No food left behind

An estimated 10 million tons of specialty crops grown on farms each year never gets harvested or makes it past the farm gate—about a third of what’s grown. This loss happens because of labor shortages, cosmetic imperfections, weather events and more, and it makes up about 16% of total US food loss and waste. WWF wants to know more about how this loss differs between various crops and understand the drivers. Through data-driven research and human-centered design, we hope to help overcome some of the barriers and challenges of getting more of this food to people.

We’ve partnered with universities including UC-Davis, UC-Santa Clara, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), trade associations like the Global Cold Chain Alliance—that works on keeping perishable products safe and high quality as they move from farms across the supply chain—and other companies, non-profits, farmers, systems-thinkers, and start-ups to figure out how we can make the most of what we grow. This work led to the No Food Left Behind series.

Measurement is a priority across WWF’s Food Loss and Waste work — it’s needed to benchmark, compare and communicate about reducing loss.

WWF and partners have developed a simple, easy-to-use Global Farm Loss Tool to help growers around the world measure on-farm surplus and work with buyers to sell more of their underutilized harvest. By supporting both growers and buyers in this process, we can help reduce the environmental impacts of our food system, create additional revenue channels for growers, feed a growing population, and make supply chains more efficient and resilient. Click below to find out more about the Tool, including access guidance and case studies.

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