Fighting food waste - New research and partnerships

May 31, 2024

By Farms.com

The fight against food waste is gaining momentum. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced a multi-pronged approach to address this issue.

First, they're joining forces with the EPA, FDA, and USAID to improve collaboration across government agencies. This renewed partnership, known as FIFLAW, will focus on developing educational materials, outreach programs, and technical assistance to reduce food loss and waste throughout the food supply chain.

Second, the USDA is investing in research. They're funding a new center dedicated to studying food waste reduction strategies and developing practical solutions. Additionally, they're supporting a pilot program to create educational campaigns that help consumers understand and reduce food waste at home.

These initiatives add to existing USDA efforts. In recent years, they've invested millions in programs that promote composting, support food rescue organizations, and educate young people about food waste.

Food waste is a significant problem, with estimates suggesting 30-40% of all food produced is lost or wasted. This not only impacts food security but also contributes to environmental issues.

By focusing on research, education, and collaboration, the USDA is taking a comprehensive approach to tackling food waste and promoting a more sustainable food system.

Video: Evolution of Beef Cattle Farming

The Clear Conversations podcast took to the road for a special episode recorded in Nashville during CattleCon, bringing listeners straight into the heart of the cattle industry. Host Tracy Sellers welcomed rancher Steve Wooten of Beatty Canyon Ranch in Colorado for a wide-ranging discussion that blended family history and sustainability, particularly as it relates to the future of beef production.

Sustainability emerged as a central theme of the conversation, a word that Wooten acknowledges can mean very different things depending on who you ask. For him, sustainability starts with the soil. Healthy soil produces healthy grass, which supports efficient cattle capable of producing year after year with minimal external inputs. It’s an approach that equally considers vegetation, animal efficiency, and long-term profitability.

That philosophy aligned naturally with Wooten’s involvement in the U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, where he served as a representative for the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association. The roundtable brings together the entire beef supply chain—from producers to retailers—along with universities, NGOs, and allied industries. Its goal is not regulation, Wooten emphasized, but collaboration, shared learning, and continuous improvement.