Technical Platform on the Measurement and Reduction of Food Loss and Waste

Food loss measurement related News

07/12/2023
A news story by Jong-Jin Kim, Assistant Director-General and FAO Regional Representative for Asia and the Pacific.
23/11/2023
The 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) hosted by the United Arab Emirates in Dubai will take place between 30 November and 12 December. The Conference is set to be a landmark event in the global effort to combat climate change and ensure food security for present and future generations.
29/09/2023
Reducing food loss and waste represents a triple win opportunity ...
08/09/2023

FAO #123 Pledge statement is now available.

Visit the Food is Never Waste Coalition page for more.

10/11/2022
FAO online webinar to promote awareness of the various tools and methodologies.
30/08/2022

Food loss and waste (FLW) is a global burden with a negative impact on the economic, social, and environmental dimensions of sustainable development. The loss and waste of food suitable for human consumption hampers food security and nutrition and hinders the realization of the human right to ...

21/07/2022
FAO online webinar to promote awareness of the various tools and methodologies.
21/06/2022
The commitment and support of G20 member countries to reduce FLW is highly required in efforts to achieve the SDGs goals. The availability and reliability of data is considered as the main key in measuring and formulating each country's strategy to reduce FLW. 
31/05/2019

Kampala - Key agriculture stakeholders in Uganda have commended national efforts towards addressing food and nutrition insecurity as well as increasing national income through strategies to reduce post-harvest losses in grains. The vote of confidence in the government was made...

31/05/2018

FAO is organizing a series of Training of Trainers (TOT) to enhance the knowledge and skills of professionals and institutions, through collaboration with institutions, to implement the FAO Food Loss Analysis methodology in order to support evidence-based food losses reduction strategies and policy at national and regional levels.

19/04/2018
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the World Food Programme (WFP) are jointly launching the e-learning course on Food Loss Analysis.
WFP’s Zero Food Loss initiative
20/03/2017

 

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) carried out an independent study about the scalability and adaptability of post-harvest hermetic technologies based on the WFP Special Operation in 2015. The study focused on scalability, adaptability and impact of the project to Ug...

Help shape APHLIS: your open postharvest loss data resource for sub-Saharan Africa
06/03/2017
As part of its five year rejuvenation project, the African Postharvest Losses Information System (APHLIS) run a survey among the international postharvest loss community to source feedback and ideas on how to best improve its data services. 
24/09/2015

The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and the UN Rome based agencies (FAO, IFAD and WFP) co-organized a workshop on Post-Harvest Management (PHM) / Food Loss Reduct...

Measuring Food Losses and Food Waste a parallel session at ICAS VII
18/06/2015
A set of parallel sessions on "Sustainable Agricultural Production and Consumption" is organized. In this framework FAO is coordinating a dedicated one on "Measuring Food Losses and Food Waste". 
13/04/2015
A one-day workshop aimed at launching the activities planned in Uganda within the framework of the RBAs joint project funded by the Swiss Agency for International Cooperation was organized by FAO.
African Union (AU) Malabo Declaration on Agriculture and Postharvest Losses
29/09/2014

The AU launched  2014 the “Year of Agriculture and Food Security” marking the 10th anniversary of the Comprehensive African Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) on January 30, 2014 during its 22nd Assembly in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia...

Food loss measurement related Publications
30/09/2023

Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) is a popular vegetable to grow among Indonesian smallholder farmers due to high demand and relatively easy cultivation. Post-harvest is a critical stage in the cabbage supply chain because it determines the product saleability and price. However, poor handling practices and careless quality control can lead to significant food loss and consequently reduce the profit margins for all actors along the supply chain.

30/09/2023

Indonesians have a strong preference for spicy food, particularly red chili (Capsicum annum L.), which is abundantly grown in the country. According to the Central Bureau of Statistics, national chili production in 2020 reached 2.77 million tonnes, with a consumption rate of 2.14 kg per capita. The largest chili producer is the province of East Java, accounting for 784 050 thousand tonnes or 28.28 percent of national production.

25/09/2023

At the mid-point of the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development, there is an urgent need to understand where the world stands in eliminating hunger and food insecurity, as well as in ensuring sustainable agriculture. The new report of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), titled Tracking progress on food and agriculture-related SDG indicators, offers analysis and trends on indicators across eight Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

01/03/2023

Reducing FLW is not, however, a high priority for many micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in developing countries. MSMEs often do not quantify the food that is lost in their processing and distribution operations, or wasted in retail, and their real impacts on profitability and the environment.

31/12/2022

In 2022, the Institute of Food Technology/Food and Nutrition Security Steering Committee hosted a virtual roundtable discussion on their first challenge, “Food Science & Technology Solutions for Reducing Food Waste and Valorizing Waste Streams” on November 1 – 2, 2022. The goal was to identify current and potential future solutions from food science and technology that can contribute to the reduction of food loss and valorization of food processing side streams.

30/10/2022

Food loss is a complex issue, often with multiple and interrelated causes operating at different levels. This e-learning course introduces the FAO Case study methodology for the analysis of critical food loss points. This method focuses on revealing and analyzing the multidimensional causes of losses in selected food supply chains, identification of critical loss points, and recommendation of feasible food loss reduction solutions and strategies.

04/10/2022

Seven years into the 2030 Agenda, there is an urgent need to understand where the world stands in eliminating hunger and food insecurity, as well as in ensuring sustainable agriculture. FAO's new report, “Tracking progress on food and agriculture-related SDG indicators”, offers analysis and trends on indicators across eight SDGs (1, 2, 5, 6, 10, 12, 14 and 15), highlighting areas of progress and areas where further effort is needed.

english
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.

A holistic approach to food loss reduction in Africa
10/06/2022

This paper highlights the critical need for a paradigm shift of current research and development programs aimed at food loss reduction, as demonstrated by findings of a project implemented in Burkina Faso, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda by the United Nations Rome-based Agencies (RBAs) – The Food and...

Estimation of nutritional postharvest losses along food value chains
01/02/2022

Postharvest losses (PHLs) amplify food insecurity and reduce the amount of nutrients available to vulnerable populations, especially in the world's Low and Middle Income Countries (LMICs). However, little is known about nutrient loss at the various postharvest stages. The objective of our study was to develop a methodology and a...

Critical stages for post-harvest losses and nutrition outcomes in the value chains of bush beans and nightshade in Uganda
01/01/2022

The reduction of post-harvest losses (PHLs) has been identified as a key pathway to food and nutrition security in sub-Saharan Africa. However, despite policy prioritisation, knowledge about the severity of PHLs remains scant, especially when it comes to nutrient-dense crops such as African nightshade and bush beans.

A handful of wheat seeds
23/08/2021

Based on the findings achieved, recommendations are made to cover the various aspects of the whole food supply chain (FSC) and to aim at more efficiency and higher levels of productivity. Our findings have significant implications by estimating the FLW baseline indicator and providing the different stakeholders of FSC with the optimal actions to do to reduce FLW rates.

RBA project brochure
29/06/2021

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE PROJECT “MAINSTREAMING FOOD LOSS REDUCTION INITIATIVES FOR SMALLHOLDERS IN FOOD DEFICIT AREAS” JOINTLY IMPLEMENTED BY THE UNITED NATIONS ROME-BASED AGENCIES

01/02/2021

The report presents follow-up methods on a national level, focusing primarily on food losses, but may also include food waste, in the early stages of the food chain. The methods will be used to gain increased knowledge so that stakeholders throughout the entire food chain can contribute to measures and...

FLA critical loss points
01/01/2021

The UN Rome-based agencies joint project aimed to improve smallholder food security and incomes in food deficit areas by reducing food losses. The Project contributes to the African Union Malabo Declaration (AUC, 2014) in which Member States committed to halve the levels of post-harvest losses by 2025.

01/01/2021

This brochure highlights the achievements and results of a project jointly developed and implemented by the three United Nations (UN) Rome-based agencies (RBA) FAO, IFAD, and WFP from 2013 to 2020, funded by the Swiss Development and Cooperation Agency, that contributes towards the AU Malabo declaration and SDG targets for...

20/12/2020

This report presents details about the training workshop and experience gained from testing of the Guidelines on fish loss measurement. It includes situation analysis, training needs assessment (TNA), selection of participants, goal and objectives, training description, preparation of training, delivery of training, and evaluation.

Guidelines on the measurement of harvest and post-harvest losses
31/10/2020

A study was conducted in two Agriculture Development District (ADDs) of Malawi, Salima and Lilongwe, to pilot a new methodology for estimating on-farm harvest and post-harvest losses. The study was carried-out with technical support from the Global strategy to improve agricultural and rural statistics (GSARS) of the Food and Agricultural...

08/09/2020

The report focuses on the role that food loss and waste (FLW) could play in reducing the environmental footprint of food systems while attempting to meet the caloric and nutrient needs of a population expected to increase by 3 billion people in the next 30 years. The performance of the global food system over the last century has been extraordinary.

E-learning: Food Loss and waste in fish value chains
01/06/2020

Food Loss and Waste (FLW) in the fisheries sector is a complex issue with multiple and interrelated causes at different levels. Policy makers, the public and private sectors require solutions not only to be economically beneficial, but also to generate or sustain benefits for society.

Food loss measurement related Events

25/ 4

2024

Virtual Event, 25/04/2024

A live introduction of the FAO Food Loss Application (FLAPP). By providing accessible information on food loss through video advisories, the FLAPP empowers farmers, companies, producer associations, and cooperatives to make informed decisions and apply evidence-based solutions. Join us to learn how the FLAPP can empower you to make informed decisions and reduce food losses.

19/ 9

2023

22/9

2023

Addis Ababa (Ethiopia), 19/09/2023 - 22/09/2023

Hosted by the African Union Commission (AUC) at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the congress is being organized by the AUC in collaboration with various partners, including development partners, private sector actors, academic/research institutions, and civil society.

16/ 11

2022

Sharm El-Sheikh (Egypt), Hybrid Event, 16/11/2022

Commitments are required from governments and the private sector to set targets and achieve global reduction of food loss and waste. The event included a diverse set of pledges and highlights the accomplishments of governments, businesses and financial institutions.

4/ 11

2022

7/11

2022

Chandigarh (India), Hybrid Event, 04/11/2022 - 07/11/2022

Agro Tech India Exhibition November 2022: Protection of Crops, Protection of Future

On this year´s Agro Tech India, PHL is presented through the initiative “Fasal Ki Raksha, Bhavishya Ki Suraksha” (Protection of Crops, Protection of Future). Its objective is to display innovations focused on mechanisation, digitalisation, and the use of local post-harvest methods. 14 start-ups and a co...

14/ 9

2017

Douala (Cameroon), 14/09/2017

This seminar organized by the FAO Nutrition and Food Systems Division (ESN) will present the project on food losses and waste (FLW) and Nutrition developed by the Nutrition Assessment and Scientific Advice team (ESNA) with support from the Save Food Team.

28/ 3

2017

31/3

2017

Nairobi (Kenya), Hybrid Event, 28/03/2017 - 31/03/2017

Nairobi, Kenya - The World Food Preservation Center® LLC in conjunction with its sister University (University of Nairobi) and a consortium of Universities and a Research & Development Institution in Africa are organizing the First Africa-wide Posthar

26/ 10

2016

28/10

2016

Rome (Italy), 26/10/2016 - 28/10/2016

Rome, Italy - ICAS VII is organized by the Italian National Institute of Statistics, in close collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO). The Conference focuses on bringing together research and best practices in the field o

11/ 1

2016

13/1

2016

Jimma (Ethiopia), 11/01/2016 - 13/01/2016

Jimma, Ethiopia - The Postharvest Education Foundation will be holding a workshop in Jimma, on the campus of Jimma University. Target audience of this event are practitioners who are interested in small-scale postharvest "best practices" and planning post

4/ 12

2015

Virtual Event, 04/12/2015

Rome, Italy - During the 153rd session of FAO Council, this side event will launch the FAO and International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) Technical Platform on Food Loss and Waste and highlight knowledge and concrete steps.

4/ 10

2015

7/10

2015

Rome (Italy), 04/10/2015 - 07/10/2015

The ADM Institute for the Prevention of Postharvest Loss at the University of Illinois is organizing an International Congress on "Developing Measurement Approaches and Intervention Strategies for Smallholders" to be held in Rome, Italy. This congress wi

14/ 9

2015

25/9

2015

Wageningen (Netherlands), 14/09/2015 - 25/09/2015

Large contrasts exist in how we manage the food we have available. While in parts of our societies there is a shortage of food, in the urban and wealthier communities, good food is thrown away only because it is beyond its sell-by date. Optimising the ‘fa

8/ 9

2015

10/9

2015

Jinja (Uganda), Hybrid Event, 08/09/2015 - 10/09/2015

Jinja, Uganda - The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation SDC - Global Cooperation/Global Programme Food Security is organizing a workshop on Post-Harvest Management (PHM) /Food Loss Reduction (FLR). Parti

20/ 7

2015

15/8

2015

Virtual Event, 20/07/2015 - 15/08/2015

The ADM Institute's online course "Global Postharvest Loss Prevention: Fundamentals, Technologies and Actors" will be offered for a second time starting July 20. This 4-week online course is free to all and registration is now open on Coursera. Join parti

24/ 6

2015

26/6

2015

Addis Ababa (Ethiopia), 24/06/2015 - 26/06/2015

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia An important discussion on how Africa will reduce postharvest losses to provide more and nutritious food, and create wealth and security for its people through the development of the post-production sector of the value chain. The C

9/ 3

2015

11/3

2015

Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates), 09/03/2015 - 11/03/2015

As the reduction of food waste must be part of a portfolio of solutions needed to feed the world more sustainably, GFIA 2015 will include a major focus on the important issues. In partnership with Wageningen UR this side event will comprise a two-day, sol

23/ 2

2015

27/2

2015

Arusha (Tanzania), 23/02/2015 - 27/02/2015

The Postharvest Education Foundation offers global postharvest e-learning programs, training materials and participatory workshops on appropriate postharvest technologies for participants in more than 15 developing countries. In association with local par

2/ 2

2015

1/3

2015

Virtual Event, 02/02/2015 - 01/03/2015

The ADM Institute for the prevention of postharvest loss of the Illinois University offers a free online course. The course provides an overview of the issue of postharvest loss of grains by exploring essential physical, technical, and social dimensions o

15/ 10

2014

Virtual Event, 15/10/2014

This webinar will present current evidence of high levels of global postharvest food losses, identify the causes and sources of losses occurring between the farm and the market, and provide information on a wide range of options for using simple, cost eff

14/ 10

2014

Rome (Italy), 14/10/2014

41st session of the Committee on World Food Security (CFS) Side event ‘Getting into Action on Food Losses and Waste (FLW)’ co-organized by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and the Rome-based UN Agencies Food and Agriculture Organizat

13/ 10

2014

13/1

2015

Virtual Event, 13/10/2014 - 13/01/2015

“What are your experiences in levels of grain losses, particularly maize? How were they measured? What solutions can be/were implement to reduce these losses? What success stories can you share with the Community? ” In Kenya, the SAVE FOOD Initiative and