Thousands of tonnes of food, including seasonal staples like Brussels sprouts and potatoes, will be redirected to those in need thanks to a new £15 million government initiative to reduce farm food waste.
An estimated 330,000 tonnes of edible food never leaves UK farms each year. Due to logistical challenges, this food is often repurposed as animal feed or wasted. With grants starting at £20,000, the new scheme is a crucial step in addressing this urgent issue.
It supports charities in England that redistribute surplus food, helping bridge the gap between farmers and organizations such as food banks, homeless shelters, and community groups.
Circular Economy Minister Mary Creagh highlighted the fund’s importance during the festive season: “Nobody wants to see good food go to waste—especially farmers who work hard to put food on family tables. This initiative strengthens links between farms and charities, ensuring quality produce reaches those most in need.”
The fund will support farmers by reducing the cost of dealing with waste and equipping charities to handle surplus food more effectively. Grants may be used for equipment like balers or hoppers, staff training, and technology to streamline collaboration between farmers and food redistribution groups.
Charlotte Hill, CEO of The Felix Project, and Kris Gibbon-Walsh, CEO of FareShare, praised the initiative as a milestone for food redistribution. “Too much food is wasted on farms. This fund allows us to work with farmers to deliver surplus produce to needy communities. Together, we can take meaningful steps toward a zero-waste Britain.”
Harriet Lamb, CEO of WRAP, also welcomed the move, noting its potential to boost redistribution efforts while addressing environmental concerns. Last year, 191,000 tonnes of food worth £764 million were redistributed, creating 450 million meals, but demand continues to rise.
As a reader, you can look forward to the fund eligibility and application process details being released in the new year.
This initiative forms part of the UK Government’s broader Plan for Change, which aims to foster economic growth, reduce waste, and build a sustainable, circular economy. Your support and participation are crucial for its success.
The Circular Economy Taskforce, alongside ongoing efforts like the Courtauld Commitment 2030, will further reduce food waste and greenhouse gas emissions, ensuring long-term sustainability in the UK food supply chain.
