The workshop opened with a presentation on Europe’s goals to move towards a food system with minimal losses and waste, delivered by Emma Cantos-Villar (IFAPA Rancho de la Merced) and Víctor Ortiz Somovilla (IFAPA Alameda del Obispo). In addition, Irene Domínguez Pérez (IFAPA La Mojnera) gave an overview on the technologies and innovations for an efficient food system integrated into ZeroW. Moreover, Félix Gómez Sánchez from Multiscan Technologies presented the topic artificial vision technology and its impact on reducing fruit and vegetable waste which has been key in SILL5 solutions. Finally, Alejandro Fernández Moreno from La Caña Group described in detail how their company innovative solutions to combat food waste in the fruit and vegetable sector are making a difference and acting as a innovation reference in the sector.

The event included a enlightening presentation by Héctor Barco from Espigoladors which is a non-profit organization aiming to promote a major shift in how Europe understands and tackles food loss at the primary-production stage, laying the groundwork for stronger food-waste recovery across the continent. There were interesting insights on the need for a harmonised methodology to measure on-farm food losses and carrying out field studies that reveal where and why edible produce is left behind, focusing on the key data needed to rescue more food before it becomes waste. Espigoladors’ hands-on expertise adds a practical, socially driven dimension to FOLOU’s project demonstrating how improved measurement can translate into real economy.

The session concluded with a round-table discussion on the challenges and opportunities for achieving more efficient and sustainable resource management. All speakers shared a value and diverse range of points of views including Maribel Vázquez García, Technical Director of Systems at EsProyecta describing their experience related to consulting, corporate social responsibility, environmental prevention and quality, inspections and calibrations ; Javier Valverde, director of the processed vegetable products business unit (IV and V Range) at UNICA Group, sharing his experience and insight and track record in the agri-food industry including innovation and sustainability projects aimed at reducing food waste; and Andrea Alonso Fernández, Head of Marketing and Sustainability at Agroponiente, sharing their point of view on how to optimise processes, revaluate surpluses and the company's comprehensive approach to transforming waste into value . Lastly, Alejandro Fernández Moreno from La Caña Group completed the table with his key overview of the project and the issues which are still pending of further development.

Participants also discussed key issues such as their organisations’ roles in managing food waste, the technologies with the greatest potential to reduce it, future needs in prevention and management, and priority actions that should be implemented without delay in order to promote the recovery of fruits and vegetables, reduced environmental impact, and fairer access to nutritious food.

Finally, they reflected on which actors in the food value chain from producers and distributors to HORECA, consumers and policymakers have the greatest scope for improvement in moving towards a more sustainable system, stressing the topic of raising awareness specially amongst farmers and customers to make the problem more visible to the general public.