ARDA joined Virtual Training on Food Loss Measurement, Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) indicator 12.3.1.a and Identification of Critical Loss Points

On 21 July 2021, Agricultural Research Development Agency (Public Organization) or ARDA by Dr. Suwit Chaikiattiyos, Executive Director of Agricultural Research Development Agency, with Prof. Dr. Rattanawan Mungkung, Head of the National Agro-Food and Food Loss Assessment Program to establish a baseline to classify loss mitigation measures across the value chain and report on the Sustainable Development Goals 12.3.1., ARDA staffs joined virtual training on Food Loss Measurement, Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) indicator 12.3.1.a and Identification of Critical Loss Points and presented on the topic of Thailand's Experience in Food Loss Measurement online via Zoom Meeting. Also, Representatives from FAO, and Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI), Malaysia joined this virtual training.
The objective of this virtual training was to clarify the overall picture of food loss measurements according to SDG Indicator 12.3.1.a, and to introduce data collection strategies and tools, to enhance participants' capacity to collect food loss data, as well as exchanging operational experiences of each country in the selection of target products (Commodities) and exchanging guidelines for past operations. To collect food loss data and jointly discuss the next steps of Thai and Malaysian activities for further activities.
Dr. Suwit Chaikiattiyos opened the training by clarifying the importance of food security and the operation of ARDA in supporting food security operations, especially in the area of reducing food loss along the chain, which the ARDA has supported research funding for the national food waste assessment project, agricultural and food products to form a baseline identify loss reduction measures throughout the value chain and report results according to Sustainable Development Goals 12.3.1 with the objective of analyzing the rate of food loss along the chain of 11 agricultural products. To bring this information to form a policy proposal for further action to reduce the rate of food loss in Thailand. Dr. Suwit said thank you to FAO for supporting ARDA, and hope this cooperation will lead to success in determining the country's food loss baseline. Also, Prof. Dr. Rattanawan Mungkung presented on the topic of Thailand's Experience in Food Loss Measurement, and share operational information with other countries as well.