Food loss and waste (FLAW) is a pressing challenge that undermines food security, livelihoods, and environmental sustainability across the Asia-Pacific region. Despite advances in agricultural production, large amounts of food are lost or discarded along the value chain—from farm to fork—reducing the availability of nutritious food for millions of people. This not only deepens hunger and poverty but also places immense pressure on natural resources and contributes to climate change.

Addressing FLAW is central to achieving sustainable development. It requires coordinated efforts from governments, private sector actors, and communities to strengthen food systems, improve efficiency, and promote responsible consumption. The UN’s Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12.3, which calls for halving food waste by 2030, provides a clear direction for global and regional action.

APAARI recognizes that food loss and waste directly undermine agricultural innovation, sustainability, and farmer livelihoods in the Asia-Pacific. The Community of Practice (CoP), facilitated by APAARI, is committed to addressing the “Flaw-in-the-FLAW” and will serve as a platform to promote agricultural research, innovation, and regional cooperation. Through bi-monthly discussions, it brings together stakeholders from across the region to connect diverse actors, share knowledge, and accelerate solutions to reduce FLAW.