FoodCloud seek Irish growers to participate in pilot project to reduce food waste at farm level.
New research indicates that over 40% of food produced worldwide is wasted, including an estimated 15% that is lost during harvest [Source].
FoodCloud and researchers from the Circular Bioeconomy Research Group at Munster Technological University (MTU), Kerry are investigating the potential of surplus food redistribution to reduce farm-level food waste. Growers who choose to participate in this research will help to increase the understanding of why and how food is lost at farm level in Ireland, how much of that food is edible, and what solutions can facilitate the redistribution of surplus food from the horticulture sector to consumers and FoodCloud’s network of community groups around Ireland.
Growers can participate in the pilot, supported by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, in two ways:
-
Complete a short online survey to develop essential knowledge about the potential for redistribution of edible surplus food from the Irish horticulture sector. The survey can be accessed here, will take no more than 15 minutes and will be open for participation until November 1st.
-
Participate in a pilot project that will provide funding to farm organisations to cover costs associated with recovering surplus that might otherwise not be harvested for onward distribution to charities via FoodCloud. This redistribution pilot is similar to the UK “Surplus with Purpose” project. Producers interested in taking part in the FoodCloud Growers Pilot Project can email food@foodcloud.ie or call 083 1919250 for more information.
