Evolutionary game mechanisms for food savings and loss reduction in the grain industry.

Background: Grain loss poses a major challenge to global food security, especially in China, where substantial waste occurs during its production, storage, processing, and consumption. This undermines sustainability efforts and highlights an urgent need for effective preservation strategies.

Method: This study used evolutionary game theory and simulations to explore the behavioral dynamics among key actors in China's grain industry chain - farmers, storage operators, processors, and consumers. The analysis identified evolutionary stable strategies (ESS) under varying conditions and evaluated the effectiveness of government policies, technological innovations, and stakeholder incentives.

Results: The findings underscore the importance of targeted subsidies, policy frameworks, and enterprise-led technological adoption. Increasing awareness among farmers and consumers is pivotal for the reduction of grain waste. Well-designed awareness campaigns help shift behaviors, enabling better adoption of storage practices and consumption habits. Interventions that align incentives and reduce cost-risk barriers significantly enhance cooperative outcomes.

Conclusion: In addition to technical solutions, raising awareness and promoting stakeholder collaboration are vital for reducing waste and enhancing food security. These findings address broader global challenges, indicating that improved grain preservation can aid poverty reduction and climate change mitigation. The study provides practical guidance for strengthening the resilience and sustainability of food systems. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.