Measures to reduce food loss and waste in Ukraine

Purpose. The aim of the study is to summarize the causes of food loss and food waste, substantiate approaches to reduce food losses and food waste, especially for small and medium farms (households and small farmers), at each stage of the food chain and policy measures. Methodology / approach. The research is based on theoretical provisions and practical recommendations for the formation of the food supply system, scientific works of domestic and foreign scientists on the problems of food loss and waste. The methodological basis of the study were the following methods: abstraction and generalization in the formation of conclusions and recommendations; general logical and historical during the study of the achievements of domestic and foreign scientists to reduce food losses; logical method for establishing the causes and justification of measures to prevent food loss and waste; direct analysis and synthesis in the development of proposals for the necessary initiatives to address the food loss and waste at each stage of the food chain. Results. The reasons and measures to reduce food loss and waste were generalized; proposals (their content and features for the implementation of individual approaches) on the necessary initiatives to address the challenge of food loss and waste at each stage in the food chain were developed; recommendations that can accelerate the implementation of measures to reduce food loss and waste were offered. Originality / scientific novelty. According to the results of the study the following was further developed: systematization of the causes of food loss and waste and appropriate measures to prevent them; recommendations for reducing food losses and food waste at each stage of the food chain; policy measures to reduce food and food loss and waste. Practical value / implications. The results of the study are aimed at ensuring a sustainable food system of Ukraine in the context of globalization. The findings and suggestions of the study can be used at the level of national, regional, local and sectoral planning and the use of approaches to food security.