EUFRUIT is a Horizon 2020 European funded project aiming at facilitating the access to knowledge and at disseminating existing research and innovation potential for the benefit of the fresh produce sector and consumers.

EUFRUIT is setting up a unique thematic European Fruit Network where research institutes and the European representative organizations of the fresh fruit sector are joining forces. Altogether, it gathers a consortium of 21 partners from 12 different countries.

The consortium will focus its activities on four crucial thematic areas for the competiveness and innovation potential of the European Fruit sector. These areas include (1) new cultivar development, (2) minimise residues on fruit and in the environment, (3) optimise storage and fruit quality as well as (4) enhance sustainable production systems.

EUFRUIT is expected to act as a knowledge platform while providing unique networking opportunities for academics and researchers partners, fruit business operators as well as decision makers. With a total budget of €1.8 million, the network will establish in the upcoming three years a systematic approach for knowledge gathering and dissemination.

From the fresh produce sector, both AREFLH (Association of the Regions producing fruit, vegetables and horticulture products) and Freshfel Europe (European Fruit and Vegetables Association) says that they will be actively involved in the dissemination of the project achievements to the sector.