Joint Programming Initiative “a healthy diet for a healthy life”

The importance of diet and health is now a key priority for most EU Member States seeking to deal with an increase in obesity and diet-related chronic diseases in their ageing populations. The increased prevalence of obesity, especially in vulnerable and disadvantaged population groups, may be indicative of a worsening trend of poor diet (choice) and physical activity across the EU population. No doubt, the prevalence of lifestyle-related diseases will increase and in the long term, this may have a negative impact on life expectancy and reduce the quality of life and will lead to increased health costs. European governments are struggling with the growing social and economic consequences of the alarming increase in obesity and food-related diseases.

The food and nutrition research community in Europe develops knowledge to enable production of safe, varied and nutritious foods and dietary patterns. Research is undertaken in university faculties and research institutes, and in agro-food companies. While excellent research has been carried out throughout Europe, this has not always been transferred to relevant stakeholders, i.e. the public, health promotion institutes, retail, or industry in a way to maximally benefit from the results. There is, therefore, a true need to avoid duplication of research activities and improve communication in effective knowledge transfer among research communities, health promotion organisations and food sector.

Making advances in the food, nutrition and health research will require close interactions between physical and bio-medical sciences, and social sciences. Research in sectors across the food and health care chains will require support from funding sources both national and international, and from the European Commission. Close cooperation is needed to ensure resources are targeted effectively and efficiently to scientific challenges, without duplication of effort or leaving gaps that would reduce opportunities for innovation.
Europe is now working towards joint programming in the field of diet & health research. Today a group of scientist met at Schiphol airport to work on a vision document to further shape the joint programming initiative that will lead to more coordinated nutrition & health research across Europe and may also influence the European Commission 8th framework research priorities. Two main research areas were brought forward in two groups. One of diet and chronic disease, and one on determinants of dietary patterns, I chaired the second group consisting of public health nutrition experts from Italy, the Netherlands, Norway and Spain.