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

Food Loss Related News
07/12/2023
A news story by Jong-Jin Kim, Assistant Director-General and FAO Regional Representative for Asia and the Pacific.
Benefits and Limitations of Methods of Measuring Food Losses
01/12/2023
At COP-28, a side-event discusses how FLW reduction can contribute to GHG emissions reduction ...
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 ...
20/09/2023

Food loss and waste (FLW) reduction is an important entry point to more sustainable, resilient and equitable agrifood systems in the Near East and North Africa (NENA). Interventions to reduce FLW support adaptation to and mitigation of climate change, lower the pressure on scarce water and ara...

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.
26/10/2022
The event, which aimed at gathering perspectives and experiences from stakeholders from various parts of the world regarding applying science and leveraging innovation to sustainably reduce food loss and waste (FLW), resulted in a very rich discussion that looked at the nature of science and innovation for FLW reduction and the enabling environment to support innovation.
29/09/2022
Tackling the scourge of food loss and waste represents a triple win opportunity for the climate, for food security, as well as for the sustainability of our agrifood systems.
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.
10/07/2022

Rome/Labuan Bajo, Indonesia - The challenges undermining global food security call for a complex approach embracing investment, policy reforms and better use of resources, QU Dongy...

31/05/2022
Join us for an overview presentation on the "Technical Platform on the Measurement and Reduction of Food Loss and Waste (TPFLW) tools, methodologies, and resources to support work and efforts to measure and reduce food loss and waste".
22/09/2021
On the occasion of the 2021 virtual global event a clear call to action was made to the public (national or local authorities) and private (businesses, including producers) sectors and individuals. They were called to prioritize actions and move ahead with innovation to reduce food loss and waste and contribute to restoring and building better agri-food systems.
Expo Dubai 2020
21/09/2021

The World Food Day 2021 was the first International Day to be celebrated on 16 October at Expo Dubai, which runs from 1 October to 31 March 2022. The UN Secretary General disseminated a message thorugh social media "the way we produce, consume and waste our food is a heavy toll in our pla...

Driving food loss and waste reduction through innovation
02/02/2021
A side event focused on Driving Food Loss and Waste through Innovation was organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in collaboration with the One Planet Sustainable Food System Programme, on the margins of the 47th Session of the Committee on Food Security (CFS).
2021 is the International Year of Fruits and Vegetables (IYFV)
01/02/2021

The UN General Assembly designated 2021 the International Year of Fruits and Vegetables (IYFV). This is being launched officially on 15th December. Stay tuned! we will communicate soon details for participation.

The IYFV 2021 is a unique opportunity to raise awareness on the important role of fruits and vegetables in human nutrition, food security and health and as well in achieving UN Sustainable Development Goals.

International Year of Fruits and Vegetables 2021
16/12/2020
Speaking at the event the FAO Director-General described the initiative as "a unique opportunity to raise global awareness". He noted that the COVID-19 pandemic had challenged people to find new ways of fighting hunger and malnutrition and said IYFV would highlight the role of digital technologies in improving nutrition and market opportunities.
Post-harvest Loss Briefing: Technologies and Management
01/12/2020

The Agritechnica Asia and Horti Asia digital talk about Post-Harvest Losses, which took place in late November, addressed the avoidance of losses by improved process management and handling of crops as well as opportunities to fund collaborative projects to introduce new technologies.

Agro-processors training organized by CARDI in Grenada
19/11/2020
Agro-processors and agro-processing groups interested in utilising a renewable energy resource for the preservation of food have commenced one week of training.
Food Loss Related Publications
10/12/2023

A comprehensive strategy spanning the next three years that encompasses a diverse portfolio of solutions across ten distinct domains of action. Enormous amounts of resources – land, water, energy and labour – are used to produce food. When food is lost or wasted, these resources go to waste as well, impacting the efficiency of food production. Reducing food loss and waste is one of the domains of action illustrated in this Roadmap.

29/11/2023

Amid a worsening climate crisis and slow progress in cutting greenhouse gases, sustainable agrifood systems and practices can help countries and communities to adapt, build resilience and mitigate emissions. FAO is working with countries and partners at all levels to address the challenges of food security, climate change and biodiversity loss. But success in this area will ultimately require global commitment to significantly increasing the quality and quantity of climate finance.

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.

31/08/2023

The Guidelines for action on food loss and waste reduction in the Near East and North Africa provide support to Member Countries to implement the Voluntary Code of Conduct for Food Loss and Waste Reduction, an international instrument designed to guide FLW policymaking and interventions at global level.

12/07/2023

This report provides an update on global progress towards the targets of ending hunger (SDG Target 2.1) and all forms of malnutrition (SDG Target 2.2) and estimates on the number of people who are unable to afford a healthy diet. This report has highlighted that the intensification and interaction of conflict, climate extremes and economic slowdowns and downturns, combined with highly unaffordable nutritious foods and growing inequality, are pushing us off track to meet the SDG 2 targets.

Launch of the G20 Technical Platform on the Measurement and Reduction of Food Loss and Waste
08/05/2023

Bangladesh, a major producer of vegetables and fruits, faces constraints such as post-harvest management, inadequate transportation and storage facilities, limited access to quality seeds, and stringent quality standards imposed by importing countries. Good agricultural practices, post-harvest management practices, and value chain efficiencies are lacking, resulting in a significant amount of food loss.

Onions and tomatoes at the market.
26/04/2023

This discussion paper highlights the interlinkages between nutrition and the environment across various dimensions from policy to impact. It focuses on diets and food systems, which lie at the nutrition−environment nexus, including some aspects related to FLW.

04/03/2023

This report aims at inspiring strategic thinking and actions to transform agrifood systems towards a sustainable, resilient and inclusive future.

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.

A Muong ethnic farmer chopping sweet potato leaves for feed for pigs.
28/02/2023

The publication draws on the results of safety tests, a stakeholder survey, and a literature review. It notes that building confidence in safe fruit and vegetables would encourage consumers to eat more of them, boosting people’s health and producers’ livelihoods. Its recommendations include expanding producers’ cooperatives and designated safe vegetable production areas, using incentives and controls to drive down chemical pesticide misuse, and publishing the results of regular testing.

28/02/2023

This study looks at FLW from an economic perspective, considering producers, intermediaries, and consumers as key decision-makers. It builds on our accumulated experience in the analysis of the causes of FLW and solutions.

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.

31/12/2022

An approach to allow to present an indicative country profile showing per food product category and chain stage not only the amount of FLW but also the GHGEs related to producing the FLW and induced nutrient losses. The sum differs per product and chain stage. Focusing on food products and chain stages which largely contribute to FLW, FLW-induced GHGEs and nutrient loss can substantially lead to resource use efficiency and at the same time to climate mitigation action and nutrition security.

31/10/2022

Regulatory measures to tackle food loss and waste (FLW) include establishing institutional mechanisms for coordination of action, allocating clear roles and responsibilities among all stakeholders involved and setting binding targets for the reduction of FLW.

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.

26/10/2022

Stakeholders from across the Mediterranean shared practical experiences of their engagement in circular economy practices for food waste management at urban/local level. Tackling food waste and circularity from diverse angles of the Mediterranean food systems, they reflected on success factors and challenges, discussing ways to facilitate partnerships and replication of solutions across the Mediterranean.

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...

Food Loss Related Events

8/ 5

2024

Virtual Event, 08/05/2024

The “2024 Food loss and waste masterclass series: the basics“ involves a number of virtual events targeted to youth that have an interest in reducing food loss and waste towards achieving agrifood system transformation and enhancing the  sustainability of food supplies. The April 2024 session will cover FLW basic principles, but targeting those in European, African, North American and C...

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.

29/ 3

2024

Hybrid Event, 29/03/2024

Through the Year’s observance, the unique nutritional qualities and agronomic traits of millets were demonstrated, thereby raising awareness and directing critically needed policy attention to their suitability for sustainable crop production systems, especially with minimal inputs and under adverse and changing climatic conditions. Additionally, key business opportunities were validated for di...

3/ 12

2023

Dubai (United Arab Emirates), Hybrid Event, 03/12/2023

This COP-28 side-event will discuss how FLW reduction can contribute to GHG emissions reduction and scaled-up climate adaptation efforts, the priority interventions by different stakeholders, and concrete recommendations to achieve FLW reduction and climate benefits within a sustainable agrifood systems context.

29/ 11

2023

Virtual Event, 29/11/2023

This interactive webinar will be the first of a series of webinars on the subject of food loss and waste (FLW). It will introduce and discuss the basics of food loss and waste.

20/ 9

2023

Virtual Event, 20/09/2023

Food loss and waste (FLW) reduction is an important entry point to more sustainable, resilient and equitable agrifood systems in the Near East and North Africa (NENA). Interventions to reduce FLW support adaptation to and mitigation of climate change, lower the pressure on scarce water and arable land resources, preserve and deliver nutritious food ...

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.

22/ 6

2023

Virtual Event, 22/06/2023

SAVE the DATE! The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) will host an online knowledge-sharing webinar to promote awareness of tools and methodologies in the framework of the Technical Platform on the Measurement and Reduction of Food Loss and Waste (TPFLW) for South America.

Registration link soon available!

14/ 3

2023

Virtual Event, 14/03/2023

The seminar will take a closer look at fruits and vegetables, which are among the healthiest but most wasted foods. Given their perishable nature, great care, attention, and cooperation along all parts of fruit and vegetable value chains are required to reduce food loss and waste.

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.

12/ 11

2022

Sharm El-Sheikh (Egypt), Hybrid Event, 12/11/2022

This event took place in the Food and Agriculture Pavilion at the United Nations Climate Change Conference 2022 (COP27); it was co-hosted by CGIAR (formerly the Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research), FAO and The Rockefeller Foundation.

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...

19/ 10

2022

21/10

2022

Hybrid Event, 19/10/2022 - 21/10/2022

Global food security in the XXIs: Risks, challenges and solutions to ensure resilient and sustainable fresh food supply chains

At a time where urgent action is needed to secure accessibility to food worldwide, WUWM Abu Dhabi 2022 will bring together high level public and private sector practitioners and experts from around the world in productive dialogue around these ke...

20/ 1

2022

Virtual Event, 20/01/2022

In the framework of Nutrition for Growth (N4G) 2021 Summit a side event titled "Reducing Food Loss and Waste in Fruits and Vegetables, for improving access to healthy diets" organized by FAO will be convened on 20 January 2022. This side event will highl

13/ 7

2020

Virtual Event, 13/07/2020

12:00 – 13:30hs (EDT/NY Time) - Virtual Meeting The Permanent Mission of Chile to the United Nations, the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) are pleased to invite you to

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

12/ 9

2016

23/9

2016

Wageningen (Netherlands), 12/09/2016 - 23/09/2016

In this course, we will look at ways to minimise losses, reduce food waste and explore alternative uses. Ultimately, reduction of losses contributes to food security. During the course we will critically analyse the crop supply chain, and design sustaina

7/ 6

2016

9/6

2016

Douala (Cameroon), 07/06/2016 - 09/06/2016

Doulala, Cameroon - A three-day workshop organized in the framework of the project entitled ‘Food loss reduction strategy development in favour of smallholder producers in Africa Phase 1’ will be held in Douala, Cameroun from 7 to 9 June 2016. The worksho

16/ 2

2016

17/2

2016

Virtual Event, 16/02/2016 - 17/02/2016

Webminar - "seed system" organizes two webinars by Dr. Dieudonne Baributsa, Purdue University #1 on the hermetic technology : This webinar will discuss hermetic technologies for seed as well as grain storage. Hermetic technologies are airtight chemical-f