Reducing food loss with circular economy

When it comes to sustainability and food security, food loss is one of the main challenges that still needs to be addressed. According to the United Nations (2024), it is estimated that over 13% of food is lost during the stages between harvest and retail, while an additional 19% percent is wasted through a combination of consumer households, food services, and retail operations. In specific, this loss takes place at different parts of the supply chain, from harvest, storage, processing to distribution/retail (Ishangulyyev, Kim, & Lee, 2019).

Addressing these inefficiencies requires a change from the traditional agricultural model, such as the circular economy model which is a process that follows the principles of reducing waste. In specific, circular economy is a process that “turns” waste into a resource and integrates it back into the system, in other words, it optimizes resource use and regenerates the natural system. This framework allows to mitigate agricultural food loss while fostering sustainability and resilience (European Parliament, 2021).

Moreover, circular economy principles reduce the environmental impacts associated with traditional agriculture. Food loss at any stage of the supply chain contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, soil degradation, and water wastage. When unharvested crops are left in fields, they decompose and release greenhouse gases like methane and nitrous into the atmosphere (Ishangulyyev, Kim, & Lee, 2019). This harms ecosystems by increasing the environmental footprint of agriculture. By creating a circular approach system where waste is reintegrated as a resource, the circular economy reduces these emissions, enhances biodiversity, and fosters more sustainable land use practices (European Parliament, 2023).

In practice, example of integrating a circular economy approach to agriculture include:
● Crop residues which are often discarded or burned can be recycled into bioenergy, compost, or animal feed;
● Organic waste from farms and food processing facilities can be composted to enhance soil fertility so as to reduce the reliance on synthetic fertilizers (United Nations, 2024);
● Technologies like precision agriculture or permaculture help farmers optimize resource inputs (such as water, fertilizers, and pesticides) which prevents the excess use and minimizes losses due to inefficiencies (The Locavore, 2023);
● Advanced storage solutions, including temperature-controlled facilities and moisture-resistant packaging, preserve perishable goods and prevent spoilage during transport and distribution (Mahajan, Misopoulos, & Folinas, 2024).

Another benefit in adopting the circular economy in agriculture is the creation of economic opportunities. By repurposing waste into other products, such as biofuels, fertilizers, or packaging materials, farmers and businesses can diversify their revenue streams. This model encourages collaboration among stakeholders, including policymakers, researchers, and industry leaders to invest in innovative solutions and infrastructure that support waste reduction and resource optimization (Mahajan, Misopoulos, & Folinas, 2024; Puertas et al., 2023). Additionally, reducing food loss alleviates pressure on global food systems which ends up making food more affordable and improving its availability, especially in regions where food is more scarce (Ishangulyyev, Kim, & Lee, 2019).

However, while the benefits of transitioning to a circular economy in agriculture are clear, it requires a significant effort and investment. This is why it is important that governments and institutions prioritize policies that encourage sustainable farming practices and fund research into innovative technologies (European Parliament, 2023). Not only that, but consumers also play a critical role by supporting businesses that embrace circular economy principles and by reducing food waste in their own households. Finally, education and awareness initiatives, like the FoodE project or the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste by FAO, can also help bridge the gap between theory and practice, which ultimately empowers individuals to adopt more sustainable behaviors.

In essence, the circular economy offers a model to address agricultural food loss at its source, transforming a linear problem into a regenerative opportunity. Embracing this model is a crucial step toward building a future where the food we produce is used to its fullest potential in order to benefit both people and the planet.

European Parliament. (2023). Circular economy: Definition, importance and benefits. Retrieved from
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/topics/en/article/20151201STO05603/circular-economy-defi nition-importance-and-benefits

Ishangulyyev, R., Kim, S., & Lee, S. (2019). Understanding food loss and waste—Why are we losing
and wasting food? Foods, 8: 297. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods8080297

Mahajan, P., Misopoulos, F., & Folinas, D. (2024). Inhibition of Food Wastage at Storage Locations Across the Supply Chain: A Systematic Literature Review.
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-69351-9_14

Puertas, R., Marti, L., & Calafat, C. (2023). Agricultural and innovation policies aimed at mitigating climate change. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 30(47), 47299–47310.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-023-25663-9

The Locavore (2023, April 17). Can permaculture offer hope in a climate-insecure world? The Locavore.
https://thelocavore.in/2023/04/17/can-permaculture-offer-hope-in-a-climate-insecure-world/

United Nations (2024). International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste. Retrieved November
28th, 2024, from https://www.un.org/en/observances/end-food-waste-day