Latvia announces research competition for food waste management

The Ministry of Climate and Energy has announced a scientific research competition focused on the sustainable management of food waste. Part of the LIFE integrated project ‘Waste as Resources in Latvia’, the competition is open to students from vocational secondary schools, technical colleges, and higher education institutions. The initiative aims to foster innovation and increase awareness regarding the prevention and reduction of food waste, with a total prize fund of 6,000 euros.

Research conducted under the LIFE project indicates that food waste in Latvia reached nearly 270,000 tons in 2024, averaging 144 kg per inhabitant. Households accounted for over 160,000 tons, while the catering sector generated nearly 17,000 tons. These efforts align with European Union targets to reduce food waste by 10% in processing and production and by 30% in retail, catering, and households by 2030, compared to 2020 levels.