2016/05/04 by Juin, Hervé
#Barley #Blé #Cereal #Corn #Céréales #Durabilité #Food loss #Maïs #Orge #Pertes alimentaires #Riz #Sustainability #Wheat
paper · doi:10.15454/1.462270840839967e12
French cereal production accounts for 64 million tons considering, bread and durum wheat, maize, barley and rice. Food uses are around 10 %, i.e. 8.7 million tons, mainly through processed products. Export is the main commercial outlet for both grains and processed products. Harvest losses are estimated at 2% (4 % for maize). During post-harvest storage, losses are limited due to pesticides use. During processing losses stay at a low level due to management and quality procedures. At the retailing level, product recalls may be estimated at 270 000 tons, that are partly lost for food. Losses may be reduced at different stages by improving harvesting, finding alternative to pesticides during post-harvest storage, increasing recycling. Energy and environment balance must be evaluated to improve sustainability.