The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has renewed its Federal Interagency Collaboration to Reduce Food Loss and Waste (FIFLAW) with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), now including the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to extend efforts globally. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan, FDA Commissioner Dr. Robert M. Califf, and USAID Administrator Samantha Power signed the agreement to enhance the initiative.
Since its inception in 2018 and renewal in 2020, the collaboration has released a draft National Strategy for Reducing Food Loss and Waste and partnered with ReFED to evaluate food waste reduction strategies. The renewed agreement aims to improve coordination in producing educational materials, community investments, technical assistance, and public-private partnerships. The addition of USAID broadens the initiative’s international reach.
The USDA announced a $4 million investment in food waste research and education, with $1.5 million for a Center for Research, Behavioral Economics, and Extension on Food Loss and Waste led by Purdue and Ohio State Universities, and $2.5 million for a Pilot Consumer Education Campaign by Ohio State University.
USDA’s efforts include significant investments from the American Rescue Plan Act, with $30 million for composting and food waste reduction, $15 million for community food projects, and $10 million for educational programs. Additionally, USDA has hosted innovation fairs and roundtables and expanded the U.S. Food Loss and Waste 2030 Champions program to include around 50 organizations committed to halving food waste by 2030.
Globally, 30-40% of food is lost or wasted along the supply chain, and the U.S. sends nearly 80 billion pounds of food to landfills annually, impacting food security, economic growth, and the environment. The USDA continues to focus on resilient food production, equitable market access, and sustainable practices.
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