The Western Growers Association, representing farmers across the western and southwestern United States, has joined the U.S. Food Waste Pact, a national initiative co-led by ReFED and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to reduce food waste throughout the supply chain. Western Growers is the first signatory representing the grower and farming sector, joining 24 other companies and organizations in the collaboration.
According to data from ReFED, approximately 31% of the U.S. food supply goes unsold or uneaten each year, with much of it ending up in landfills, incinerators, or sewer systems. This wasted food contributes around 10% of national methane emissions and accounts for 16% of both freshwater and land use. During agricultural production alone, more than 17 million tons of food loss occur annually, equating to nearly 30 billion meals valued at an estimated US$13 billion.
© U.S. Food Waste Pact
Jeana Cadby, environment and climate director at Western Growers, said the organization's participation aligns with the priorities of its members. "Food waste touches so much of what the farmers in Western Growers care about, from efficient and sustainable resource use to developing new markets for otherwise unmarketable produce. Collaborating with Pact signatories in other sectors will help maximize our impact and bolster our sustainability work, and we are eager to bring that growers' perspective to the table," she said.
Western Growers has previously engaged in efforts to reduce waste and improve sustainability through projects such as the Global Farm Loss Tool, the Sustainable Produce Packaging Alignment (SPPA), and various food safety programs. The association aims to help growers enhance efficiency, reduce environmental impacts, and ensure that more produce reaches consumers rather than being discarded.
Jackie Suggitt, vice president of business initiatives and community engagement at ReFED, said the group's inclusion brings an important supply chain perspective to the Pact. "We've had the pleasure of working with them already on one of our whole chain projects, and it's great to officially have them in the Pact. We look forward to the supply chain perspective they bring as an organization that works with growers," she said.
The U.S. Food Waste Pact follows a "Target, Measure, Act" framework to guide businesses in reducing food loss across their operations. Current members include major retailers, manufacturers, foodservice companies, and distributors, among them Walmart, Albertsons, Del Monte Fresh Produce, Starbucks, and Hilton.
For more information:
Nia D'Emilio
ReFED
Email: [email protected]
www.foodwastepact.refed.org
Susan McCarthy
WWF
Email: [email protected]
