Despite hurdles like labor shortages, energy price hikes, and extreme weather, Burns believes the agribusiness industry can change global health by promoting the consumption of fruits and vegetables. She also underscored the economic value of fresh produce, which, despite comprising only 7-8% of total global food production, represents $1.3 trillion in annual revenue. She urged people to consume more fruits and vegetables for a sustainable future.
Key takeaways:
- Cathy Burns, CEO of the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA), emphasized the importance of increasing consumption of fruits and vegetables for better health and happiness, and the role of businesses in addressing issues like food insufficiency, overconsumption, and waste.
- Advanced technologies like AI are predicted to create significant operational efficiency and new revenue in the retail grocery industry, with applications ranging from breeding disease and drought-resistant crops to providing dynamic pricing based on product freshness.
- Agribusiness is increasingly crossing industry lines, with healthcare organizations piloting produce prescription programs that offer free and discounted fruits and vegetables to people with diet-related illnesses.
- Despite challenges like labor shortages, energy price hikes, and extreme weather, the agribusiness industry is pushing for increased consumption of healthy foods, with Burns highlighting the industry's potential to "change the health of the world".