End Food Waste Australia (EFWA) says its Sector Action Plan for the horticulture industry provides nine clear actions to reduce food waste starting at the farm, then along every stage of the supply chain, through to the shelf.
Fresh produce accounts for 50 per cent of all food waste in Australia, with more than three million tonnes of fruit and vegetables go to waste every year – enough to fill the Melbourne Cricket Ground to the brim five times.
EFWA CEO Dr Steven Lapidge said that not only was reducing horticulture food waste critical for Australia to achieve its goal of halving food waste by 2030, but there were also benefits across the community.
“Tackling fresh produce waste would provide billions of dollars of economic benefits, reduce the growing environmental impact of our food system, and will directly help feed millions more food insecure Australians every year,” Lapidge said.
The Horticulture Sector Action Plan provides an Australian-wide view of key horticulture food waste root causes and identifies the most impactful actions to reduce food waste.
Interventions include improving food waste data and measurement, exploring whole crop purchasing arrangements, reviewing product specifications, improving logistics to get fresh produce to food rescue charities, investing in and growing value-add opportunities and Australia’s upcycled foods market – such freeze-dried fruits, vegetable powders – along with many more.
Sector Action Plans are a key tool to reduce food waste through sector-specific analysis and collaboration across the supply chain.
The Horticulture Sector Action Plan is evidence-based with research supported by the End Food Waste Cooperative Research Centre, supported by the Australian Government Department of Industry, Science and Resources and Hort Innovation Australia, and in conjunction with Central Queensland University, RMIT University, and University of Southern Queensland, with foundational funding provided by the Queensland Government’s Recycling and Jobs Fund.
Bananas and melons lead the way
End Food Waste Australia (EFWA) says its Sector Action Plan for the horticulture industry provides nine clear actions to reduce food waste starting at the farm, then along every stage of the supply chain, through to the shelf.
Lapidge stressed that there is no one size fits all solution, with the most impactful interventions depending on the product type.
“Food waste is a $36 billion challenge that is far too big for anyone, or any single sector, to tackle alone. The horticulture industry, with leadership from the Australian Bananas Growers’ Council and Melons Australia, and support from Queensland Government and Hort Innovation Australia have come together to demonstrate collaboration on sustainability leadership in the development of these plans,” he said.
Bananas and melons now have dedicated Food Waste Action Plans and targeted priority actions.
Australian Banana Growers’ Council chair, Leon Collins, said the industry was proud to be at the forefront in finding solutions to reduce banana food waste.
“Australian Banana growers have always embraced ways to improve our industry and this plan to reduce food waste is no exception.
“Reducing food waste provides a triple win – helping improve our industry profitability, reducing environmental impact, and assisting in food security for those in need,” Collins said.
Melons Australia executive officer, Johnathon Davey, said the Australian melon industry was “committed to doing our bit” to supporting Australia achieve its goal of halving food waste by 2030”.
“This plan is strategic and presents a way forward and significant growth opportunities for our growers, for the melon industry, for all Australians and the environment.
We acknowledge that by reducing food waste we create opportunities to improve grower and the broader supply chains profitability, reduce the environmental footprint of food waste and assist those Australians experiencing food insecurity.”
The Horticulture Sector Action Plan, Banana Food Waste Action Plan and Melon Food Waste Action Plan are available on the End Food Waste Australia website.
“We invite everyone across the horticulture supply chain to get involved in saving Australia’s world-class fruits and vegetables,” Lapidge said.
Horticulture is the sixth sector action plan, following Bread & Bakery, Dairy, Food Cold Chain, Food Rescue, and Food Service.
“Food industry businesses can begin enacting or supporting the priority actions listed in the plan and we invite other produce groups to sign up for Food Waste Action Plan.
“For producers wanting to take the next step we recommend joining the Australian Food Pact,” he said.
