All businesses and State agencies operating across the food supply chain are being urged to sign up and commit to reducing food waste, as a new Food Waste Charter was launched by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) at Farmleigh House last Thursday.
Building on the success of the first charter – which launched in 2017 and focused on the grocery retail sector—this new, more ambitious Charter, expands the call to action to every organisation in Ireland’s food supply chain.
Businesses signing up to the Food Waste Charter voluntarily commit to measure their food waste, set targets and take action to reduce food waste, and to report annually on progress.
THE IMPACTS OF FOOD WASTE
‘Ireland’s National Food Waste Prevention Roadmap 2023-2025’ sets out 38 Priority Actions to steer our efforts towards achieving Ireland’s commitment to reduce food waste by 50 per cent by 2030, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The Food Waste Charter is one of the Key Priority Actions.
Outlining the various impacts resulting from food waste, Laura Burke, EPA Director General, said the charter is a necessary step in Ireland achieving its targets.
“With almost 800,000 tonnes of food waste generated in Ireland annually, meeting Ireland’s commitment to halve food waste by 2030 is very challenging, and we don’t have much time. We need to work together; every business along the food supply chain and in the food services sector must play their part to reduce food waste. These businesses are called on to sign the Food Waste Charter and make a commitment to prevent food waste.
“Reducing food waste is an important climate action, with global food waste accounting for approximately 10 per cent of global GHG emissions. Food waste is also costly, and many food and drink businesses are looking at more efficient production processes and innovation to reduce and prevent food waste. By signing up and actively engaging with the Food Waste Charter, businesses will have the opportunity to support their climate action goals and reduce their costs.”
Businesses that sign up to the Food Waste Charter commit to measure (monitor and track their food waste), reduce (identify and take at least one target-based action to reduce food waste) and report (annually on progress towards measurable outcomes and achievements) on their food waste. For more information see the Food Waster Charter at www.foodwastecharter.ie
 at Farmleigh House last Thursday.){kind=link}