A government study of postharvest losses in Germany finds the country has lost 3.3% of wheat, or about 820,000 tonnes, per year over the last three years. The researchers recommended targeted investments in storage systems, and more funding for R&D, both nationally and internationally. http://www.farming.co.uk/news/article/8431
Improving Global Food Security Without Rocket Science
Ertharin Cousin, Executive Director of the World Food Programme (WFP), writes that ‘tackling postharvest losses is not rocket science’, but does require the coordinated effort of many actors. The WFP addresses postharvest loss under its ‘Purchase for Progress’ pilot capacity-building and training program, currently working in 20 countries. http://www.euractiv.com/development-policy/improving-global-food-security-r-analysis-528272
Government Eyes 32 New Tramlines This Year
At least 32 tramlines will be built in the Phillippines by August 2013 in effort to raise farmers’ incomes through reducing postharvest losses. The Department of Agriculture expects lower transportation costs to contribute to a decrease in loss from 25% to 5%, and farming communities in hilly and mountainous regions are being targeted. http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/304285/economy/agricultureandmining/govt-eyes-32-new-tramlines-this-year
MOU Signed between IGMRI and CWC for Post Harvest Management of Foodgrains
India’s Department of Food & Public Distribution and the Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC) signed an MOU to create a center for capacity-building in postharvest management of foodgrains. The CWC will oversee training functions of the Indian Grain Storage Management and Research Institute (IGMRI). http://www.orissadiary.com/ShowBussinessNews.asp?id=37289
New Australian International Food Security Centre Seeks Partnerships in Africa
The Australian International Food Security Centre is focusing on African countries, with funds of 33 million AUD to contribute toward food production projects over the next four years. The Centre is looking to collaborate with national and international partners, researchers, extension workers, in both the public and private sectors to improve smallholder African farms’, markets’, […]