Approximately 14% of the world’s agricultural produce grown is lost after harvest, and a further 17% is lost within the retail sector before it reaches the consumer. An estimated 3.1 billion people worldwide do not have access to a healthy diet, and about 828 million people go hungry. This food loss and
waste account for up to 10% of the total global GHGs that contribute to climate change and global warming.
In light of this, it is crucial for countries and economic sectors to accelerate action to reduce food loss and waste. Thursday, 29 September, is recognized as the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste, a global campaign started by the Food and Agricultural Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) to open up conversations about food loss and waste.
Let’s take a look at some of the key messages behind this global campaign:
- As the world’s population continues to grow, our challenge should not be how to grow more food;
but reducing food loss and waste in a sustainable manner is an immediate need if we are to maximize
the use of food produced to feed and nourish more people
- Prioritizing the reduction of food loss and waste is critical for the transition to sustainable food systems that enhance efficient use of natural resources, lessen planetary impacts and ensure food security and nutrition.
- Reducing Food Waste is one of the most impactful climate solutions.
- Climate smart innovation, technologies, and infrastructure to reduce food loss and waste are key to increasing efficiency and reducing food system emissions.
- Food is never waste! By applying circular practices, lost and wasted food can be converted to compost or used to produce biogas, thereby avoiding harmful methane emissions.
- Good governance, human capital development, collaboration and partnerships are essential in maximizing the positive impacts of reducing food loss and waste.