A Sector-Wide Action Plan to Halve Horticulture Food Waste by 2030: Theory to Practice

Delwar Akbar, Hurriyet Babacan, Margaret Marty, Trang Nguyen, Azad Rahman, M. M. Hasan () and Philip Brown
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Delwar Akbar: School of Business and Law, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, QLD 4701, Australia
Hurriyet Babacan: School of Business and Law, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, QLD 4701, Australia
Margaret Marty: School of Business and Law, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, QLD 4701, Australia
Trang Nguyen: School of Business and Law, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, QLD 4701, Australia
Azad Rahman: Centre for Regional Economies and Supply Chain, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, QLD 4701, Australia
M. M. Hasan: Centre for Regional Economies and Supply Chain, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, QLD 4701, Australia
Philip Brown: School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, QLD 4701, Australia

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 12, 1-20

Abstract: Food waste in Australia’s horticulture sector poses significant economic, environmental, and social challenges, with approximately 1.3 million tonnes of waste generated annually. This waste, particularly prevalent in fruits and vegetables, arises across various supply chain stages, driven by factors such as overproduction, cosmetic standards, inadequate redistribution networks, and limited technological infrastructure. Addressing these issues is critical to achieving national sustainability goals, including halving food waste by 2030 as outlined in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 12.3). This paper explores the development of an action plan to systematically reduce food waste across the horticulture supply chain through an extensive research and consultation process. Using a review-plan-do sector action plan methodology, the study combined insights from a literature review, stakeholder interviews, and workshops to identify and validate waste hotspots, root causes, and actionable strategies. Key findings from the research informed the development of nine prioritized strategies categorized into enabling, preventive, and repurposing actions. These strategies include implementing standardized waste measurement systems, enhancing redistribution infrastructure, expanding processing facilities for value-added products, and promoting flexible cosmetic standards. Under these strategies, the plan also outlines short-, medium-, and long-term actions to achieve a 50% reduction in food waste by 2030. This sector-wide action plan serves as a practical model for addressing food waste challenges and fostering sustainability in horticulture and similar industries globally.

Keywords: agriculture supply chains; fruits and vegetables; planning theories; action plan; waste reduction; stakeholder collaboration (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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