Hungary's call to reduce food waste has received wide support from the member states of the European Union. 14 member states attending the session of the European Agricultural and Fisheries Council immediately joined the initiative put forward by Hungarian Minister for Rural Development Sándor Fazekas and assured Hungary of their support.

The proposal was required because according to estimates by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), one third of food produced for human consumption is currently wasted. If we add to this poverty and starvation, the scarcity of natural resources and the problem of the ongoing financial and economic crisis, it becomes obvious that this state of affairs must be tackled immediately at global, European and national levels.

Significant initiatives have begun in this field recently, for instance within the framework of the FAO and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). In addition, several, successfully national programmes exist throughout Europe, but the exchange of best practices and joint action is required at an EU level, instead of the current, isolated good practices.

This is why Minister Sándor Fazekas proposed an EU-level debate on food waste at the Council of Agriculture Ministers. Hungary asked that the EU, working together with related international organisations and other interested parties, develop a plan that would in cooperation to provide a clear picture of the global situation so that we may take the required, joint measures in all of our interests. The Hungarian proposal was supported by practically all of the ministers of the EU member states present, and so the Commission is expected to deal intensively with the issue during the upcoming months.

One of the most important tasks aimed at reducing food waste is the harmonisation of food supply methods and the exchange of best practices between countries. In addition, conscious food consumption, support for the establishment of short food chains and increased public awareness of the importance and value of food are also essential.

If the Commission feels that the development of new EU regulations is required, Hungary is ready and willing to hold further negotiations on the issue.

(Press Office of the Ministry of Rural Development)