WORLD SCENARIO ON FOOD WASTE AND LOSS WITHIN AGRO-FOOD SUPPLY CHAINS

Abstract

Waste and loss of food require an investigation mainly within the context of agro-food chains. Current study provides a scenario of food waste and loss in agro-food supply chains, such as meat, fruits, legumes, vegetables, cereals and grains worldwide. The study provides the manner waste and losses occur in each chain, impacts and challenges. A review of the literature from databases and representative research groups shows that the most important chain causing waste and loss is that comprising fruits, legumes and vegetables. However, its environmental impact is not as representative as that of meat with its great number of resources in its process. Volume is, however, significant. Production, post-harvest, processing and transport links, especially in developing countries, have the greatest impact with regard to loss. In developed countries, distribution and consumption are the most significant waste links. It is highly important that a holistic approach is established between all chain links through in-depth studies. The latter explains the issues involved in each chain link and establishes more adequate strategies and resources for each country.