This webinar is part of the SFN AgriFood Innovation Series highlighting the transformational potential of technology to achieve a more sustainable, equitable, and safer global food system.

Speaker: Dr Ifey Kanu (CEO, Intellidigest and STFC Food Network+ Liason for Knowledge Exchange)

Summary

Can we eliminate food waste in the food system from farm to fork? Join us to understand how IntelliDigest is engaging with STFC Food Network to develop cutting edge technologies that drive behavioural changes and increase sustainability in the food industry.

Background

There is no better time to establish a more sustainable food system devoid of food loss and waste than now. Building on the 2030 target by UN SDG 2 and 12.3 relating to food as well as SDG 13 relating to climate action, we will be exploring how advances in technology could lead to consumer behavioural changes, improved conditions for farmers and reduced pressure on climate, water, and land resources.

According to the UNFAO Food Loss Index, over 14% of food produced for human consumption is lost pre-farm gate while the Food Waste Index shows that over 33% (1.3 billion tonnes) of food is wasted post-farm gate. Food loss and waste has huge social, economic and environmental implications, as outlined below:

• Over 800 million people malnourished in a population of over 7 billion that is increasing to 9.5 billion by 2050.
• More than £800 billion economic loss
• 3.3 GTonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent and responsible for an estimated 8% of global GHGs

Thus, a critical review of the sources of food loss and waste in the food system from farm to fork is vital to providing a holistic solution for eliminating food loss and waste.