Food waste is a global challenge that affects not only the economy and society, but also the environment. In a world where more than 820 million people suffer from hunger, it is alarming to know that approximately one third of food produced for human consumption is wasted.
Against this background, the Associació Institut d’Estudis de l’Horta Valenciana has committed through its Food Waste Hub to addressing the problem comprehensively.
Revealing data
- More than half of food waste (59%) occurs in households, followed by processing (19%), production (12%), hospitality and food service (10%), and distribution (8%).
- Globally, 1.3 billion tonnes of food are lost or wasted each year while more than 820 million people experience hunger.
- Food waste contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions and water resource depletion.
- The global cost of food waste reaches €143 billion a year, with Europe accounting for nearly €140 billion.
Report: Causes of food waste and measures to address it
The report ‘Causes of and Measures Against Food Waste at Different Stages of the Chain’, recently published by the Association through the Food Waste Hub, identifies causes and measures across the entire agri-food chain.
Under the European Commission’s definition, food waste includes food that remains fit for human consumption but is ultimately discarded. It covers household waste and losses during production, distribution, processing, hospitality and food service.
The report not only identifies the causes of food waste, but also proposes measures to address this problem. From education and awareness at home to innovative technologies in the supply chain, various strategies are being explored to reduce this waste.
The report can be downloaded free of charge from the Resources section of the Association’s website:
Food waste is a multifaceted challenge requiring collaboration across disciplines. The report ‘Causes of and Measures Against Food Waste at Different Stages of the Chain’ is an important first step, providing evidence to inform policies, community initiatives and individual practices.
At the Associació Institut d’Estudis de l’Horta Valenciana, we are committed to continuing this work towards a more sustainable and equitable future for everyone.