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Expert perspectives on fruit and vegetable consumption in Australia
1School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, Australia. emily.morgan@lshtm.ac.uk
American Journal of Health Promotion : AJHP
|September 2, 2011
Summary
Australian food system experts identified supply issues as the main cause of low fruit and vegetable consumption. They recommended shifting policy focus to improving supply, not just consumer demand, for better outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Food systems analysis
- Public health nutrition
- Agricultural economics
Background:
- Fruit and vegetable consumption in Australia remains consistently low.
- Understanding expert perspectives is crucial for effective interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore food system experts' views on the reasons for low fruit and vegetable intake in Australia.
- To identify expert-proposed strategies for increasing consumption.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative survey of 332 food system experts across Australia.
- Online survey administered between August and November 2008.
- Analysis of 122 usable responses using qualitative thematic analysis.
Main Results:
- Experts cited supply-side inadequacies as primary reasons for low fruit and vegetable consumption.
- However, the most frequently suggested solutions centered on increasing consumer demand.
Conclusions:
- A significant incongruence exists between identified causes and proposed solutions.
- Policy priorities should shift towards improving the fruit and vegetable supply chain.
- Coordinated, multi-sectoral approaches, including non-traditional health promotion, are necessary.
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