e European Organization for Packaging and the Environment claims reducing food loss and waste depends on the optimization of packaging. They have created a task force focused on technological innovations and solutions. http://www.foodproductiondaily.com/Supply-Chain/Packaging-optimisation-and-preventative-role-key-in-food-waste-battle
On Preventing Postharvest Loss
A United States government official says solving postharvest loss requires investment and scaling up of technologies, as well as cooperation between sectors. http://editorials.voa.gov/content/postharvest-development-josefernandez/1619843.html
Grain Storage with Philip Burrill – Using Aeration Controllers
The Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) of Australia warns farmers to be particularly mindful of grain quality given that temperatures continue to fluctuate in the region. A recent video by the GRDC demonstrates how to maintain proper aeration. http://www.grdc.com.au/Media-Centre/GRDC-Gallery/Video/vxoBO71rTDg http://www.nynganobserver.com.au/story/1345137/new-video-shows-how-to-control-stored-grain/?cs=1494
FAO and CGIAR Consortium Form Strategic Partnership
FAO and the CGIAR Consortium signed an MOU to form a strategic partnership working towards a food-secure future. The Consortium will advise FAO on agricultural research priorities and direct special focus on innovation and information-sharing, seeking to make new technologies more widely available to smallholder farmers. http://www.cgiar.org/consortium-news/fao-and-cgiar-consortium-form-strategic-partnership/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter
Remarks on Preventing Postharvest Loss
Senior-level government officials emphasized the need to reduce postharvest loss to achieve global food security, environmental sustainability, and economic vitality. The Department of State hosted a forum dedicated to finding cross-sector solutions to postharvest loss. Assistant Secretary of the Economics and Business Affairs Bureau said in his opening remarks that there is “no silver bullet […]
Waste Less to Feed More
Senior-level government officials emphasized the need to reduce postharvest loss to achieve global food security, environmental sustainability, and economic vitality. The Department of State hosted a forum dedicated to finding cross-sector solutions to postharvest loss. Assistant Secretary of the Economics and Business Affairs Bureau said in his opening remarks that there is “no silver bullet […]
Post Harvest Losses: Africa Loses Food Valued at $4b Annually
At a recent conference in Kenya, expert leaders discussed the urgency to reduce postharvest losses in Africa that currently total about $4 billion per year. Director of Markets of the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) called on governments to invest heavily in postharvest loss reduction program and technologies. http://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/02/post-harvest-losses-africa-loses-food-valued-at-4b-annually/
Climate Change Threatens Food Security
An expert interview discusses the danger of climate change to food crops. The worst case scenario includes a 20% loss of staple crops in coming years, which severely threatens global food security. http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-02-07/climate-change-threatens-food-security/4507180
Africa: Raising the Bar on Agricultural Innovation
A recent article discusses the power of innovation for agricultural development in Africa. Mobile technology is specifically highlighted as an important tool for communicating information about markets, harvests, pests and diseases, etc. Several individual success stories are described as reasons to increase funding for R&D in agricultural innovation. http://allafrica.com/stories/201301090731.html
Global Food Security: the Role of Science and Technology
Wilton Park published a report from the October 2012 conference, Global food security: the role of science and technology. The report highlights key takeaways on postharvest loss-related topics such as farmer-scientist communication, extension, funding, knowledge gaps, public-private partnerships, and the role of government and regulation. (summary; full report) http://reliefweb.int/report/world/global-food-security-role-science-and-technology