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SILL5 Capacity Building Activity: Workshop on Food Waste Reduction

Reducing food loss and waste is a critical challenge in the fresh produce sector, and engaging those who work directly in the supply chain is essential to finding effective solutions. As part of the ZeroW project, the SILL5 team recently held a capacity-building workshop at the facilities of Grupo La Caña in Motril, Spain, to explore the challenges and opportunities in minimizing food waste within their operations.

Key Insights from the Workshop

Organized by Grupo La Caña, CTA, MULTISCAN, and IFAPA, the workshop brought together employees from various departments, contributing a broad range of perspectives on FLW challenges. Participants identified several key issues:

  • Accurate Awareness of Waste Levels: Employees correctly estimated food waste levels, highlighting households and vegetable handling as major contributors.
  • Operational Challenges: Time constraints and customer demands were cited as major obstacles to better planning and waste reduction.
  • Prioritization Issues: While GLC’s efforts to reduce food waste were acknowledged, some employees felt that order fulfillment took precedence over waste management.
  • Need for Consumer Awareness: Participants highlighted the importance of public campaigns and better purchase planning to prevent food waste at the consumer level.

Applying SILL5 Solutions to Minimize Waste

The workshop also introduced participants to the innovative data-driven solutions being developed in SILL5 to optimize processes and reduce FLW. Employees responded positively, recognizing the potential impact of these solutions, particularly in the product reception and calibration phases. However, they also emphasized that successful implementation requires investments in machinery and adjustments to work procedures to fully realize the benefits.

R&D and Collaboration for Lasting Impact

This capacity-building activity is a testament to ZeroW’s commitment to fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing. By equipping key actors with the latest insights, technologies, and best practices, the project ensures that sustainable food management practices are successfully integrated into operations.

FLW remains a pressing issue that demands innovative solutions and strong partnerships. The insights gained from this workshop will help refine ZeroW’s approach, ensuring that the solutions developed in SILL5 effectively contribute to reducing food waste in the fresh produce industry.

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