Zero Food Waste Mission Must Prevent Food Waste
Prof. Dr. Ahsen Işık Özgüven ,Vice Dean of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Cyprus International University (CIU) addressed the impacts of global climate change, agricultural production, and the efficient use of water resources on the occasion of World Food Day, emphasizing the importance of sustainability.
Özgüven highlighted that combating rising food prices and food insecurity globally could be achieved through price stability, subsidy policies, investment in agricultural productivity, support for small-scale farmers, commercial and supply chain policies, and incentives for climate-friendly agriculture. She stated, “The effects of climate change, such as drought, rising temperatures, and the depletion of water resources, negatively impact agricultural production.”
he solution, she said, lies in the general adoption and implementation of sustainable agriculture as a policy for producers, consumers, and governments alike. “The entire society must be encouraged to consider 'water management' as a 'way of life,' especially in the context of global climate change,” she added. "Moreover, this philosophy should not only be adopted in terms of water management, but also in the prevention of food waste, and it should be implemented within the framework of the 'zero food waste' mission," Özgüven stated.
“Here at the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, we aim to educate our students with a future-oriented and innovative vision,” Özgüven emphasized. “Our program integrates the latest developments in smart farming, sustainable agriculture, and technologies both theoretically and practically.” She continued, “Sustainable agriculture and conscious food consumption are the keys to feeding the world.” Özgüven concluded, “Ensuring that every person in the world has access to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food should be a mission. By adopting sustainability, fighting food waste, and strengthening global solidarity, we must all take responsibility and play a role in creating a future free from hunger and full of hope.”