Study of Latin American consumption of local fruit and vegetables "0 Km”

Horticulture, with its different disciplines (Horticulture/Olericulture, Fruit-growing, Aromatic-Medicinal and Floriculture), has become more relevant, since the Covid-19 pandemic, with a greater appreciation of products from short chains. The objective was to evaluate the degree of knowledge, behavior and preferences of Latin American consumers, regarding the safety, quality and origin of local fruits and vegetables (F&H) produced and consumed within a radius of no more than 100 km, differentiated with the "Km 0” logo. An online survey was generated (GoogleForms): Study on the Latin American production and consumption of "Km 0" fruits and vegetables, within the framework of inter-institutional links (UNCPBA, UNMDP, UNSL, UCA and INTA CERBAS Area, from Argentina;UdelaR, Uruguay;UNAL and UniSalle, Colombia;BUAP, Mexico;UFRRJ, Brazil), from 03/09/2022 to 07/12/2022. The main topics were: Degree of knowledge of the F&H category "Km 0”;Perceived benefits;Predisposition to consume and acquire them;Degree of evaluation of the "Km 0” labelling;and dissemination campaigns;Places of purchase and changes since the pandemic;Valuation of having lists of local producers of F&H "Km 0”;Knowledge of the place of production of the F&H and assessment of the promotion of local productions;Knowledge of GAP;Acquired food and Assessment of the origin of F&H consumed. The surveys answered were 1127. Ignorance of the "Km 0” category was detected (60%), low consumption of F&H (17% consume 5 ≥ portions/day) although there is a high assessment of F&H in the diet (80%). The need for permanent training and dissemination, of the production and consumption of safe and quality F&H, in quantity and diversity, was evidenced. The pandemic was a turning point from which consumers became aware of the importance of the origin of the products consumed, preferring local F&H. © 2022, Asociacion Argentina de Horticultura - ASAHO. All rights reserved.

Panorama of intensive plant production of healthy foods - "Proalim Km 0", in times of pandemic by COVID-19 - Part 2. Preferences of the production, agribusiness, commercialization and consumption of diversity of vegetables

Healthy food productions of plant origin (PVIAS, for their Spanish acronym) particularly of fruit and vegetables, comprises a foodstuffs group of great interest due to the benefits associated with their consumption, given their vitamin, mineral and fiber content, which make their consumption essential for a healthy and balanced diet, fundamental for confronting the epidemiological situation generated by COVID-19. In this context, and with the aim of studying in greater depth (i) their main aspects, (ii) the reality of the PVIAS (from a previous wide ranging questionnaire) enabling the promotion of concrete actions on the principal necessities identified in the productive, agro-industrial and commercial links in their chains, and (iii) the diversity, quantity and quality of their consumption, the "Survey proALIM "Km 0" - Preferences in the production, agroindustry and consumption of local vegetables" was carried out. This was executed within the framework of the interinstitutional Project CIAC-940186 (INTA-AUDEAS-CONADEV) "Healthy food products of plant origin - PVIAS". The results of the survey will allow the realization of concrete actions aimed at promoting expansion in the production, agroindustry and consumption of PVIAS, principally in the area of influence of the CeRBAS region, and that these activities involve enterprises characterized by the sustainability and biodiversity of their production and focused upon the integrated use of raw materials and their added value;as well as encouraging consumers to acquire healthy eating habits that positively impact in their wellbeing, health and quality of life.