USDA Awards Cooperative Agreements to Boost Composting and Reduce Food Waste

USAgNet - 03/17/2023

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced the awarding of cooperative agreements to several organizations working to promote composting and reduce food waste. These partnerships aim to build sustainable food systems by diverting food waste from landfills and turning it into nutrient-rich compost that can improve soil health and support local agriculture.

The cooperative agreements will provide funding and technical assistance to local organizations across the country, including municipalities, universities, and nonprofits. These organizations will use the funding to develop and implement composting programs, educate the public on the benefits of composting, and support local farmers by providing them with high-quality compost.

Reducing food waste is an important step towards building more sustainable food systems. According to the USDA, food waste makes up a significant portion of the waste in landfills, where it generates methane, a potent greenhouse gas. By diverting food waste from landfills and turning it into compost, these partnerships will help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve soil health, and support local agriculture.

In addition to the environmental benefits, composting also has economic and social benefits. By supporting local farmers with high-quality compost, these partnerships can help to boost local economies and promote community development. Composting can also create jobs in the waste management and agriculture sectors.

The cooperative agreements announced by the USDA represent an important step towards building more sustainable food systems in the United States. By supporting composting and reducing food waste, these partnerships will help to protect the environment, support local agriculture, and promote community development.

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