USDA invests 7 5M in food waste reduction projects Wisconsin Ag Connection

The Importance of Food Waste Reduction

Food waste is a significant environmental issue that affects not only the environment but also the economy and human health. According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), one-third of all food produced globally is lost or wasted. This staggering statistic has severe consequences, including:

Greenhouse gas emissions: Food waste decomposes in landfills, producing methane, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change.

Project Examples

The University of California, Davis, is leading a project in California that aims to increase compost use in the state’s agricultural sector. The project will provide compost to 1,000 farmers and 1,000 community gardeners, promoting sustainable agriculture practices. In Texas, the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension is working with a local composting company to provide compost to 500 farmers and 500 community gardeners. The project will also establish a composting education center to promote sustainable agriculture practices. In Hawaii, the University of Hawaii at Manoa is leading a project that aims to increase compost use in the state’s agricultural sector. ## Benefits of the Program*

Benefits of the Program

Economic Benefits: The program provides economic benefits to farmers and community gardeners by reducing their costs associated with purchasing compost.

The Problem of Food Waste

Food waste is a significant issue in the United States, with an estimated 40% of the food produced in the country being wasted. This not only affects the environment but also has economic and social implications. In Wisconsin, the problem is particularly pronounced, with a significant portion of the state’s food waste ending up in landfills.

The Sun Prairie Food RESCU Pilot

The Sun Prairie Food RESCU Pilot is a project aimed at diverting 65,000 pounds of food waste from landfills.

The USDA’s efforts have also led to the creation of new jobs and opportunities for small-scale farmers and entrepreneurs in the composting industry.”

The USDA’s Composting Initiatives: A Path to Sustainable Food Systems

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has been a driving force in promoting sustainable food systems through its composting initiatives. The agency’s efforts have not only improved community composting practices but also contributed to the development of infrastructure and educational programs focused on food recovery and composting in schools.

Community Composting Initiatives

The USDA’s community composting initiatives have been instrumental in promoting sustainable waste management practices across the country. By providing funding and technical assistance to local governments and non-profit organizations, the USDA has enabled communities to establish and maintain composting programs.