1106. International Day of Awareness on Food Loss and Waste Reduction

September 29, this weekend, is the International Day of Awareness on Food Loss and Waste Reduction. This year's theme is to contribute to the achievement of climate goals and promote the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
　

Globally, about 13.2% of food produced is lost between harvest and retail, and an estimated 19% of total global food production is wasted across households, food service, and retail. 

Food loss and waste undermine the sustainability of our food systems. When food is lost or wasted, all the resources used to produce food, such as water, land, energy, labor, and capital, are wasted. In addition, landfill disposal of food waste leads to the emission of greenhouse gases such as methane, which contributes to climate change. Moreover, food loss and waste can negatively impact food security and food availability, contributing to an increase in food costs.

Our food systems need to adopt an integrated approach to reduce food loss and waste. To get the most out of the food we produce, we need global and local action. Technology, innovative solutions (e.g., e-commerce platforms for marketing, retractable mobile food processing systems), new ways of working, and the introduction of good practices to control food quality and reduce food loss and waste are key to making this transformation happen.

With six years to go until the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), there is an urgent need to accelerate efforts to reduce food loss.

Contributor: IIYAMA Miyuki, Information Program