Understanding Food Loss
FOLOU aims to clarify the reasons of FL. To achieve this, various work packages have started with a thorough literature review on topics including FL data at the EU and country levels, drivers, measurement guidelines, sustainability studies and regulations. This information is being consolidated into a repository.
A significant finding from the review was the need for a consistent definition of FL, distinct from the EU’s definition of food waste. FOLOU defines FL as any harvest-mature plant, animal, or living being (including inedible parts) that is not harvested or removed from the supply chain without becoming animal feed, by-products or waste.
To further understand, FOLOU is developing a behavioral framework to categorize and analyse direct and indirect drivers of FL. This framework includes environmental, societal and behavioral factors. During the second reporting period, semi-structured interviews with stakeholders will validate these drivers and assess their significance.
Measuring Food Loss
FOLOU aims to determine the quantity of FL per commodity group at national and EU levels. During the first period, the project focused on:
1. Standardising Measurement: Establishing a common method for measuring and reporting FL at the primary sector level. The project developed a FL Quantification Manual detailing how to quantify across various food groups: fruits and vegetables; cereals and pulses; roots, tubers and oilseeds; meat and animal products; aquaculture and fisheries.
The first draft of the manual has been validated through consultations and interviews with expert groups and by starting the case studies. A national FL registry has been designed to report FL at the company level, with the aim of aggregating data into national and EU registries. The registry includes a methodology report, basic calculations, and an initial web application development.
2. Developing Tools: FOLOU has set up and tested 6 innovative cost-effective measurement technologies (including UAVs, blockchain, social media analysis, etc.), through field campaigns, data acquisition, annotation and the development of prototype models.
3. Sustainability Assessment: The sustainability quantification method for FL at the primary sector has been adapted and defined for this specific phenomenon, providing a solid framework to implement LCA, SLCA and LCC analysis and to understand the sustainability burdens.
Training and Dissemination
FOLOU is developing an eLearning centre to train different stakeholders groups on FL. The centre will offer five courses:
-Introduction to Primary Production FL
-Measuring FL; Implementing FOLOU Methodology
-Technological Innovation in FL Measurement
-FL Sustainability Implications
-Integrating FL into Policy and Decision-Making
The first course will be developed early in the second period, with other courses expected to start from mid-2025.
Collaboration and Outreach
FOLOU has engaged in clustering activities with seven European projects working in similar topics and actively participates in four platforms (e.g. Biorefine Cluster, EU Food Loss and Waste Prevention Hub). It has close collaboration with the WASTELESS project, involving joint webinars and shared activities.
The FOLOU Twinning Regions Program aims to engage 7-10 regions using two approaches: identifying regions with high agricultural productivity and regions interested in FL quantification. Potential regions are being contacted and FOLOU’s key outputs with high adoption potential have been defined.
