Vulnerable vegetables and efficient fishers: A study of primary production food losses and waste in Ireland

From 2022, the European Union Waste Framework Directive (WFD) requires member states to report annual food waste from each food supply chain stage. Comprehensive food losses and waste (FLW) data can be challenging to obtain for the primary production stage, i.e., farming and fishing. However, this information is vital in developing FLW mitigation actions appropriate to each country. This study describes the nature and extent of FLW from primary production in Ireland, using methods approved for WFD reporting. Causes of FLW and FLW as a proportion of total production were determined through interviews with Irish primary production stakeholders and using national FLW data where available. The FLW was presented for each primary production sector -animal husbandry, horticulture, tillage, aquaculture, and fisheries. The total annual FLW from Irish primary production was 189,508 tonnes. The main FLW sources were vegetable production (122,398 tonnes), meat production (41,726 tonnes), and tillage (12,502 tonnes). The activities associated with high FLW did not reflect the quantity of food from those activities, e.g., dairy generated the greatest quantity of animal husbandry produce (89%) but only 7% of animal husbandry FLW. The main causes of FLW in Irish primary production were pests, disease, injuries, and production stress (37%), followed by un-harvestable or un-saleable produce, 24% and 21%, respectively. The majority of FLW described in this study (63%) is considered food loss, meaning mitigation efforts should focus on this rather than food waste. These results also clearly indicate priority areas for mitigation action, e.g., horticulture. This research suggests mitigation actions that improve long-term farm sustainability, e.g., improve soil health, reduce FLW and contribute to food production potential in fisheries and aquaculture.

Automated summary

This study provides insights into the nature and extent of food waste from primary production in Ireland, using approved methods for reporting. The main sources of waste were vegetable production, meat production, and tillage. Pests, disease, injuries, and production stress were identified as the main causes of waste. The majority of waste was considered food loss, suggesting a focus on mitigation efforts in this area.