The Lithuanian Vegetable Producers Association Joins Europatat
The Lithuanian Vegetable Producers Association (LDAA) is warmly welcomed by Europatat. LDAA, a nonprofit organization that unites growers of potatoes and vegetables and markets cooperative firms of growers, was established in 1998.
“As its main objective, LDAA promotes the interests of Lithuanian growers at all levels of state and government institutions and shapes the development of the horticultural sector in Lithuania. The association also supports high technological levels and food safety in potato and vegetable production and marketing and stimulates integration and cooperation forms within the members. Finally, LDAA co-operates with Lithuanian and foreign partners on economic and technological issues, and assists its members to market their production, improve professional qualification, instill scientific recommendations in production, and extend practical experience by organizing seminars,” according to a recent Europatat press release.
Recent LDAA Support Activity
Not so long ago, the LDAA representatives declared that the constant Lithuanian participation in the “Fruit Logistica” exhibition was very important for the potato growers. This allows them to find more trading partners for Lithuanian horticultural production.
A while ago, Zofija Cironkien, LDAA's former director, spoke on the regulations set forth by the European Commission regarding packaging. The latter will directly affect vegetable farmers throughout Europe. Farmers in Lithuania are hardly an exception.
“Vegetables are the base of the healthy food pyramid. Our sector also leaves the smallest CO2 footprint, we are pioneers in this matter. Perhaps the European Commission thought that this sector should be a leader everywhere, so it has the highest requirements for packaging, compared to other branches of the economy,” Cironkienė declared, cited by Valstietis.
According to her, growers will be prohibited from using non-compostable stickers on fruits and vegetables. Stickers will only be allowed if they are easily compostable. However, this is an additional financial burden for growers, and besides, the industry is not yet ready for the production of such stickers, the production technology is expensive, which is why, most likely, stickers will be abandoned altogether.
A recent LinkedIn post reveals that LDAA has already joined the #ZeroW community ZeroFLW Business Ecosystem Group, which aims to build a waste-free future.
“The benefits of participating in the group are mutual – we share our experience and knowledge, strategize future solutions, and #ZeroW community gain a better understanding of the needs of growers in solving the problems of food loss and waste,” the organization representatives announced.
