CWA 18410:2026

Methodology to quantify food loss at primary production CWA 18410:2026

Scope

This document specifies a methodology for the measurement and quantification of food loss in food production in the primary sector, considering these five main food commodity groups:
- vegetables and fruits,
- cereals and pulses,
- roots and tubers,
- meat and dairy products, and
- aquaculture products.
It sets out the necessary steps for any entity (named hereafter “the organization”) to quantify food losses within a specific site, territory and/or activity. This includes measurement planning and direct measurements at parcel, plot, farm, or pond level, as well as data extrapolation to regional, national or supra-national levels, when applicable.
This methodology is established within a framework that provides a definition of food loss that addresses existing gaps in European legislation.
This document also includes general requirements for using innovative technologies to facilitate the quantification of food losses in agricultural crop production.
This document is intended for the various stakeholders involved in food production, such as farmers, farmers’ organizations, industries and distributors, public authorities at all levels, researchers, civil society organizations and others.
Practical case studies and supplementary information are provided in Annex A and B, respectively.