Schools that are taking part in the school fruit campaign organised by the EU and the Dutch authorities are going to get a bit more organic fruits and vegetables in their packs in the 2024-2025 school year. For the campaign 5.7 million euros are available from the EU budget.
In the 2023-2024 school year, a start was made with supplying fruits and vegetables from organic horticulture and agriculture. In the 2024-2025 school year, minister Wiersma of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Quality and Nature is gradually raising the share of organic products from 2 to 4 portions of the total of 60 portions per pupil per school year. Suppliers of school fruit receive a fixed remuneration of 23.4 cent per piece of fruit or vegetable. This is 17% more per portion than what applied in the 2023-2024 school year. The higher share of organic products is taken into account here. The unit price is based on recent research by Wageningen Economic Research. However, it is very much open to doubt, whether the remuneration of 23.4 cents per portion including costs for distribution, is enough to cover all costs. Last year, suppliers already made it known they found this price too low. Taking into consideration the expected smaller crops and higher prices for fruit, it is extremely doubtful whether the remuneration set for 2024-2025 will be sufficient. (EFM)
(Photo generated with AI)
