Colombia's Fight Against Food Waste
Food Loss and Waste: Colombia’s Commitment
Food waste accounts for 7% of global GHG emissions, according to the UN.
Alarming Figures: What and Where is Wasted in Colombia?
Most Affected Foods (Data from DNP):
- Fruits and vegetables: 62% (6.1 million tons/year)
- Roots and tubers: 25% (2.4 million tons/year)
Critical Stages in the Food Chain:
- Agricultural production: 40.5%
- Distribution and retail: 20.6%
- Post-harvest and storage: 19.8%
- Consumption: 15.6%
- Industrial processing: 3.5%
Structural Causes (According to Cisan):
- Low investment in agricultural science and technology.
- Insufficient logistics infrastructure for food transportation.
- Inadequate consumption habits and final disposal practices.
- Lack of circular economy strategies for unsold food.
Actions by the Ministry of Environment: Beyond the Decree
The Regulatory Decree for the Agricultural Sector, currently under development, aims to integrate measures such as:
- Early climate warning systems.
- Technologies for water storage and distribution.
- Implementation of silvopastoral systems and biodiverse gardens.
Recommendations for Consumers:
- ✅ Buy local products and support regional farmers.
- 🥦 Choose “ugly fruits”: 30% are discarded due to aesthetic standards.
- 🧊 Freeze surplus food and optimize portions.
- ♻️ Convert waste into compost.
- 🤝 Donate edible food before it spoils.
The Path Toward Food Sustainability
Colombia is advancing an intersectoral policy that integrates:
- Cold chain improvements.
- Financing for small producers.
- Education on responsible consumption.
- Post-harvest process modernization.
Did you know…?
If food waste were a country, it would be the third-largest GHG emitter after China and the U.S. (FAO, 2021).
#TogetherForAFutureWithoutWaste 🍅🌍