title: Expert perspectives on fruit and vegetable consumption in Australia.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To examine food system experts' explanations for the consistently low level of fruit and vegetable consumption in Australia and what can be done to increase it.
  
  
  METHODS
  A qualitative survey of food system experts.
  
  
  METHODS
  The survey was administered online to experts across Australia between August and November 2008 using SurveyMonkey.com.
  
  
  METHODS
  Key informants (N  =  332) in sectors ranging from farming through food waste disposal; 122 usable responses were analyzed.
  
  
  METHODS
  Opinions about fruit and vegetable consumption were collected through open-ended questions. Respondent background information was also collected.
  
  
  METHODS
  Identification of key themes via qualitative analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Many reasons for inadequate consumption were suggested, most of which related to inadequacies in the supply of fruit and vegetables. However, the most commonly cited solutions focused on increasing consumer demand.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The incongruence between reasons for inadequate consumption and proposed solutions presents a challenge and suggests a need to shift policy priorities towards improving the supply of fruit and vegetables. Several well-coordinated approaches between the various sectors are needed to maximize outcomes. They include some outside the scope of traditional health promotion efforts.
authors: School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, Australia. emily.morgan@lshtm.ac.uk
authors: Emily H
authors: EH
authors: Morgan
authors: Tony
authors: T
authors: Worsley
mesh_terms: D001315:Australia; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005104:Expert Testimony; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005638:Fruit; D006291:Health Policy; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D038622:Internationality; D007857:Leadership; D009749:Nutrition Surveys; D009752:Nutritional Status; D036301:Qualitative Research; D014675:Vegetables