b'IF YOU THOUGHTthe United Nations (UN) was done highlight-ing the hard work of agriculture, youd be wrong. Following the International Year of Plant Health, the UN General Assembly has declared 2021 the Year of Fruits and Vegetables (IYFV), and the seed industry has jumped into the celebration.Awareness is at the heart of the IYFV goals; its about sharing how these crops contribute to improved nutrition, dietary diversity, and health. The Celebrating International Seed Federation (ISF) is working with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to celebrate through communication and connection.The International Year of Fruits and Vegetables is of major Fruits and importance as fruits and vegetables are dietary necessi-ties and essential to ensuring not just food security, but also nutrition security and combatting malnutrition, says Michael Keller, secretary general of ISF. Vegetables withIn particular, ISF is excited about the opportunity to con-nect food and nutrition in a more concrete way.The year represents an important opportunity to build shared understanding and solutions in pursuit of a global food system that contributes to the achievement of all 17 Communication Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the so critical role of fruits and vegetables, Keller explains.Vicente Navarro, senior vice president of BASFs veg-etable seed business and the chair of the ISF Vegetables & and Connection Ornamentals Section, believes the IYFV goals are well aligned with the seed industry goals, from raising awareness of the importance of a diverse, healthy diet, to reducing food waste in the supply chain.We have a very important role to play in achieving the Sustainable Development goals, Navarro says. Our contribution can be ISF joins in UNs Year ofused to solve many problems and contribute to a much healthier society as Fruits and Vegetables.a whole.While this is a global goal, seed companies are focusing some efforts Melissa Shipman where diets are more grain-based. Here in the Philippines, for example, the per capita consumption of fruits and vegetables is one of the lowest, much lower than the World Health Organization recommends, adds Mary Ann Sayoc, public affairs lead of East-West Seed, and member of ISFs Vegetables & Ornamentals Section.PHOTO: EAST-WEST SEED46/ SEEDWORLD.COMINTERNATIONAL EDITION 2021'