Review 8th SFSMED webinar

On January 28, 2025, experts and committed stakeholders gathered for the SFSMED webinar to discuss solutions for better coordinating local and national actions to reduce food loss and waste in the Mediterranean. This exchange provided an opportunity to share concrete strategies, highlight inspiring initiatives, and strengthen regional cooperation.

Co-organized by the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM), FAO, CIHEAM, and PRIMA as part of the SFSMED platform, the webinar "Coordinating Local and National Actions to Reduce Food Loss and Waste in Mediterranean Cities" brought together experts and practitioners to explore concrete solutions to one of the major challenges of agri-food systems: reducing food loss and waste. Held within the framework of the international coalition "Food is Never Waste", this webinar aimed to support the global objective of reducing food loss by 25% and halving food waste by 2030 by aligning local and national actions.

A Strategic Issue for Mediterranean Cities

With more than 70% of the Mediterranean population living in urban areas, cities play a crucial role in food systems. In 2022, food loss and waste in the European Union amounted to 59 million tons, 54% of which came from households. These figures highlight the urgency of rethinking food management and consumption models to mitigate environmental impact and strengthen food security.

Program and Participating Organizations

This webinar, co-organized by the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM), PRIMA, FAO, and CIHEAM, featured high-level speakers from international, regional, and local institutions. Representatives from Mediterranean municipalities, such as the Municipality of La Goulette (Tunisia) and the Amman Central Market (Jordan), also participated, alongside organizations dedicated to innovation in agri-food systems and waste management, including the Ministry of Agriculture of France, Let’s Food, FoodWaStop, and Fossoul Agricole.

Discussions have highlighted innovative solutions to reduce food loss and waste, strengthened collaboration between local and national levels, and incorporated these initiatives into a coherent and sustainable regional approach.