Brussels, 05/09/2008 (Agence Europe) - The agriculture committee of the European Parliament is to examine, on Tuesday 9 September, the draft report by Niels Busk (ALDE, Denmark) which provides for up to €360 million in EU funding annually for the new programme for the distribution of fruit and vegetables in schools. Mr Busk believes that funding should be increased to allow every pupil to consume the equivalent of one fruit per day. He also considers the programme must not be restricted to children aged 6 to 10.
Funding suggested in July this year by the Commission, namely €90 million, is equivalent to one piece of fruit per week, 30 weeks of the year, which is insufficient for changing eating habits, the rapporteur explains. It would be appropriate, Mr Busk continues, for the Commission to take inspiration from the milk distribution system in schools (no budgetary ceiling). (L.C./transl.jl)