Field labs are set to be held toinvestigate ways of reducing on-farm waste in a range of fruit and veg crops.
The farmer-led field labs, which will begin in March, will explore ways to reduce food waste on farms producing dessert apples, tomatoes and carrots, as well as eggs and wheat.
The aim is to pool farmers’ expertise to plug knowledge gaps and assess both the levels of waste and the most effective methods to reduce it, as well as identifying opportunities for productivity gains.
The project is being organised by environmental farming body LEAF, food waste specialist 3Keel, and Innovative Farmers, a not-for-profit network that enables farmer-led research.
The field labs will be supported by Wrap and made possible by funding from Defra, with small grants available for groups to test tools or metrics that help support their research.
Helen Aldis, development manager at Innovative Farmers, said:“We are delighted that Innovative Farmers will be supporting these field labs, which will encapsulate the spirit of our network by sharing the knowledge and experience of real farmers.
“Food waste is a huge issue and there are lots of ideas on how we can reduce it to both fight climate change and feed the growing population sustainably and healthily.
“Farmers and growers know better than anyone how vital it is to their bottom line that wastage is minimised, so these field labs will facilitate a farmer-led approach to understand any pinch points and work together to find solutions.”
A meeting will be held in March to kick off the field labs and anyone interested in getting involved or finding out more can contact Innovative Farmersor LEAF for more information.
Innovative Farmers:info@innovativefarmers.orgor 0117 987 4572
LEAF:alexandra.growden@leafuk.orgor 0247 641911
