Launch of Second Survey on Food Loss and Waste: The GFSA has launched its second field survey to measure food loss and waste rates in Saudi Arabia, building on the findings of the 2019 baseline study, as part of the National Program to Reduce Food Loss and Waste (Li Tadum).
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, January 8, 2025 – In a significant step toward enhancing food sustainability and addressing critical challenges in the Kingdom’s food security, the General Food Security Authority (GFSA) has officially launched its second field survey to assess food loss and waste rates in Saudi Arabia. This initiative, part of the National Program to Reduce Food Loss and Waste (Li Tadum), underscores the Kingdom's ongoing commitment to achieving food security and promoting sustainable practices across the food supply chain. The program aligns with the broader objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which emphasizes the importance of sustainability and resource optimization to secure a resilient and sustainable food system for the future.
The Governor of GFSA, Ahmed bin Abdulaziz Al-Faris, highlighted the significance of this survey, noting that it builds upon the findings of the 2019 baseline study, which established the Food Loss and Waste Index. The first study was instrumental in providing a comprehensive understanding of food loss and waste patterns across the Kingdom. Since then, GFSA has actively engaged with various stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector entities, and local communities, to raise awareness about the detrimental impacts of food loss and waste. These efforts have led to successful public participation and a heightened sense of responsibility toward sustainable consumption and production practices.
The new survey, which began earlier this year, seeks to carry forward the momentum by providing an in-depth analysis of food loss and waste at every stage of the food supply chain. This includes food production, importation, transportation, storage, distribution, and consumption. GFSA plans to collect and analyze extensive data from a wide array of stakeholders within the food industry, with the goal of developing evidence-based solutions to reduce the environmental, social, and economic impacts of food waste. By gathering more accurate and up-to-date information, the survey will help identify the key drivers of food loss and waste in Saudi Arabia, and allow for the formulation of targeted strategies that can address these challenges more effectively.
The survey’s findings are expected to provide valuable insights into the inefficiencies and gaps that exist within the Kingdom's food supply system. These insights will play a critical role in shaping policy and guiding regulatory frameworks aimed at minimizing food loss, optimizing resource use, and reducing carbon footprints. Moreover, GFSA plans to utilize the results to further enhance food security by ensuring that food is distributed more efficiently, reducing wastage, and making the food system more resilient to external shocks, such as supply chain disruptions and climate change impacts.
This initiative is not only crucial to advancing food sustainability but is also an integral part of the Kingdom’s broader environmental and economic goals, particularly in terms of meeting the targets set under Saudi Vision 2030. The reduction of food loss and waste is a key factor in ensuring the long-term sustainability of the Kingdom’s food systems, supporting efforts to create a circular economy where resources are used efficiently, and food is produced and consumed responsibly.
As part of the survey, the GFSA will continue its collaboration with key stakeholders, including governmental bodies, industry leaders, and civil society organizations, to ensure the engagement of all sectors in the reduction of food waste. This collaborative approach is essential to achieving the shared objective of improving food security, supporting the Kingdom’s economic growth, and contributing to global sustainability standards.
In conclusion, the launch of the second food loss and waste survey is a crucial step in Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to improve food security, reduce waste, and align its practices with global sustainability goals. The findings from this survey will be pivotal in driving forward strategic solutions to address food loss, ensuring a more sustainable, efficient, and resilient food system for the Kingdom in the years to come.