WUR's MAGNET contributes to fight against food waste

The Modular Applied General Equilibrium Tool (MAGNET), developed by Wageningen Economic Research, plays a crucial role in analyzing the effects of food waste in the EU. The food waste module allows researchers to model the entire waste stream, from harvest to consumption, to create targeted waste policies.

The study "Assessing the Economic, Social and Environmental impacts of food waste reduction targets," conducted for the European Commission's Joint Research Center, calculated the impact of different reduction scenarios: 12%, 23%, and 41% in the supply chain.

Less food waste leads to annual savings of €220-720 for EU households and lowers food prices, e.g. vegetables (-4%) and fruits (-2%). Food waste is responsible for 16% of total EU greenhouse gas emissions. Reduction could save 108 million tons of CO2 equivalents. In addition, the EU can make its food exports more competitive and offset domestic demand through reduced need for food production thanks to less waste.

Initiatives in 20 countries, such as school programs and awareness projects, already saved 265 thousand tons of food.

To accelerate the EU's contribution to this global goal, the European Commission has proposed targets to reduce food waste in the EU. These should be achieved by member states by 2030. In that year, there should be 10% less food waste in food processing and production and 30% less waste in retail and consumption.

The MAGNET model provides policy makers with valuable insights to reduce food waste and contribute to a more sustainable future for the EU

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