IPB University Nutrition Science Department Holds Workshop, Formulates Recommendations for Food Waste Prevention Policy
Department of Nutrition Science, Faculty of Human Ecology (Fema) IPB University successfully held a Workshop on Food Waste at the IPB International Convention Center, Bogor. This workshop discusses food waste prevention strategies based on recommendations from various sectors, namely academics, government and the private sector.
The workshop was held as the first step in formulating a policy brief for preventing food waste in Indonesia. This activity is supported by the International Research Institute (LRI) Food Nutrition and Health IPB University and the 2024 Inter-University Center of Excellence (PUAPT) Grant Program.
Dr Sofyan Sjaf, Dean of Fema IPB University at the opening of the event said that the food problem cannot be solved from just one perspective, but must be complex and comprehensive from several scientific sides.
“This is a very strategic and paradoxical theme. “On the one hand, we lack food, but on the other hand, we waste food and have many impacts, such as climate change,” he said.
In the workshop, Dr Nyoto Suwignyo as Deputy II for Food and Nutrition Insecurity, National Food Agency revealed that his party had received a mandate to formulate national policies regarding the regulation of food loss and waste. For this reason, in its formulation, input from various parties is needed.
“After we studied the mandate, we had to meet a lot with experts, academics, activists, the community, and even households, all of whom we had to invite together to think about formulating this policy. “Therefore, I hope that the policy brief as the output of this activity can be completed as soon as possible,” he said.
In the workshop, a focus group discussion (FGD) was also held which aims to provide a forum for universities, government and the private sector (hotels, restaurants, catering and non-profit organizations) to formulate a plan of action (PoA) to prevent food waste in their respective areas. sector.
The results of the PoA formulation will then become the basis for Division IV Food Security and Nutrition, Department of Nutrition Science IPB University to formulate a policy brief for preventing food waste in Indonesia.
This workshop succeeded in inviting and presenting 50 representatives from various sectors, including 18 representatives of government agencies, both central and regional governments; 20 university representatives; and 12 private sector representatives.
“This workshop activity is very interesting and comprehensive. “Hopefully the follow-up to this activity can go well, and be a step forward for us to deal with food waste which is currently a problem in Indonesia,” said Khoirul Anwar, SGz, MSi, one of the representatives from the university.
This workshop ended with the formation of a cross-sector food waste coordination forum including the government, university and private sectors. It is hoped that this forum can facilitate ongoing discussions regarding efforts to prevent food waste in Indonesia. (*/Rz) (IAAS/ASD)
