Call-out for lower VAT rate on fruit and vegetables

On Tuesday 6 October, GroentenFruit Huis, the National Fruit and Vegetables Action Plan and the coalition Healthy Messages, presented the manifesto 'Investing in a healthy future' to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health, Welfare and Sport of the Lower House. The suppliers make an urgent appeal for a lower VAT rate on fruit and vegetables. Redmar Wolf, Professor of General Tax Law, calls the reduction of the VAT rate 'low hanging fruit' in order to work towards a healthier society. The manifesto will be presented to State Secretary Blokhuis at a later date. In addition, it will be brought to the attention of authors of party programmes. In view of the urgency, the hope is placed in rapid action by the Lower House of Parliament.

GroentenFruit Huis: "The VAT increase from 6% to 9% since 1 January 2020 may at first sight appear to have a limited price effect, but it has further raised the barrier for many Dutch people to opt for fruit and vegetables. This particularly affects the lower income group, which is falling behind more and more. Previous research carried out on behalf of GroentenFruit Huis shows that some 18% of consumers say they buy less fruit and 14% less vegetables as a result of the VAT increase".

Click here for the Manifesto: investing in a healthy future (Dutch only)
groentenfruithuis.nl