A Science-based Approach to Reducing Food Loss
Reducing food loss through sustainable crop protection
At Valent U.S.A., products must meet strict, science-based criteria under at least one of three sustainability pillars — People, Planet and Productivity — to qualify for the company’s sustainable product assessment framework. Products that meet sufficient criteria across these pillars are designated as sustainable solutions.
To highlight key sustainable practices and benefits, Valent has established eight sustainability criteria icons. One of these, under the People pillar, is “Reduces Food Loss.”
Through supporting growers and raising consumer awareness, Valent U.S.A. is committed to helping reduce food loss. According to the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, 13.3% of the world’s food is lost after harvest and before reaching retail markets, while an additional 17% is wasted at the consumer level.
UN Sustainable Development Goal 12 outlines targets to reduce food waste by half at retail and consumer levels and reduce food losses across production and supply chains by 2030.
Food loss occurs throughout the supply chain, from on-farm losses to waste at the consumer level. While often used interchangeably, “food loss” refers to reductions in quantity or quality before consumption, while “food waste” refers to edible food that is discarded.
Reducing food loss requires balancing multiple factors, including crop type, market conditions, labor availability and environmental conditions. Research conducted in California found that food loss varies significantly depending on crop, variety, pricing, labor and grower practices.
A key factor in reducing on-farm food loss is effective pest management, especially late in the growing season when crops are most vulnerable.
Applying Integrated Pest Management (IPM) principles helps protect crops throughout the growing cycle while optimizing inputs and minimizing risk.
Valent U.S.A. offers a range of products that support IPM programs and help reduce food loss, including
Elumin® Fungicide,
Excalia® Fungicide,
DiPel® DF Biological Insecticide,
XenTari® Biological Insecticide,
Esteem® 0.86 EC,
Esteem® 35 WP,
Esteem® Ant Bait,
Senstar® Insecticide,
Pyganic® EC 1.4II,
Pyganic® EC 5.0II,
Zeal® Miticide,
Zeal® MVP Miticide,
Zeal® SC and more.
Valent also provides plant growth regulators that improve harvest efficiency and yield, including ReTain® Plant Growth Regulator.
To learn more about Valent products and sustainable practices, visit Valent.com or contact a sales rep.
Always read and follow label instructions. Some products may not be registered for sale or use in all states.