Post-Harvest Losses and Food Waste Research in Canada Presentation to APEC Seminar on Strengthening Public-Private Partnership to Reduce Food Losses in the Supply Chain August 2013

2 Food Losses and Waste Are An Important Element of Supporting Food Security Much of the dialogue on food security has focused on improving production and productivity However, mounting evidence suggests that the world supplies sufficient food, but 30-40% is lost or wasted –In developing nations, it is estimated that most food losses happen post- harvest, between harvest and retail –In developed nations, it is estimated that most food waste is due to consumer waste, much of this suitable for human consumption Reducing food losses and waste is an opportunity to increase the available supply of food

3 Reducing Food Losses in the Early Stages of the Food System Much of the attention on food losses and waste is centered around innovations in storage, transportation, infrastructure In addition to losses during storage, Canadian scientists have looked at means to reduce food losses at earlier stages of the food system – production and harvest, where scientists research 4 categories: i.Intrinsic characteristics of the product that improves resiliency ii.Practices employed in the field and post-harvest iii.Additives that inhibit ripening and decay iv.Technology use Research related to losses in grains focuses primarily on the first, second and fourth of these categories

4 Intrinsic Characteristics of the Product Pre-harvest sprouting (PHS) in grain is caused when grains have reached maturity but are negatively affected by rains before harvest. PHS creates waste/losses by reducing grain yield and suitability for food processing. In Canada, this can result in about $100million in lost market value 3 out of 10 years. Scientists undertake genetic research on PHS-resistant characteristics in grains to pursue improved cultivars Scientists also study methods for measuring factors that contribute to PHS (e.g. dormancy)

Intrinsic Characteristics of the Product cont’d Disease and insect damage in grains can cause serious losses Grains with increased resiliency will result in reduced losses Breeding for resiliency against diseases and insects is on- going in Canada – Diseases: fusarium head blight and associated mycotoxin (DON), leaf and stem rust, common bunt, crown rust, ergot, and leaf spot – Insects: wheat stem sawfly, orange wheat blossom midge 5

Practices Associated with Storage Potentially cost-effective practices can be an important means to reduce food losses and waste during storage Examples of Canadian research: –Aeration of grain with air/liquid nitrogen to freeze insects –Use of microwaves to control beetles in grains and pulses –Use of short-wave near-infrared hyperspectral and digital colour imaging to detect fungal damage, insect damage One can calibrate inexpensive near-infrared apparatus for specific characteristics 6

Inhibition of Ripening and Decay (associated with fruits and vegetables rather than grains) Studies have been completed in preventing physical decay and disease in fruits and vegetables –Use of 1-methylcyclopropene, ethylene, ozone, and antimicrobials as possible ripening inhibitors. –Use of reflective tarps during harvest to extend life –Lactic fermentation and biological agents to delay decay The first option is particularly useful for fruits that are sensitive to chilling and might be broadened to sub-tropical and tropical fruits (e.g. banana, avocado, durian, guava, jackfruit, mango, etc.) The second 2 options could be of significant importance in hot climates 7

Use of Cost-Effective Technology Some technologies can dramatically reduce food losses and waste and can be quite cost-effective –Use of instruments to detect insects, moulds and mycotoxins (traps, odour detection) –Weather-tight bins to keep grain dry –Aeration after harvest to dry and cool grains –Use of “sensor arrays” to identify specific sources of spoilage (Temperature and moisture sensors will soon be developed as well as nanosensors for odours) 8

Public – Private Partnerships At Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), funding programs are available to support collaborations between AAFC scientists, other public agencies and the private sector For example, industry-based organizations, like the Canola Council and Western Grains Research Foundation can partner with universities and AAFC to research topics that will lend to reduction of losses and waste This approach can be effective in meeting industry goals by capitalizing on the strengths within each sector 9

Conclusions When discussing food losses and waste, we need to look at a broader spectrum of possible options (e.g. more resilient varieties) rather than just post-harvest Canadian scientists have concluded that improvements to production, harvest, and storage processes can help to reduce waste and post-harvest losses This research is adaptable to production systems in both developing and developed economies Public – private partnerships, through funding programs, can be effective in the development of innovative ways to reduce losses 10

For Further Information Canadian scientists working in both grains and horticulture fields would be happy to discuss their post-harvest and resiliency work with you in greater detail For more information on scientists working these fields, please contact: Diane Livingston Telephone: 1 (306)