32nd Witzenhausen conference focuses on food waste

Around 11 million tons of food waste are produced in Germany every year. This figure is well known - and yet it says little about where and why food is lost. One thing is certain: every bite of food thrown away, every unsold loaf of bread and every unharvested vegetable represents wasted resources - water, energy, land and labor. At the same time, many people around the world lack secure access to food. This waste not only contributes to social inequality, but also to the climate crisis: the production and disposal of food causes significant greenhouse gas emissions.

This year's Witzenhausen conference from November 18 to 21 is therefore dedicated to the topic of food loss. The focus is on the question of where and why food is lost - but above all, how these losses can be avoided in the future. Solutions will be presented for production and post-harvest, transportation and retail structures, as well as for large and small consumers such as restaurants, canteens and private households.

Experts from science, politics, business and civil society will come together in Witzenhausen to report on the current state of research, practice and political strategies and to discuss these together. The aim is to develop concrete options for action that contribute to the implementation of national and international sustainability goals - such as the 2030 Agenda and thus the German government's National Strategy to Reduce Food Waste.

Over four days, the conference will not only offer expert input, but also space for exchange, discussion and networking. The focus will be on the following topics: "Production and post-harvest", "Sales and consumers" and "Political aspects".

Approaches will be presented in 13 workshops, dealing with avoiding leftovers, using leftovers and nutrition education - for all those who want to actively combat food waste. The program is rounded off by evening cultural events.

Tickets and further information on the program can be found at www.konferenz-witzenhausen.de

The Witzenhausen Conference

The Witzenhausen Conference was launched in 1992 by students from the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences at the University of Kassel in Witzenhausen and is taking place for the 32nd time this year.

The aim of the conference is to bring together practice and science. The topics address focal points of agriculture, in particular organic farming, and bring them to the attention of the public.

What does this mean in summary?

Every year, Germany produces around 11 million tons of food waste, which not only wastes resources but also contributes to social inequality and the climate crisis.
The 32nd Witzenhausen Conference is dedicated to the topic of food waste and brings together experts from science, politics, business and civil society to discuss possible solutions and develop concrete options for action.
The conference aims to present and discuss the current state of research, practice and political strategies, with a focus on production and post-harvest, sales and consumers as well as political aspects.

Contact:
konfb11[at]uni-kassel[dot]de
www.konferenzwitzenhausen.de

Press contact:

Sebastian Mense
University of Kassel
Communication and Marketing
Phone: +49 561 804-1961
E-mail :presse@uni-kassel.de
http://www.uni-kassel.de www.uni-kassel.de