On Tuesday, the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, and the Member of Parliament for Burnaby North–Seymour, Terry Beech, hosted a virtual event to launch the novel technology streams of Canada's Food Waste Reduction Challenge, an initiative under the Food Policy for Canada.
Every year, over half of Canada's food supply is wasted, and nearly $50 billion of that wasted food is avoidable.
To help spark new ideas and engage diverse perspectives, the Government of Canada launched the $20-million Food Waste Reduction Challenge in November 2020, calling for innovators to deliver game-changing solutions to this long-standing and complex issue.
The Challenge's novel technology streams (Streams C and D) are now open for concept applications with a closing date of August 31, 2021. Up to $6.5 million in prize funding will be awarded to innovators with novel technologies that can extend the life of food or transform food that would otherwise be lost or wasted.
To learn more, including how to apply, visit the Food Waste Reduction Challenge website.
"The Food Waste Reduction Challenge is revealing the tremendous appetite and ingenuity across Canada to tackle the problem of food waste head-on. We are calling innovators of all types and sizes to bring forward new and innovative technological solutions that will extend the life of food or transform food waste. Our Government is committed to empowering our innovators and creating a truly sustainable food system in Canada," said the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food.
"The environmental, social and economic benefits of reducing food waste are huge. It means less greenhouse gas emissions while increasing food availability. It can save consumers and businesses money and create new business opportunities. Through the Food Waste Reduction Challenge, the Government of Canada wants to back innovators with novel technologies to fight food waste. I encourage all to apply and be part of the solution," said Terry Beech, Member of Parliament for Burnaby North–Seymour.
Additional Links
- Food Waste Reduction Challenge (Novel technology streams)
- Twenty-four innovators advance to Food Waste Reduction Challenge semi-finals
- Food Policy for Canada
For more information:
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
www.agr.gc.ca