Tracing environmental impacts of grain losses along the supply chain in the North China Plain: An integrated framework

Abstract

Grain loss is a key barrier to promote food security and sustainable development. To assess grain losses in the supply chain and their associated environmental impact, we developed an integrated methodological framework combining material flow analysis, life cycle assessment and environmental footprint approaches. The framework was applied to Shanghe county, which is one of the national advanced grain production counties in North China. Results show that around 7% of wheat and maize was lost during the pre-harvest, harvest, and post-harvest periods. The wheat and maize losses have caused serious waste of water and land resource, and additional carbon emissions. The application also shows that environmental impact of changes in material flows caused by relevant stakeholders’ decision could be easily assessed using the framework. In conclusion, the framework can help policy makers to better explore grain loss management and reduction strategies in China and can be expanded to other developing countries.