Lebensmittelabfälle und -verluste in der Primärproduktion und in der Verarbeitung

The Primary Production Dialogue Forum and the Processing Dialogue Forum are sector-specific projects that are part of the German National Strategy for Food Waste Reduction. During the dialogue forums, sector-specific round tables were organized and conducted for the respective sectors of primary production and processing. These round tables brought actors from practice, research, politics and associations together to discuss and take the topic of food waste reduction forward. Data for these two projects was collected in December 2021 and January 2022 via an online survey. Participants were asked about food flows, reasons for food waste, food losses and measures to reduce it. In addition, questions about political support for waste reduction were asked. Furthermore, pre-harvest and harvest losses were also considered in the primary production sector. 460 branch experts from this sector participated in the survey. About two thirds of the harvested agricultural products were marketed directly (64 %) and a further 12 % used within the food chain. This includes food donations and sales to food processing companies. A further 22 % of agricultural products were reused outside. This turns them into food losses. The remaining two percent were disposed of through commercial waste treatment (food waste). For the food processing sector, 163 entrepreneurs reported that more than two thirds of their products (69 %) were distributed through the main channels. A further 15 % were re-used within the food chain and another 12 % were utilized outside the food chain by other businesses. A percentage of 5 % is food waste and was disposed of via commercial waste treatment. The challenge now is to address the causes of food waste and losses on a larger scale through effective reduction measures. In the event that further use as food is not possible, maximum high-quality use should be achieved within the meaning of the waste hierarchy. This study shows how policies can support this. An important point is the examination and relaxation of the current legal quality standards, especially those which are particularly strict. In addition, politics is called upon to raise awareness among consumers about food waste and to increase the appreciation of food in our society. Moreover, there is a need for further research to examine what measures are needed to transfer food that is currently used outside the food chain, back inside the food chain.