07: Food Sustainability and Waste (Autumn/Winter 2019 Edition)

Each year it is estimated that a staggering 1.6 billion tonnes of food worth approximately $1.2 trillion USD goes to waste. This equates to around one third of the food produced globally. At the same time, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation states that around 815 million people – 10.7% of the global population – are suffering from chronic undernourishment. Addressing the problem of food sustainability and unnecessary waste is likely to become even more pressing in future, with the earth’s population predicted to rise to approximately 9 billion by 2050. This increase, accompanied by a steady trend towards urbanisation, will place enormous demands on the global food supply.

So, what role can we play in terms of addressing the social and environmental impact of unsustainable food practices and the waste that can result? In this episode of the QMS Good Business Podcast, Dr Laura Steele is joined by Kerry Melville, of the Belfast Food Network and Jilly Dougan, author, activist, and entrepreneur for a wide-ranging discussion around these issues. It just might inspire you to pick up a trowel!

Links & Resources
Belfast Food Network on Facebook: www.facebook.com/belfastfoodnetwork
Belfast Sustainable Food Cities Award Bid: www.sustainableni.org
CCEA 'Growing for the Future': www.ccea.org.uk/growing/september.php
‘Sow, Grow, and Munch’ by Jilly Dougan (PDF Book): www.eefni.org.uk/cmsfiles/Sow_Grow-Munch.pdf

Guests: Kerry Melville, Belfast Food Network and Jilly Dougan, Jilly Dougan Edible Gardens
Host: Dr Laura Steele, Queen’s Management School
Sound Engineering: John Woods, Queen’s Management School