Food loss and waste reduction, measurement and policy
Food loss and waste reduction should be seen as a means towards achieving other objectives, including improving food security and nutrition, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and lowering pressure on water and land resources, which contribute towards increased productivity and economic growth. The formulation of effective policies to achieve food loss and waste reduction requires comprehensive information as to how much and where – both geographically and along the supply chain – various foods are lost or wasted. The work of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) on measurement, and its support to countries in taking action to reduce food loss and waste, is critical in tracking progress made by countries.
Make your Christmas commitment to keep food waste out of landfills!
14/12/2022
The Holiday Season is rapidly approaching with annual Christmas and New Year celebrations among friends and families around the world. Despite what is usually a festive period, for many, there are still numerous concerns and worry due to the current ongoing global crises. (Continue reading ...)
Hybrid Event, Rome (Italy)
Event
International Year of Millets
01/01/2023 - 12/03/2023
The United Nations General Assembly at its 75th session in March 2021 declared 2023 the International Year of Millets (IYM 2023). FAO is the lead agency for celebrating the Year in collaboration with other relevant stakeholders. Millets can grow on arid lands with minimal inputs and are resilient to changes in climate.
New in this website
Food Is Never Waste Coalition
Launched at the UN Food Systems Summit in 2021 to take forward the Agenda 2030 toward achieving SDG 12.3.
This new website section allows you to access all information and updates related to the activities of the Coalition.
Community of practice (COP) on food loss reduction
As a member of the Community of Practice on food loss and waste reduction you will be able to access the Forum, participate in online discussions, get in touch with other practitioners, share and request relevant and updated information, contribute to building a worldwide community that aims to reduce food losses and achieve food security.
Stories
What is the real cost of food
10/03/2022
What is the real cost of food? Around 14% of all food produced is between harvest and the wholesale market. But food loss is not only about money lost. There are also social and environmental impacts. Food is worth much more than what we pay for it. Stop Food Loss and Waste. For the people. For the planet.
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Voluntary Code of Conduct for Food Loss and Waste Reduction
20/07/2022
Following the request of the 26th Session of the Committee on Agriculture (COAG), FAO has developed the Voluntary Code of Conduct for Food Loss and Waste Reduction (CoC). The document was submitted to the FAO Conference for consideration and endorsement, and approved on 15 June 2021.
The State of Food and Agriculture 2019
31/10/2019
A shorter version of the FAO flagship publication The State of Food and Agriculture (SOFA) 2019, it contains the key messages and main points from the publication and is aimed at the media, policy makers and a more general public.
Mitigating risks to food systems during COVID-19: Reducing food loss and waste
08/12/2020
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to wreak havoc globally, generating significant challenges that could result in risks to food security and nutrition in many countries. Countries are ordering lockdowns, restricting movement and observing physical distancing to curb the pandemic.
Food Waste Index Report 2021
22/04/2021
The Food Waste Index Report aims at supporting the goals of SDG 12.3. It does so by presenting the most comprehensive food waste data collection, analysis and modelling to date, generating a new estimate of global food waste.