Morgan Bath, Travis Erickson, Pan Xie, Pranav Miglani, and Yining Wang
This synthesis map explores the complex issue of tomato waste within the global food supply chain, illustrating the systemic nature of the problem and proposing potential interventions. Tomatoes, despite being one of the most consumed vegetables worldwide, contribute significantly to global food waste, with an estimated 62.5 million tonnes wasted annually. This represents not only a substantial economic loss but also a considerable environmental impact, as each pound of tomato waste emits 1.13 kg of CO2e.
Our map employs a visual narrative inspired by Greek mythology. The myth of Sisyphus represents the existential push of tomatoes through the supply chain. The design incorporates three horizons: the current problems, key waste diversion opportunities, and future areas of action. By visually representing stakeholders as Greek pottery and utilizing a fishbone diagram, we identify the root causes and barriers to waste diversion across the system.
The synthesis map reveals that only 41% of produced tomatoes are actually consumed, with waste occurring at various stages: 23.5% during harvest, 35% in post-harvest processes, 3.9% at retail, and 20.2% in households. Through story loops centred on three main stakeholders—labourers, transporters, and consumers – we explore how each group both influences and is affected by tomato waste.
Our analysis uncovers several key insights:
- Laborers possess extensive knowledge but limited power in decision-making processes, resulting in significant labor and economic inefficiencies.
- Transporters play a crucial role in the supply chain but contribute substantially to greenhouse gas emissions, highlighting the need for more sustainable logistics solutions.
- While consumers lack detailed knowledge of the production process, they wield significant power through their purchasing decisions, influencing market dynamics and demand.
Based on these findings, we propose a set of systemic interventions:
- Redirecting harvest waste to livestock feed
- Educating households on proper disposal and nutritional value
- Utilizing tomato waste in health and science R&D
- Redistributing imperfect tomatoes to food kitchens and charities
- Increasing market transparency regarding supply needs
- Promoting localized supply chains
- Encouraging efficient household utilization of tomatoes
The synthesis map concludes by emphasizing three key intervention points: education, health, and feed. By addressing these areas, we aim to create a more sustainable and efficient tomato supply chain and reduce waste and its associated environmental impact.
This systemic approach to understanding and addressing tomato waste demonstrates the interconnectedness of stakeholders and processes within the global food system, offering a foundation for developing holistic solutions to this complex challenge.
