Post-harvest loss

How it is used

Usually plural: post-harvest losses. A major topic in development work, food security and supply chains. Experts reduce losses through careful handling, cooling, proper drying, packaging and better storage.

Example sentences

1. Post-harvest losses of fresh tomatoes can exceed 20 percent without cooling.

2. Plastic crates instead of sacks reduced our post-harvest losses in transport.

Common collocations

• reduce post-harvest losses
• post-harvest handling
• post-harvest treatment
• storage losses

Related terms

• harvestThe work of gathering a ripe crop from the field, the time of year when this happens, or the total amount gathered.
• cold storageKeeping fresh produce at low, controlled temperatures and humidity to slow ripening and decay; also the building or room used for this.
• packhouseA facility where fresh fruit and vegetables are received from farms, then washed, sorted, graded, packed and cooled before going to market or export.
• moisture contentThe amount of water in grain, hay, soil or another material, usually given as a percentage of its weight.
• food securityA situation in which all people at all times can obtain enough safe, nutritious and affordable food for an active and healthy life.

More terms: Harvest and Storage

• ripe
• silo
• grading