Factors that Influence Food Losses at the Primary Production Stage

Losses, at every point in the food system, impact how much the nutritional demands of an increasing world’s population can be sustainably met. The food losses in the primary production (farm-level) play a significant role. The farmers believe that the food losses are not a problem and represent an intrinsic part of farming. Primary production losses are not trivial, and knowledge is needed about the factors that influence the food losses. Many factors can cause food losses that occur in the primary production, including but not limited to: insects, pests, diseases; unfavourable environmental conditions; improper harvesting techniques and distribution and storage infrastructure; price volatility, overproduction; high retail standards, limits on primary processing. This paper aims to provide an overview of the factors influencing food losses in the primary production phase.