Potentials and challenges for zero-loss agriculture in Europe: the case of beef production in North Karelia, Finland

Abstract

The EU’s Farm to Fork strategy aims to ensure that agriculture and food value chains contribute appropriately to converting the EU to a climate-neutral Union in 2050 by decreasing food loss (and waste). The paper focuses on the potential of the EU transitional agriculture, circular policies, and new regional perspectives in reducing food loss among food supply chain stakeholders. Combining sustainable supply chain analysis and local case studies on policy implementation, this paper addresses beef farmers in North Karelia, Finland, where beef production is based on a multistage farming system of growing bulls progressing food loss control along food supply chains. Findings indicate that chances to achieve a zero level of food loss in North Karelia are challenging, if not unlikely. Despite the challenges, North Karelian beef farmers are not without hope. The North Karelian beef farming system holds significant potential for improvement, where inspiring challenges to achieve zero food loss among North Karelian farmers is not impossible. This article evaluates farmers’ ability and willingness to implement the Farm to Fork strategy, affecting the overall level of food loss. It assesses the means and the proportion of losses that should be reduced.