Regular readers of Small Farm Canada Magazine will know that we are champions for reducing food waste. Food loss and waste remain one of the most pressing and expensive challenges across Canada’s food system, from farm to fork.
CSA Group has now taken a major step toward addressing this issue with the release of CSA K100, Food loss and waste – Terminology and measurement, the first National Standard of Canada dedicated to creating a shared framework for defining, measuring, and reporting food loss and waste, commonly referred to as FLW.
For farmers, processors, distributors, and policymakers alike, the lack of consistent, national measurement methods has long made it difficult to understand where food loss occurs, how much food is being wasted, and which solutions deliver the greatest impact. CSA K100 is designed to close that gap.
The Scope of Food Waste in Canada
Food loss and waste represent a significant economic and social concern nationwide. Research from Second Harvest and Value Chain Management shows that 46.5 percent of all food in Canada is wasted, with 41.7 percent considered potentially avoidable. The total cost of this wasted food is estimated at $58 billion annually.
Despite growing awareness, progress has been slowed by inconsistent definitions and measurement practices across the supply chain.
Why Measurement Has Been a Major Barrier
One of the central challenges in reducing FLW has been the absence of a shared national approach. Different organizations have historically measured food loss at different stages, using different terminology and assumptions. This has made data difficult to compare and has limited the ability to coordinate action across sectors.
CSA K100 addresses this issue head‑on by establishing common language and a principled approach to measurement. The standard provides guidance on where and how to measure FLW, referred to as measurement “checkpoints,” enabling organizations to capture consistent, comparable data.
As Ana‑Maria Tomlinson, Director of Strategic and Cross‑Sector Initiatives at CSA Group, noted, “Consistent measurement is a critical step toward meaningful change. You can’t reduce what you can’t measure.”
What CSA K100 Provides
The new standard offers practical guidance to help organizations across the food value chain:
- Identify the causes, quantities, and destinations of food loss and waste
- Measure FLW at key points, including production, processing, distribution, retail, and food service
- Select the most appropriate destination for surplus food, prioritizing prevention and redistribution for human consumption, followed by feed, biomaterials, and other recovery options
By clarifying not only how much food is lost, but also where it ends up, the standard supports better decision‑making and more effective reduction strategies.
Implications for Farmers and Small Food Businesses
For farmers and small‑scale food producers, CSA K100 offers a tool to better understand on‑farm losses and surplus, whether due to cosmetic standards, market access issues, or post‑harvest handling challenges. More consistent measurement can help producers:
- Identify opportunities to reduce avoidable losses
- Strengthen relationships with redistributors and secondary markets
- Demonstrate sustainability efforts to buyers and regulators
Improved data can also support funding applications, policy development, and participation in emerging circular economy initiatives.
Strengthening Food Security Through Better Data
Food security is influenced not only by production levels, but also by affordability, access, and how efficiently food moves through the supply chain. CSA K100 supports food security efforts by improving data quality and comparability nationwide, helping organizations and policymakers identify where targeted interventions can have the greatest impact.
By aligning how FLW is measured, the standard makes it easier to track progress over time and scale successful solutions across regions.
Supporting Canada’s Circular Economy Goals
CSA K100 also fits within CSA Group’s broader work to advance the circular economy. Shared definitions and measurement frameworks allow governments, businesses, and non‑profits to align their efforts, track results more effectively, and reduce duplication.
Keeping food within the human food system whenever possible, and diverting unavoidable waste into productive uses, supports environmental goals while reducing financial losses.
Who the Standard Is For?
CSA K100 is intended for a wide range of users, including:
- For‑profit and not‑for‑profit organizations across the food supply chain
- Organizations involved in managing or disposing of food loss and waste
- Federal, provincial, territorial, and municipal governments
- Non‑governmental organizations focused on food systems and sustainability
CSA K100:2026, Food loss and waste – Terminology and measurement is now available through the CSA Group Online Store, marking a significant milestone in Canada’s efforts to reduce food waste and build a more resilient food system.