A public-private partnership is proposing to use papaya processing waste in Ethiopia to produce inexpensive and nutritious fruit bars, enriched with milk, vitamins and minerals. The project aims to reduce food waste as well as improve the food security of the population. 

According to new research published in the journal Frontiers in forests and global change, only 3% of the surface of the earth might be ecologically intact, with the full range of native species. The results were obtained by cross-referencing satellite images and updating previous estimates downward, which suggested that around 20-40 percent of terrestrial ecosystems were still preserved. 

The World Food Programme (WFP) warns that entire areas are facing catastrophic levels of hunger caused by conflicts and increasing food prices. More than 31 million people, an increase of 10 million over last year, are expected to be unable to feed themselves during the upcoming June to August season This period precedes the next harvest and is the time of year when food stocks in West Africa are at their lowest. 

Brazil’s environment minister says the country needs 10 billion dollars a year in foreign aid in order to reach zero emissions by 2050. He has also said that 1 billion dollars will be used to halt illegal deforestation in the Amazon by 2030, while a third of the money should be used to recruit more environmental police officers. 

The Commission has set a target of achieving at least 25% of agricultural land under organic farming by 2030. Currently just 8.5% of agricultural land is dedicated to organic farming. MEPs therefore suggest that both supply and demand are in need of a strong boost. 

FAO explains that these countries account for 14% of global food production and 45% of the international agri-food trade. These agri-food systems account for up to half of total employment and 30 to 40 percent of economic gross domestic product