Reducing losses in the field is key to food security and climate change.

Last Friday (14), AgriZone hosted the panel “Global Action on Food Loss and Waste to Cut Super Pollutants and Reduce Malnutrition”, promoted by the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC). The meeting brought together representatives of governments and international organizations to discuss strategies capable of reducing food losses and waste, decreasing emissions associated with disposal and contributing to the fight against malnutrition. The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (Mapa) was represented by Clecivaldo Ribeiro, director of the Department of Development of Production Chains.

Clecivaldo highlighted that reducing food losses on rural properties is a priority for Brazil, both to strengthen food security and to improve the efficiency of production chains. He recalled that approximately 301% of food produced in the field is still lost before even reaching processing or marketing, generating economic, social, and environmental impacts. "It is unacceptable that we tolerate such a large loss when there are still people going hungry in Brazil," he stated.

The director emphasized that the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply (MAPA) is working to expand public policies focused on reducing these losses, with measures such as technical assistance, producer training, and dissemination of best practices. According to him, guiding rural producers is fundamental to avoiding management problems, improving storage, and reducing post-harvest damage. “Reducing losses requires knowledge. Our role is to ensure that producers have access to the information and infrastructure necessary to avoid waste on their farms,” he explained.

During the debate, experts emphasized that reducing food waste also contributes to decreasing the emission of short-lived pollutants, since the improper disposal of food increases the release of methane and other gases responsible for exacerbating global warming. Furthermore, avoiding waste is one of the most effective ways to expand access to food quickly and sustainably.

Clecivaldo Ribeiro emphasizes that tackling losses in the field is a crucial step in transforming food systems. "Reducing waste means protecting resources, strengthening agriculture, and ensuring food for those who need it," he concluded.