Combating Food Losses and Waste in Latin America’s Agricultural Sector after COVID-19: Characteristics, Approaches, and Perspectives

This article explores the challenges and strategies for combating food loss and waste in Latin America’s agricultural sector in the post-COVID-19 era. It critically examines the key drivers of food loss and waste across the production chain, emphasizing their environmental, economic, and social repercussions on a global scale. A central focus is placed on food waste quantification as a fundamental pillar for designing evidence-based policies and interventions. The study highlights innovative approaches such as reverse logistics, strategic public-private partnerships, and social innovation in food redistribution. Furthermore, it analyzes major global and regional initiatives aimed at waste reduction, with particular attention to Brazil’s evolving policies and governance frameworks. By identifying emerging trends and emphasizing the role of international technical cooperation, this article underscores the necessity of integrated and coordinated efforts to achieve sustainable and resilient food systems.