Australia’s first food waste feasibility study has found a drop in waste from vegetable and broad acre cropping, but an increase in fruit loss. This study is the first step in identifying sector hotspots in a bid to halve food waste by 2030.
The figures, released by the Food and Agribusiness Growth Centre, are part of its bid to update the federal government’s 2019 National Food Waste Baseline. Identifying waste hotspots – sectors with high waste profiles – will enable more focused interventions to drive the biggest improvements, the centre said.
The $400,000 feasibility study was announced in July, having been identified in the Growth Centre’s Roadmap for Reducing Australia’s Food Waste by Half by 2030, as a critical first step in reducing Australia’s food waste.
Sustainability consultancy Edge Environment is the lead firm in an international consortium carrying out the feasibility study research. Its head of strategy Max Van Biene said: “Having an accurate picture of where food waste is coming from and where it is going is critical.
“Knowing whether it is left in the paddock by farmers or thrown in the bin by households, is important in developing initiatives to reduce overall waste and capture nutritional value.”
Other companies involved are WRAP, 3Keel and Lifecycles. Together they are looking into the causes, nature, scale and impacts of food loss and waste in Australia.
Centre managing director Dr Mirjana Prica said: “The National Food Waste Strategy Feasibility Study will provide the insights required to set an industry-led agenda to prioritise and focus efforts to maximise the benefits of halving Australia’s food waste by 2030.”
Food and agribusiness stakeholders are encouraged to have their say on the preliminary baseline findings by attending a free webinar on 21 October.
The Food and Agribusiness Growth Centre is part of Food Innovation Australia Limited (FIAL), established by the Australian Government. The centre has been tasked with collaborating with industry to grow the share of Australian food in the global marketplace. It catalyses sector growth by transforming information into valuable insights, developing the capabilities of businesses to grow, and introducing productive contacts and networks to support business success.
