Brussels, September 29, 2023. On the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste, from LIFE NextFUMIGREEN, we make a call to improve the efficient use of natural resources, mitigate climate change, and support food security and sustainable agriculture.
According to United Nations (UN) data, 31% of the food produced worldwide is still being wasted, which represents a squandering of resources such as water, land, energy, labor, and capital. Additionally, the process of disposing of lost or wasted food in landfills generates greenhouse gas emissions, impacting climate change. For our food systems to be resilient and sustainable, it is essential to adopt innovative approaches that reduce food loss.
Natural fumigants protect food quality
Natural fumigants are a key alternative to chemical pesticides and a valuable tool in protecting food quality by controlling pests and pathogens, reducing toxic residues, and promoting more sustainable agricultural practices. Their use helps ensure that food reaches our hands in the highest possible quality. Derived from organic compounds from renewable sources, they demonstrate effectiveness in pest control without leaving toxic residues or harming beneficial organisms. Their function is essential for safeguarding crop health and the balance of the agricultural ecosystem.
The solution of LIFE NextFUMIGREEN
The European project LIFE NextFUMIGREEN actively promotes food safety by developing natural fumigants derived from plant extracts to control pests in intensive horticultural crops under greenhouses. Led by Fumihogar (www.fumi-hogar.com) in collaboration with the Foundation for Auxiliary Agriculture Technologies (www.fundaciontecnova.com), the Finnova Foundation (www.finnova.eu), B&B Environmental Auditors Advisors (www.bbasesores.com), Comercial Quimica Masso (www.cqmasso.com), and BrioAgro Tech (www.brioagro.es), the project has a total budget of €2,758,921.01, 60% of which is subsidized by the LIFE Programme.
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