Mexico advances in measuring the Food Loss Index for SDG 12.3.1.a

Measuring and monitoring SDG 12.3.1.a, the Food Loss Index, is complex and requires multiple measurement efforts to cover key food groups and stages along the agrifood chain. In this context, Mexico stands out as a regional reference by implementing a pilot exercise that approximates the calculation of this indicator using available information.

This work—carried out by the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI) in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and recently published in this report—draws on data from the National Agricultural Survey (ENA) and complementary studies to estimate food losses across different crops and stages of the chain. The analysis considered a basket of 11 foods essential for food security: white maize, wheat, beans, tomatoes, onions, squash, avocados, limes, oranges, bananas, and apples.

Preliminary results indicate that Mexico has an approximate food loss rate of 9.31%, calculated using data from ENA 2019. Although these results are not official, they mark an important first step toward establishing a national methodology for monitoring SDG 12.3.1.a.

Why is this progress important?

• It allows the country to begin tracking the indicator and identifying information gaps.
  
• It serves as a guide for other countries starting to measure food losses.
  
• It helps optimize resources and define measurement strategies suited to national needs.

Next steps and recommendations:

• Strengthen ENA-based estimates and assess data quality.
  
• Consider including livestock products in future measurements.
  
• Implement studies that cover the full agrifood chain, generating information that helps reduce losses and improve efficiency.

This pilot exercise marks a milestone for Mexico and paves the way for more countries to advance in measuring the Food Loss Index, contributing to progress on the Sustainable Development Goals.

The methodology will help assess the feasibility of generating the food loss indicator using data from the 2022 Agricultural Census and the 2025 ENA, thus enabling the country to produce national‑level data for monitoring SDG indicator 12.3.1.a on food losses and supporting the broader monitoring framework of the UN 2030 Agenda.