Sustainable food supply is a critical global challenge that extends beyond regenerative agriculture and healthier food sources. The global foodservice market, valued at $3.1 trillion in 2023, is projected to reach $3.8 trillion by 2030, while the food retail industry is expected to grow from $12.59 trillion to $21.50 trillion by 2034.

However, this growth comes with significant environmental challenges. Food production and packaging contribute to 26% of global greenhouse gas emissions, with countries like the UK generating nearly 30 billion pieces of avoidable plastic packaging waste annually. In the US, food and packaging materials make up almost half of all municipal solid waste.

Food waste presents another crucial challenge, particularly in retail. US supermarkets discard 2.5% to 4% of potential revenue as surplus food, contributing to 16 billion pounds of annual waste. Confusion over date labelling - such as "sell by" and "best by" dates - accounts for 54.6% of food discarded by grocery stores.

Promising solutions are emerging through sustainable packaging initiatives and policy changes. The sustainable packaging market, valued at $283.37 billion in 2024, is projected to reach $552.45 billion by 2033, fueled by consumer demand and stricter regulations. Some regions are implementing standardised date labelling and exploring food redistribution partnerships to address waste and food insecurity, demonstrating a shift toward more sustainable practices.

The Farm is working with public, private, and governmental partners to develop and test innovative solutions, driving meaningful change in food distribution and retail.