Mitigation of food loss and waste in primary production of a transition economy via stakeholder collaboration: A perspective of independent farmers in Russia

Substantial quantities of food are lost and wasted in primary production. Although research on food loss and waste on farms is emerging, it primarily concerns developed countries. Despite being global agricultural powerhouses, many developing and transition economies are excluded from analysis. This study explores the challenge of food loss and waste in primary production of Russia, a major food producer with a transition economy. Semi-structured interviews (n = 22) with farmers examined the magnitude of food loss and waste on farms, its main causes and approaches to management. The study establishes association between farm specialism and magnitude of food loss and waste. Inadequate storage, unpredictable weather and fluctuations in demand contribute to food loss and waste. The challenge is managed by methods of composting, animal feeding and land-spreading. From the farmers’ viewpoint stakeholder collaboration can aid in reducing food loss and waste on farms. It is however restricted by under-developed industry networks, disinterest of major actors, especially retailers, and lack of trust. To facilitate collaborative work, policy-makers and industry associations should engage various actors of the food supply chain by building capacity, showcasing the benefits of collaboration and providing dedicated financial support. The novelty of this study is in showcasing the importance of policy-makers as facilitators of stakeholder collaboration. This is partially attributed to the Soviet past of transition economies whereby public authorities exerted control over intra- and inter-sectoral interactions. The western standards of stakeholder collaboration for sustainable development are therefore not directly applicable to transition economies and should be modified in line with knowledge of the local context.