Aug 24, 2022Registration now open for the second USDA Innovation Fair
Registration is now open for the Second USDA Food Loss and Waste Innovation Fair on September 14, 2022, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. EDT.
The virtual event will showcase the latest food loss and waste mitigation technologies, innovations and programs developed by the USDA, academic institutions, local governments and businesses.
The Innovation Fair is designed for everyone – from food scientists and industry experts to community gardeners and those curious about food loss and waste efforts.
The fair will include presentations by 12 food loss and waste reduction experts and will feature 36 exhibit booths. Attendees are invited to visit the virtual booths, and text or video chat with representatives in real time. Attendees can also interact with other participants in a virtual networking lounge.
Also participating in this year’s fair are U.S. Food Loss and Waste 2030 Champions, which are businesses and organizations that have committed to reducing food loss and waste in their own operations in the United States by 50 percent by the year 2030.
Other exhibitors include USDA agencies conducting or funding food loss and waste programs or projects; businesses and universities that researching or commercializing innovations that received USDA funding; and local and municipal governments and their partners that have received USDA composting and food waste reduction grants.
Among USDA-funded innovations that will be highlighted at the fair are solutions to reduce apple decay during storage; a microbe that converts sugar in bread into a compound popular in foods and beverages, supplements, pharmaceutical and personal-care products; and a new mobile Food Waste Recovery Trailer that aims to increase the amount of organic material diverted from landfills.
Registration is free and open to all. For more information on USDA’s Food Loss and Waste initiatives, visit www.usda.gov/foodlossandwaste.
For more information, contact:
Dr. Jean Buzby, USDA Food Loss and Waste Liaison
USDA Office of the Chief Economist
Jean.Buzby@usda.gov
T’Jae Ellis, M.S., Policy Advisor
USDA Office of the Chief Economist
Tanya.j.ellis@usda.gov