In the UK 51% of food is wasted before it gets to the consumer during agricultural post-harvest distribution or processing. Globally, over one third of all food produced across the food chain is wasted. A significant proportion of food loss relates to the inherent physiology of the crops, poor control of post-harvest biology and the efficacy and appropriateness of the control systems applied.

To generate economic value from waste, the valorisation of agri-food by-products (AFBPs) and mapping of supply chains to manage agricultural waste systems is crucial. There is a lack of consolidated knowledge of existing agricultural waste, its categorisation and potential uses, including how agri-food by-products (AFBPs) can become a valuable feedstock resource for other applications and products. Currently huge portions of agricultural waste are undervalued and underutilised.

This project encompasses the development of a proof-of-concept digital platform for trading in AFBPs, setting the scene from a move away from a waste model to a resource that has economic value. We are aiming to use a Human Centered Design model for the creation of a digital marketplace, by interviewing representatives from the value-chain, we will gain information for the design of the platform that will be of use for both food producers, processors and those looking to purchase feedstock. The Human Centered Design (HCD) approach, combined with performance testing of the digital platform, will ensure that future developments in the digital platform meet the requirements of prospective end-users, increasing their acceptability, uptake and use.

Our business plan is based on a subscription model for those looking to buy or sell feedstock. The platform will be free to researchers in the public sector based on anonymised data sets that could be used for development of public policy.

Sustainability is crucial and set to remain firmly at the centre of future international agricultural policy given the continued need to increase food production in both socially responsible and environmentally friendly ways. In particular we see this work as responding to the UNSDG 12 'Responsible Consumption and Production' and especially 12.3 for a 50% reduction in food losses from retail/consumer/production/supply chains. It will help address areas of legislative importance nationally, for example DEFRA's Resource and Waste Strategy (2019) which aims to reduced landfill disposal and the 25 Year Environment Plan-Progress toward a circular economy/net-zero carbon emissions 2050\.