#Japan #Tokyo #Food Waste #Non-Profit

New Initiative to Combat Food Waste

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan has launched a call for applications for the Food Waste Reduction Emergency Measures Project. This initiative is a collaborative effort with the Research Institute for Distribution Economics, located in Chiyoda, Tokyo, under the leadership of Hirotaka Kato. The project aims to create a circular economy by tackling issues across the entire food supply chain, promoting the donation of unused food, and enhancing food recycling efficiencies.

In addition to this initiative, information sessions are scheduled for February 24 and 25, to elucidate the application process for interested parties. The project targets several key areas, categorized into three main themes:

1. Model Support for Food Recycling Efficiency: This theme focuses on improving the recycling rates of food-related businesses. Support will be provided for demonstration projects and workshops aimed at optimizing food recycling processes, developing specific feed and branding for agricultural products, and enhancing model regions that promote these initiatives.

2. Emergency Support for Establishing Supply Systems for Unused Food: This segment will help food companies address bottlenecks in the donation process, such as understanding the needs of receiving organizations and ensuring logistical capacities to facilitate donations. The support will involve demonstrations and workshops dedicated to refining these supply chain structures.

3. Model Support for Emergency Food Waste Reduction Measures: This part of the initiative is directed towards businesses in food manufacturing, distribution, and service sectors. It promotes the introduction of new technologies and systems geared towards reducing food waste, alongside supporting surveys and demonstration projects to explore the efficacy of various strategies, including digital transformation in these sectors.

Overview of the Initiative

• - Project Name: Food Waste Reduction Emergency Measures Project
• - Implementing Body: Research Institute for Distribution Economics
• - Grant Eligibility: Various organizations including private groups, local governments, recognized entities, and consortiums can apply.
• - Application Deadline: Applications must be submitted by 5 PM on March 13, 2024 (via email).
• - Online Information Sessions:

- Session 1: February 24, 2024, at 2:00 PM
- Session 2: February 25, 2024, at 10:00 AM

Support for eligible expenses is capped at specific amounts depending on the theme of the project:

• - For model support in food recycling efficiency: up to 5 million yen
• - For establishing systems for unused food donations: up to 15 million yen
• - For implementing emergency food waste reduction measures: up to 18 million yen

The project will run from the date of the grant's approval until March 31, 2024, and there is an expectation for budget carryover into subsequent periods, which will be detailed on the project office's website.

For more information on requirements and application documents, visit: Research Institute for Distribution Economics

About the Research Institute for Distribution Economics

Established as a voluntary organization in March 1963, the Research Institute for Distribution Economics transformed into a non-profit foundation in October 1966 under the guidance of the Ministry of Trade and Industry (now the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry). Since its inception, the institute has contributed to the development of balanced economic growth in Japan and globally by conducting thorough research on distribution economics, disseminating information, and promoting talent development relevant to marketing and distribution improvements.