This paper reviewed the methodological and practical challenges involved in conducting economic research on food loss and waste. The authors highlighted issues such as the lack of standardized definitions and measurement methods, difficulties in obtaining accurate consumer-level data, and the complexity of accounting for the environmental and social costs of waste. They also discussed opportunities for advancing the field through improved data collection, interdisciplinary collaboration, and policy-oriented frameworks. By outlining both obstacles and future directions, the paper provides a roadmap for researchers and policymakers seeking to build more robust evidence on food loss and waste reduction strategies.

Citation: Ellison, B., Muth, M. K., & Golan, E. (2019). Opportunities and challenges in conducting economic research on food loss and waste. Applied Economic Perspectives and Policy, 41(1), 1–19. https://doi.org/10.1093/aepp/ppy035