Wrapping up week 1

Congratulations on completing Week 1.

You should now recognise that food loss on farms is a key issue, both locally and globally. Tackling food loss in primary production is essential for creating a more sustainable, equitable, and efficient food system. This first week has explored why food loss matters, its definitions, distinctions from food waste, causes and effects, its invisibility, and the broader systemic and policy contexts. Below are key messages to take away from the course:

1. The importance of addressing food loss

Food loss on farms represents a significant challenge for achieving food security and sustainability. It contributes to economic losses, environmental degradation, and social inequality. Each year, quantities of edible food are lost at the production stage, wasting resources such as water, energy, and labour. For farmers, this loss can translate into diminished incomes and missed opportunities to contribute to a more robust and resilient food system.

2. Defining food loss and distinguishing it from food waste

Here, food loss is defined (as per the FOLOU definition) as any harvest-mature plant and animal that is not successfully harvested, as well food removed from the supply chain during the post-harvest phase that does not become animal feed, by product or food waste. It differs from food waste, which mostly occurs later in the food supply chain at the processing, retail and consumer levels. This distinction is critical for addressing each issue effectively. Food loss often arises from structural inefficiencies or systemic issues in agricultural production and supply chains, whereas food waste is more closely tied to consumer behaviour and retail practices.

3. Causes and effects of food loss

The causes of food loss are diverse and interlinked. They include natural factors like adverse weather conditions and pest infestations, economic pressures such as market over-supply and price volatility, and systemic issues like stringent quality standards and lack of infrastructure. The effects of food loss are far-reaching. Environmentally, it contributes to resource waste and greenhouse gas emissions. Economically, it impacts farmers’ livelihoods and the efficiency of food supply chains. Socially, it exacerbates food insecurity by reducing the availability of affordable, nutritious food.

4. Food loss as an invisible problem

Food loss is often regarded as an invisible problem because it occurs out of sight, at the early stages of the food system. Unlike food waste, which is more visible and tangible to consumers, food loss is harder to quantify and often overlooked in public discourse and policy development. This invisibility makes it challenging to prioritise food loss reduction in national and international agendas.

5. Understanding the food system and where food loss occurs

The food system is a complex network of interdependent activities that include production, processing, distribution, consumption, and disposal. Food loss primarily occurs in the early stages of this system—on farms, during post-harvest handling, and in storage. The systemic nature of food loss means that it is not merely a problem of individual behaviour or decision-making; it is deeply embedded in how our food systems are organised and how they function.

6. The EU policy context

The European Union has recognised the importance of addressing food loss and waste within its broader sustainability and climate goals. Policies such as the EU Farm to Fork Strategy and the Waste Framework Directive aim to promote sustainable agricultural practices, improve resource efficiency, and reduce waste across the food supply chain. These policies also encourage data collection, innovation, and collaboration to tackle food loss. However, implementation varies across member states, and more work is needed to ensure that policies translate into tangible results on the ground.

7. Farmers’ perspectives on food loss

For farmers, food loss is both a personal and systemic challenge. Many factors driving food loss—such as market conditions, buyer demands, and unpredictable weather—are beyond their control. Farmers often face the dilemma of balancing production efficiency with financial viability in a system that undervalues imperfect or surplus produce. Engaging farmers in the conversation about food loss and incorporating their perspectives into policy and practice are important steps for creating solutions that are both practical and impactful.

Next Week

As you reflect on the knowledge gained from Week 1, consider the interconnectedness of the issues surrounding food loss. Addressing food loss on farms requires an integrated approach involving farmers, policymakers, researchers, and consumers. Collaboration is key to creating solutions that are effective, equitable, and sustainable. In Week 2, you’ll learn more about the tools and techniques to measure food loss and reflect on what change could look like. You can start Week 2 now.