Agricultural Programmes such as the EU’s School Fruit and Vegetable Scheme and the School Milk Scheme must not be cut back  that was the message from the European Parliament Agriculture Committee following a vote on the 2012 Budget today.

Speaking following the vote, Liam Aylward MEP welcomed the decision of the Committee to continue strong budgetary support for the EU’s School Fruit and Vegetable Scheme and the School Milk Scheme.

“These schemes are very important in encouraging, establishing and supporting good eating habits. Close to 22 million EU children are overweight and this figure is expected to rise by 400,000 every year. Improved nutrition can play an important part in combating this problem.”

The School Fruit and Vegetable Scheme and the School Milk Scheme were measures introduced to encourage healthy lifestyle and eating habits from an earlier age.

“At present we are working to secure a strong budget for EU agriculture post 2014, and our efforts will not be helped if we cut out those policies within the CAP that are effective and deliver for EU citizens. Agricultural policy can be used to promote healthier diets in Europe whilst assisting farmers and ensuring that European taxpayers can see that their money is effectively being used for public good.”

“These policies represent value for money, strengthen EU agriculture and deliver health benefits for young EU citizens.”