers’ perceptions of the visual appeal of fruits, with the aim to minimize food losses and alleviate the burden on producers. This discussion served as an opportunity to tackle key industry issues, including the implications of a new European reform centered on consumer education and food loss reduction through adjustments in origin labeling requirements and the harmonization of market standards. It also covered the MRL setting process at the European level, and the prevailing trends in pesticide use and availability within the banana industry. Private sector representatives highlighted the continued and anticipated challenges associated with these new European legislations, which are expected to greatly affect banana production and trade.

Recording available here: MRL and Fruit aesthetics 

Username: [email protected] / Password: Grabaciones23.

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INFORME DISPONIBLE AQUÍ 

Moderator:

• Victor Prada, Secretary of the World Banana Forum (WBF), Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

Panelists:

• Juri Mara, Financial Economist Officer at DG AGRI
• Maria Tabernero, Policy Officer at DG SANTE
• Morag Webb, Head of Science and Policy at COLEAD
• Sergio Laprade, Coordinator of the Banana Environmental Commission at CORBANA
• Patricio Gutierrez, Regional Director of Innovation and Development at DOLE