Fruit and Vegetable Industry Session N°5

Food losses and waste (FLW) persists as a global challenge with far-reaching consequences, impacting economies, ecosystems, and food security. Tackling this issue requires a concerted effort from all sectors of society, including consumers, businesses, governments, and international organisations. By raising awareness, implementing innovative technologies, enacting effective policies, and fostering collaboration, we can work toward a future where FLW is significantly reduced, ensuring that the world’s resources are used more sustainably, and the global food system becomes more equitable and resilient.

Reducing FLW can be a significant lever for broader improvements of food systems – towards improved food security, food safety, food quality, sustainability, and for increased efficiency. Governments should create and enforce regulations that promote sustainable practices, provide tax incentives for food donation, and establish clear guidelines for food labelling and expiration dates.

Supporting smallholder farmers with better post-harvest management practices and access to markets can reduce losses at the production level.

Collaboration among stakeholders in the food supply chain, including farmers, producers, distributors, retailers, and consumers, is crucial to tackle FLW comprehensively. Losses can be prevented through proper training and better handling of goods, the adoption of appropriate tools or technologies, sound policies and marketing-related improvements. More investment is also needed in developing and making available solar driers and agroprocessing equipment such as shellers and de-pulpers.