Using circular economy to reduce food loss and waste
On August 19 the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations and the Embassy of Denmark in Vietnam co hosted a workshop on food loss and waste reduction in Vietnam
Vietnam held a workshop to promote the circular economy in combating food loss and waste, in preparation for the International Day of Awareness on September 29. The event aimed to aid the implementation of the National Action Plan for a transparent, responsible, and sustainable food system under Decision No.300/QD-TTg. Key elements included the unveiling of a draft White Paper on Food Loss and Waste, co-created by the Institute of Policy and Strategy for Agriculture and Environment and the FAO, which will guide future policy development.
The workshop also facilitated a consultation session for feedback and recommendations from key stakeholders. Various circular economy solutions and business models were presented, such as post-harvest preservation techniques, and transforming agricultural by-products into high-value items, like organic fertilizers and mushroom cultivation. A multi-stakeholder panel discussion addressed policy, financial, and technical challenges to scaling these models across the nation.
Nguyen Do Anh Tuan, director general of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment's International Cooperation Department, emphasized the shift from awareness to action, from isolated research to an evidence-based decision-making platform. Vinod Ahuja, FAO representative in Vietnam, stressed that the goal is not merely to reduce waste, but to maintain value within the food system for as long as possible, and at the highest quality level.
Mette Ekeroth, deputy head of mission at the Danish Embassy in Vietnam, highlighted that waste represents an opportunity, not an end, and urged turning evidence into practical solutions.
Participants agreed that reducing food loss and waste can lead to a "triple win": improving food security and nutrition, mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, and fostering green economic growth. The insights gathered at the workshop will be used to finalize the White Paper and establish an inter-agency action plan. Vietnam imported $1.4 billion worth of seafood from China in the first half of 2026, while the agrifood sector is set to receive $239 million in investments.
Seafood Expo Asia welcomed exhibitors from around the world, and Polish businesses explored opportunities for food exports in Vietnam.
Written by urgent.news from Vietnam Investment Review's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
