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Global Food Loss and Waste in Primary Production: A Reassessment of Its Scale and Significance

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  • Julian Parfitt

    (Anthesis Group, Unit J, Taper Studios, 175 Long Lane, Bermondsey, London SE1 4GT, UK)

  • Tim Croker

    (Anthesis Group, Unit J, Taper Studios, 175 Long Lane, Bermondsey, London SE1 4GT, UK)

  • Anna Brockhaus

    (Anthesis Group, Unit J, Taper Studios, 175 Long Lane, Bermondsey, London SE1 4GT, UK)

Abstract

Global statistics on food waste were first reported by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization in 2011, and since that time, more attention has been given to food waste measurements at the consumer, retail and hospitality stages, whilst efforts to quantify losses during primary production have been more limited. To provide an updated view of global losses in primary production, data for the harvest and on-farm, post-harvest stages were reassessed through a systematic review of data sources and a selection of datasets for further analysis. To qualify for selection, food-loss measurements needed to be specific to primary production and to particular food commodities and production regions. The analysis covered a split between losses at the harvest and post-harvest stages linked to activity descriptions within the primary data sources. A cross-sectional sample of ten commodity/region case studies was conducted through stakeholder interviews and literature reviews to triangulate food waste estimates and to understand issues relating to food waste definitions from a farming perspective.

Suggested Citation

  • Julian Parfitt & Tim Croker & Anna Brockhaus, 2021. "Global Food Loss and Waste in Primary Production: A Reassessment of Its Scale and Significance," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(21), pages 1-24, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:21:p:12087-:d:670388
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Delgado, Luciana & Schuster, Monica & Torero, Maximo, 2017. "Reality of Food Losses: A New Measurement Methodology," MPRA Paper 80378, University Library of Munich, Germany.
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