Food Losses in the Oilseed Supply Chain

INRA conducted a comprehensive assessment of food losses in the French oilseed sector, examining all stages from field to distribution for rapeseed, sunflower, soybean, and tofu production. Losses are defined as products exiting the human food chain without being recycled into animal feed. Using expert data, the study finds substantial vegetable oil losses (71.4 kt, 10% of French consumption) and attributes the largest losses to harvesting and refining. Rapeseed, sunflower, and soybean oil losses are estimated at 9.8%, 7.0%, and 6.0% of potential output, worth €50.6 M, €14.3 M, and €6.5 M, respectively. Tofu losses reach 8.2% of potential production. The paper discusses measures to enhance efficiency at each process stage.