Reduction of Food Waste. A comparison between Italy and Turkey

Italy and Turkey have shown different approaches in their efforts to combat food waste. Italy took significant steps against food waste with the enactment of the "Gadda Law" in 2016. This law includes measures that encourage food donations and prevent waste. Italian businesses gain advantages such as tax reductions and exemptions from waste taxes when they make food donations. Additionally, a budget has been allocated for research on innovative packaging and transit methods to reduce food waste. Italy's legal steps aim to achieve a 20% reduction in food waste by 2020. In Turkey, the fight against food waste is more focused on creating awareness and education. The "Turkey Food Waste Prevention Project," launched in 2019, investigates the causes and consequences of food waste and aims to create public awareness on this issue. The project plans to establish a national database for measuring and monitoring food waste and aims to develop legal, economic, and technological solutions. Turkey does not yet have as advanced legal regulations as Italy regarding food waste. Both countries have taken significant steps in reducing food waste, but their approaches differ. Italy intervenes in this problem with legal regulations and economic incentives, while Turkey tries to combat it primarily through awareness and education.