Food Losses in the Cereal Supply Chain

This study quantifies food losses along the French cereal chain—harvest losses (2 % overall, 4 % for maize), minimal storage and processing losses due to pesticide use and coproduct valorization, and retail recalls of about 270 000 t—and proposes targeted reduction measures while accounting for energy and environmental sustainability.

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Detail description

This paper analyzes food losses in the French cereal supply chain from field to retail. Out of 64 Mt of wheat, maize, barley, and rice harvested, only 8.7 Mt (10 %) serve human food, mainly as processed products. Harvest losses are estimated at 2 % (4 % for maize), storage losses remain low through pesticide control, and processing losses are limited by industrial procedures and coproduct recycling. Retail-level product recalls amount to 270 000 t, partly lost. The study recommends improving harvesting machinery, exploring alternatives to storage pesticides, organizing collection and valorization of withdrawn products, and assessing energy and environmental balances to enhance sustainability.

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Contribution detail info

Project

Innovations agronomiques

Innovations agronomiques

Location
France
Authors
Hervé JUIN
Purpose
Adopt innovative practices

File type
document
Created on
Dec 01, 2015
Origin language
French
Official project website
Innovations agronomiques
License
CC BY