Worldwide, significant quantities of food are wasted at all points of the food are wasted at all points of the supply chain and across all commodities. At the retail level, large quantities of food are wasted due to quality standards that overemphasise appearance. At the agribusiness level, particularly in Africa, inefficient processing and drying, poor storage and insufficient infrastructure are major contributors to food losses.
It is estimated that almost one-third of all food produced in the world (and in South Africa too) is never eaten, representing a huge loss of the resources that went into its production. It takes an area the size of China to grow the food that is thrown away every year, while food that goes uneaten accounts for 25% of all global fresh water consumption. If food waste were a country, it would be the third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases after China and the US.
Reducing food waste would lower pressure on resources such as land, lower greenhouse gas emissions and water consumption, and lessen the use of fertilisers and pesticides in agriculture. In turn, this would mitigate climate change, conserve freshwater resources, protect biodiversity and reduce pollution.
The current inefficiencies in our food systems are troubling, especially when it is estimated that an additional two billion people will be living on the planet by 2050 and this will require a 70% increase in food production.
ACCURATE ESTIMATES OF FOOD LOSS AND WASTE BY SECTOR ARE CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE
This story is from the January 21, 2022 edition of Farmer's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the January 21, 2022 edition of Farmer's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Care of newborn lambs and goat kids
It may be a relatively simple task to successfully get rams to mate and for females to give birth, but the first couple of weeks of the life of a lamb or kid is a crucial period in livestock farming.
Don't ignore ChatGPT for one more day
If you are not using the free artificial intelligence app you’re missing out on assistance from the most potent personal assistant you could ever have.
Afternoon tea at the famous Mount Nelson
Brian Berkman says there’s not much to beat afternoon drinks and snacks served in the gardens at the newly refurbished Mount Nelson.
Starting a small-farm vegetable project: Part 4
Bill Kerr says that increasing the organic and microbe content of your soil is the first step to ensuring healthier crops and greater yields.
Luxurious and powerful workhorse at a great price
The new JAC T9 is certainly great value for money by offering features and driver comforts that compare with brands twice its retail price.
Are there solutions to antibiotic resistance, or are we running out of time to find new antibiotics?
Free State regional sales manager for Alltech, discusses how farmers can mitigate the use of antibiotics in cattle.
Dream stud Merinos
This stud was winning awards and attracting top prices, thanks to a quality sire imported from Australia eight years ago.
Choosing a breed that goes along with your lifestyle
Jarred Hodgson gives farmers advice on choosing the dog breed best suited to them, their families and operations. Although only four specific breeds are highlighted here, other breeds can also be considered.
Wheat production in South Africa
Master’s in Integrated Pest Management candidate at North-West University Zunel van Eeden explores the increasing importance of wheat production and the challenges experienced on the way to harvest time.
Sorghum essential for South Africa
Magda du Toit discusses Grain SA’s focus on sorghum as an important grain crop to cultivate, research and develop further in the country.