The workshop is part of the Collaboration Initiative on Food Loss and Waste coordinated by the Thünen Institute, which emerged from a recommendation of the G20 meeting of agricultural science advisers (MACS-G20). It contributes to the achievement of UN Sustainable Development Goal 12.3, which aims to halve food waste in retail and private consumption and reduce losses along the supply chain.
Around 100 participants from 17 countries are taking part in the three-day event, including representatives from research, politics, business and civil society. The workshop is supported by the German Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Regional Identity (BMLEH) and the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries as part of the Bilateral Alliance for the Climate (AgriDENZ).
The programme includes plenary and discussion sessions on political, technical and socio-economic aspects of food waste prevention. Topics range from political strategies, data collection, climate and social impacts, and circular approaches to measures in animal husbandry and the organisation of street markets. In addition to contributions from international organisations such as the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and African research institutions, numerous young scientists, including Sharon Mada (Thünen Institute), will also participate with a focus on strengthening regional networks and practical solutions.
An excursion on the last day of the workshop will provide insights into successful local initiatives to reduce food loss.
