EU Food Loss and Waste Prevention Hub

Gerda Verburg became the new chair of the executive board of Food Waste Free United on 2 December 2024. She took over from Philip den Ouden who served two terms as chairman: “We are still missing an important part of the food chain to be even more successful and actually halve food waste by 2030 (SDG 12.3). Gerda’s network in the agricultural sector will help to also engage farmers in tackling food waste. ”

Valuable addition to the board
Having served as a Member of Parliament, Gerda Verburg acted as Minister for Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality in the Dutch cabinet (2007-2010). She subsequently held a variety of international positions, including as ambassador for the UN food and agriculture organisations in Rome, chair of the UN food safety commission, and chair of the WEF Global Agenda Council for Food and Nutrition Security. In 2016, she was appointed by the Secretary-General of the UN as Assistant Secretary-General, working as global coordinator to lead the Scaling Up Nutrition Movement from Geneva. Gerda Verburg returned to the Netherlands in 2023 and holds a number of board positions. Commenting on her motivation to become chair of the board of Food Waste Free United, she says: “Preventing food waste is an absolute win:win. Avoiding waste means greater revenue and lower expenditure. It also supports sustainability, with reduced emissions, and improved production.”

The Food Waste Free United team
Director Toine Timmermans: “We are delighted to welcome Gerda Verburg as the new chair of our board. Food security, even now, remains an important issue, and tackling food waste is an integral aspect of this. It’s unacceptable when you think that (in the Netherlands too), some people still do not have access to sufficient, safe and healthy food. Her knowledge and network will enable us to make further progress in achieving our goal of 50% reduction by 2030.”

In addition to the chairperson, the board of Food Waste Free United comprises Gerhard de Ruiter (WUR), Henk Flipsen (Nevedi), Irénke Meekma (RedStar) and Esther van Spronsen (Unilever). Myriam Meertens acts as advisor to the board.