The amount of food wasted in the Netherlands must be cut by 20% over the next six years, according to new targets from farm minister Gerda Verburg.

Every year, some €1.6bn-worth of food is thrown away in the Netherlands and a further €2bn-worth is wasted during the production, transport and sales process, the minister says in a new policy document on sustainable food production.
The Netherlands is the world’s second biggest exporter of agrarian products after the US and has enormous potential to contribute to a better food chain, the minister said in the document. Dutch food exports total €60bn a year, according to ministry figures.
Climate change
In particular, the production of meat, fish and dairy products puts enormous pressure on the environment, she said. ‘It can and must be done in a more sustainable way,’ Verburg said. ‘People should ask themselves what they can do to reduce the effect of climate change.’
The Netherlands has ‘a unique opportunity’ to play an active role in finding a solution, the minister said.
The government has set aside €20m to boost sustainable food production, which includes setting up a new platform with the food industry and supermarkets.