Food security remains one of the most pressing global challenges of our time, particularly as the world grapples with hunger, climate change, and population growth. Two powerful and interconnected solutions are emerging as critical levers: halving food loss and waste (FLW), which could nourish 153 million more people, and strengthening agri-food trade, with 22% of global calorie consumption projected to cross borders by 2034. Together, these strategies offer a twin-pillar approach to building a more resilient, efficient, and equitable food system for the future.
Together, these twin pillars—minimizing waste and maximizing trade efficiency—chart a pragmatic path toward a more equitable, resilient, and sustainable global food ecosystem.
Unsustainable Cost of Food Waste
Globally, nearly 30% of food produced is either lost or wasted, a figure that represents not just squandered nourishment but also an alarming waste of precious resources- water, land, energy, and human labour. The nature of these losses, however, varies by geography.
In high-income nations, food is predominantly wasted at the retail and consumer stages, often due to unrealistic cosmetic standards, poor inventory planning, and excessive consumption. In contrast, low-income countries grapple with systemic inefficiencies—from inadequate storage and transport infrastructure to limited post-harvest processing capabilities.
This dual burden exacerbates both food insecurity and environmental degradation. The Outlook identifies FLW reduction as one of the most cost-effective levers for improving global nutrition, economic efficiency, and climate resilience.
Trade: A Strategic Buffer in the Global Food Chain
Alongside the imperative to reduce waste is the equally critical role of agri-food trade in ensuring global food security. As per the Outlook, one in every five calories consumed in 2034 will be traded internationally—a stark indicator of growing interdependence in food systems.
Regions such as Latin America, North America, and Eastern Europe are poised to remain the key exporters of cereals, oilseeds, dairy, and livestock products. Meanwhile, India, Southeast Asia, and Sub-Saharan Africa—home to rapidly growing populations—will increasingly depend on imports to meet domestic nutritional demands.
The global trade network not only buffers supply shocks but also serves as a balancing force for price stability, dietary diversity, and regional food access.
A Synergistic Opportunity: Aligning Trade and Waste Policy
What makes the Outlook particularly insightful is its recognition that FLW reduction and global trade are not isolated strategies—they are mutually reinforcing. For example, food that might otherwise be wasted domestically due to cosmetic rejections or oversupply can be redirected to markets facing shortages. Export diversification and surplus redistribution through regulated food banks or humanitarian programs can simultaneously address waste and hunger.
Moreover, investments in trade infrastructure—such as cold chains, smart logistics, and last-mile connectivity—can drastically reduce post-harvest losses, particularly in perishable goods. This makes the case for integrated policies that view trade efficiency and waste reduction as two sides of the same coin.
Global Best Practices: Learning from Proven Models
Countries such as France, Japan, and Australia have demonstrated the power of comprehensive national strategies. These include legislative mandates on food donations, public-private collaboration, and strong consumer awareness campaigns.
In parallel, trade-enhancing frameworks like WTO agreements, bilateral FTAs, and regional coalitions such as the EU and ASEAN have facilitated transparent, rules-based commerce—vital for managing global food flows in uncertain times.
Technology is proving to be a critical enabler. From food rescue platforms and AI-based inventory optimization to blockchain-enabled traceability systems, innovation is reshaping how food is stored, sold, and shipped across borders.
Navigating the Challenges Ahead
While the opportunities are substantial, the path forward is not without risks. For FLW reduction, limited financing, cultural resistance, and fragmented policies hinder implementation. On the trade front, geopolitical tensions, trade protectionism, infrastructure bottlenecks, and climate-induced volatility remain significant threats.
The report calls for cohesive policy alignment across ministries, sectors, and borders, supported by bold investments, international cooperation, and data-driven decision-making.
Toward a Just and Resilient Food System
As we look toward a world with 9 billion mouths to feed by 2034, halving food waste and ensuring equitable access through international trade stand out as indispensable strategies. One eliminates inefficiencies and reduces emissions; the other ensures continuity, accessibility, and price stability.
Together, they form the foundation of a morally sound, economically efficient, and environmentally sustainable food system. The tools are at our disposal. What remains is the global resolve to act—decisively, inclusively, and urgently.
