Fruits and vegetables are central to the richness of agriculture [Editorial]

"From herbs to apples, from walnuts to grapes, specialty crops are central to the richness of American agriculture." Such was the statement by the US Deputy Secretary of Agriculture, Kathleen Merrigan, when launching the Specialty Crop Research Initiative in October 2011. Through this initiative, the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) will allocate 29 grants across 19 states, totaling $46 million, to develop and share science-based tools to address the needs of America's specialty crop industry; including fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, and horticulture and nursery crops, including floriculture. Recognizing that "over the last 60 years, agriculture, including horticulture, has become increasingly reliant on science and technology to maintain profitable production", Kathleen Merrigan added that "these projects will help provide specialty crop producers with the information and tools they need to successfully grow, process and market safe and high quality products, supporting jobs and opportunities for Americans working in specialty crops". Such an official position from a government is worth noting as an example of what is needed in many countries, especially in developing countries, where, too often, priority is given to major food such as cereals or meat. The role of the governments, through such engagements, should be one of the key components of the virtuous circle linking the production of fruits and vegetable to nutrition and better health. It should seek to stimulate private initiatives in production, packaging, processing and marketing of fruit and vegetables as part of public-private partnerships that are key to success. It is hoped that many more countries adopt such a position and consider fruits and vegetables as central to the richness of their agriculture. (Texte intégral