Wasted Food in Canada and Its Impact on Water Resources – Small Fruits in Creston, BC: A Case Study

Globally, there is a growing consensus that we need to act to address food loss and waste. Food waste refers to food intended for consumption that is discarded without being eaten or reaching the market. In Canada, this amount is closer to 40% according to Value Chain Management International (2014). Food loss and waste have many negative economic and environmental impacts. Environmentally, food waste inflicts a host of impacts, including emission of greenhouse gases and inefficient use of water and land, which in turn can lead to diminished natural ecosystems services.

In B.C, approximately 2.3 million tonnes of food waste was disposed of in 2016 (VCM Inc) and Creston Valley being one of the prime agricultural production regions in B.C contributes to this figure. It is suggested that the Creston Valley will continue to be the hub of agriculture in the region of B.C. Fruits and vegetables are one of the largest sources of waste by weight. Much of the wasted weight in fruits and vegetables is water.