Dr. Lisa Kitinoja, technical advisor for the Global Cold Chain Alliance, recently published two articles in the “Journal of Postharvest Technology” with the support of Amanda Brondy, Director of International Projects at GCCA, and Vijay Yadav Tokala, member on the Board of Directors for The Postharvest Education Foundation. The articles highlight the importance of having standardized measuring techniques to properly gauge post-harvest food loss, in order to address the world’s growing food security challenges.

Challenges and opportunities for improved postharvest loss measurements in plant-based food crops

A rapidly increasing global population goes hand in hand with an increase in food demand. “In the past few years, post-harvest loss reduction has achieved high importance and is increasingly being quoted as a sustainable means to reduce global hunger and malnutrition and reduce carbon emissions.” To read the article in full, please click here. 

A review of global postharvest loss assessments in plant-based food crops: Recent findings and measurement gaps ​

 Greater attention needs to be made to postharvest loss in order to address the world’s food security challenges. “The Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations estimates that globally about one-third of all the food produced is either lost or wasted before consumption. Even in the regions such as Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where food-insecurity is highly prevalent, approximately 20% of all the grains, 44% of roots and tubers, 52% of fruits and vegetables are lost between the harvest and consumption (FAO, 2011).” To read the article in full, please click here.