Cereal losses

Definition

Quantities of cereal crops that are lost along the food supply chain from post-harvest up to, but not including, retail as a percent of domestic supply. This amount does not include quantities lost before or during harvest, nor food waste, which commonly refers to food that is lost during retail or at the household level. Cereals include maize, millet, rice, sorghum, wheat, barley, oats, and rye, among other grains. Note that FAO's methodology for Food Balance Sheets changed for 2014 estimates and after, which may limit comparability pre and post-2014.

Relevance

Food losses affect the quantity and quality of food that is available for consumption, and may compromise gains in production that would otherwise improve food security and nutrition outcomes, as well as the incomes of farmers and other value chain actors.