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Towards More Sustainable Food Systems: A Circular Economy Approach
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Towards More Sustainable Food Systems: A Circular Economy Approach

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Resources and Sustainable Utilization".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2020) | Viewed by 55847

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Pietro Pulina

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Sassari, Via De Nicola 9, 07100 Sassari, Italy
Interests: sustainable agriculture; economic and environmental sustainability; environmental impact assessment; climate change and agriculture; environmental management; agro-food economics
Prof. Roberta Sisto

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Economics, Management and Territory, University of Foggia, 71121 Foggia, Italy
Interests: food-waste valorization and management; consensus building and participatory approaches; social networks analysis; evaluation of LEADER programs; social capital and rural development; organizational models in the agro-food sector; innovation in the agro-food sector
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Rapid global population growth and increases in demands for food and changes in dietary habits, together with inefficient resource use and high rates of food waste, require a transition towards more sustainable practices.

A sustainable food system is a system that delivers food security and nutrition for all without compromising the economic, social, and environmental bases to ensure enough food, water, and prosperity for future generations.

Therefore, there is a need to switch from a linear to a circular economy.

Current economic systems can be classified according to two main paradigms: linear systems and circular systems. The linear model relies on a static view of production and logistic flows that go from raw material provision and transformation to the finished product dismissal. In the long run, this economic model is ineffective from the perspective of both economic and environmental sustainability.

On the contrary, in circular systems, resource flows are not static and unidirectional, but circular as highlighted in the "cradle to cradle" approach. This approach is considered an extension of the industrial ecology approach, which aims to close the loop of materials and substances, and reduce both resource consumption and discharges into the environment.

A circular economy implies reducing the waste, re-use of food, utilization of by-products and food waste, and changes in diet toward more diverse and more efficient food patterns, with an overall minimization of food surplus and waste that decreases the overall matter consumption typical of the linear economy.

However, transforming the linear economy, which has been the dominant model for centuries, into a circular one is by no means an easy task. Such a radical change entails a major transformation of current production and consumption patterns, which in turn will have a significant impact on the economy, environment, and society.

The complexity of food systems and the challenges related to the transition cannot be met by any individual enterprise but require a holistic and coordinated approach. Specifically, this means developing an in-depth knowledge of the concept of the circular economy and its processes and their expected effects on sectors and value chains.

Studies are expected to address the following:

  • The approach of the circular economy to improve the sustainability of food systems
  • Investigation of deep relations in food systems
  • Challenges and potential solutions for the production stage and the consumption stage
  • Food waste and surplus management and prevention
  • Food losses and waste related to food security and nutrition.

We believe that this Special Issue will connect multidisciplinary knowledge in accordance with the complexity of the topics covered, therefore, providing a systemic vision of problem-solving.

Prof. Pietro Pulina
Prof. Roberta Sisto
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Circular economy
  • Sustainability
  • Sustainable food systems
  • Food waste and surplus management
  • Circular business model.

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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24 pages, 4765 KiB  
Article
Social Farming in the Virtuous System of the Circular Economy. An Exploratory Research
by Agata Nicolosi, Valentina Rosa Laganà, Donatella Di Gregorio and Donatella Privitera
Sustainability 2021, 13(2), 989; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13020989 - 19 Jan 2021
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 4433
Abstract
Multifunctionality and social farming represent forms of resilience and innovation within urban and rural systems, making use of agricultural, rural, natural, and cultural resources to produce multiple benefits and eco-systemic services. Social farming (SF) introduces innovative activities capable of representing a factor supporting [...] Read more.
Multifunctionality and social farming represent forms of resilience and innovation within urban and rural systems, making use of agricultural, rural, natural, and cultural resources to produce multiple benefits and eco-systemic services. Social farming (SF) introduces innovative activities capable of representing a factor supporting the competitiveness of the production system and represents a tool for responding to the growing needs of urban and rural populations in social, economic, and environmental terms, in relation to the offer of social- health, social-work, recreative and educational services. SF is an innovative model of territorial, participatory, relational, and community service development that looks to an inclusive, sustainable, fair, and supportive society. Its success is linked to the ability to spread within the economic system and become a circular economy model highlighting good practices and as a virtuous example for other companies. The purpose of this work is to examine the role and social impact that Social Farming has in the environmental, social, and cultural changes of the territories where they are located. Case studies in an area of Southern Italy—the Calabria region—were examined with multicriteria methodologies (social network analysis; multiple correspondence analysis) to identify the type of social activity carried out and the propensity to introduce innovations based on services ecosystems on farms. The results show the potential and value of the companies that carry out these social innovation activities. The analysis carried out has drawn some indicative profiles of socially oriented multifunctional companies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards More Sustainable Food Systems: A Circular Economy Approach)
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25 pages, 2898 KiB  
Article
The “Eco-Effectiveness” of Agritourism Dynamics in Italy and Spain: A Tool for Evaluating Regional Sustainability
by Angelo Belliggiano, Eugenio Cejudo Garcia, Marilena Labianca, Francisco Navarro Valverde and Stefano De Rubertis
Sustainability 2020, 12(17), 7080; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12177080 - 30 Aug 2020
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 4381
Abstract
Rural tourism has commonly been identified as one of the main areas of application of the principles of sustainable tourism, but the literature has typically focused solely on the ecological dimension, particularly when referring to agritourism. This study presents a new approach to [...] Read more.
Rural tourism has commonly been identified as one of the main areas of application of the principles of sustainable tourism, but the literature has typically focused solely on the ecological dimension, particularly when referring to agritourism. This study presents a new approach to assessing the “eco-effectiveness” of the evolutionary dynamics of agritourism, as applied in a study of NUTS-2 regions in two European countries (Spain and Italy) that have implemented similar rural development strategies. To this end, a synthetic sustainability index was developed using the Index Decomposition Analysis (IDA) technique. The last period of the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) 2007–2013 was chosen for the study in order to analyze the outcomes of a programming cycle focusing on the diversification of agriculture through tourism. The results show that the sustainability of agritourism growth is not homogeneous and has specific features in different regions of the same country. In some cases, there were more similarities with regions from other countries. This tool could help evaluate the impact of agritourism and facilitate comparisons between different regions, in this way supporting the process of transition from a linear to a circular economy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards More Sustainable Food Systems: A Circular Economy Approach)
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15 pages, 569 KiB  
Article
Are Agri-Food Systems Really Switching to a Circular Economy Model? Implications for European Research and Innovation Policy
by Alessandro Muscio and Roberta Sisto
Sustainability 2020, 12(14), 5554; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12145554 - 10 Jul 2020
Cited by 63 | Viewed by 6665
Abstract
The shift from a linear model to a circular model can significantly reduce the negative pressures on the environment and contribute to restoring biodiversity and natural capital in Europe. In this view, research and innovation (R&I) play a relevant role in setting the [...] Read more.
The shift from a linear model to a circular model can significantly reduce the negative pressures on the environment and contribute to restoring biodiversity and natural capital in Europe. In this view, research and innovation (R&I) play a relevant role in setting the modalities of this transition. Therefore, the European Commission (EC) recently promoted dedicated research activity instruments in this vital area of the economy and in society as a whole. This paper aims to shed light on current public efforts on R&I supporting the transition to the CE (circular economy) model, opening a critical debate on the actual relevance of the CE in current R&I policy with its major research policy schemes in the recent programming periods of 2007–2013 and 2014–2020. Looking at the most significant EC programs sponsoring R&I, it seems that the will to increase the sustainability of the agri-food system and to foster the socio-technical transition towards circularity is evident but not very relevant. The data presented leaves some open questions concerning the effective commitment of European countries to promoting resource efficiency via R&I. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards More Sustainable Food Systems: A Circular Economy Approach)
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15 pages, 499 KiB  
Article
Local Entrepreneurs’ Involvement in Strategy Building to Facilitate Agro-Food Waste Valorisation within an Agro-Food Technological District: A SWOT-SOR Approach
by Maurizio Prosperi, Roberta Sisto, Antonio Lopolito and Valentina C. Materia
Sustainability 2020, 12(11), 4523; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12114523 - 02 Jun 2020
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2311
Abstract
The paper focuses on Agro-food waste valorization conceived as a long-term, complex socio-technical process involving several different actors belonging to multiple levels. Although this process is typically affected by a series of uncertainties, the convergence of stakeholders’ expectations proves to be a means [...] Read more.
The paper focuses on Agro-food waste valorization conceived as a long-term, complex socio-technical process involving several different actors belonging to multiple levels. Although this process is typically affected by a series of uncertainties, the convergence of stakeholders’ expectations proves to be a means to overcoming barriers, as it acts as the foundation of a shared agenda setting which formalizes the coordination efforts among the actors involved in an innovation process. Applying the strategic niche management (SNM) framework to the case of the Apulia Agro-Food Technology District (DARe), whose mission is to promote a bio-based industry for food-waste valorization, the paper proposes an operational tool capable of designing the strategy based on the entrepreneurs’ knowledge. The DARe aims to promote the technological innovation of agro-food firms located in the South of Italy. The results of a SWOT-SOR analysis led to the establishment of a twofold strategy aimed at (a) promoting the innovation of more active and dynamic firms, and (b) reducing the gap between “pioneer” and “laggard” firms, with the result of promoting integrated innovation throughout the entire district. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards More Sustainable Food Systems: A Circular Economy Approach)
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Review

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23 pages, 1402 KiB  
Review
Insect Rearing: Potential, Challenges, and Circularity
by Lorenzo A. Cadinu, Paolo Barra, Francesco Torre, Francesco Delogu and Fabio A. Madau
Sustainability 2020, 12(11), 4567; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12114567 - 03 Jun 2020
Cited by 65 | Viewed by 11674
Abstract
Environmental pollution, population increase, water availability and misuse of land are inexorably driving humans to take on important challenges related to sustainability. The next future is expected to see a significant increase of food and feed demands, which determines a serious threat to [...] Read more.
Environmental pollution, population increase, water availability and misuse of land are inexorably driving humans to take on important challenges related to sustainability. The next future is expected to see a significant increase of food and feed demands, which determines a serious threat to well-being levels and even survival of modern societies. Within this scenario, the efficient and sustainable use of insects as protein sources has been invoked as a possible strategic solution. As a candidate for remarkable growth, insect farming promises significant benefits to agri-food industry, offering interesting opportunities for implementing circular economy. In the present work, we review selected literature on insect rearing with the aim of providing a short rigorous introduction to the field to researchers, entrepreneurs and common readers. After a general overview of the field, including a description of insect nutritional values, the review focuses on the three insect species that are seemingly set to beneficially affect aquaculture, which is the activity presently more sensitive to circularity and sustainability innovation. Once traditional and advanced insect rearing methods are described, the challenges that the field is going to tackle are suitably highlighted. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards More Sustainable Food Systems: A Circular Economy Approach)
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Other

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15 pages, 306 KiB  
Commentary
Insect Farming for Feed and Food Production from a Circular Business Model Perspective
by Fabio A. Madau, Brunella Arru, Roberto Furesi and Pietro Pulina
Sustainability 2020, 12(13), 5418; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12135418 - 04 Jul 2020
Cited by 74 | Viewed by 17058
Abstract
The studies focused on the use of insects have outlined numerous reasons for using insects as food and feed as an important method to increase food opportunities for consumers. Insects have been emphasized as a food source with a low environmental impact due [...] Read more.
The studies focused on the use of insects have outlined numerous reasons for using insects as food and feed as an important method to increase food opportunities for consumers. Insects have been emphasized as a food source with a low environmental impact due to the limited requirement for arable land and water, low ecological cost, and high-quality protein provision. In Europe and Western countries, insect farming is a growing business in which, however, some critical economic aspects must be recognized. The sector needs to be adequately promoted to rationally exploit the huge amount of potential. As such, the aim of this study was to analyze the recent research on economic aspects related to insect farming for feed and food production with the purpose of providing evidence of the critical economic points in this emerging sector. The focus was mainly oriented to understanding how insect farming can foster virtuous circular economic processes, specifically considering economic aspects on the basis of the limited literature currently available and the circular economic principles. A circular business model approach was proposed to address the entire insect-based feed and food supply chain from a circular economic perspective. In our opinion, the findings underline some economic research questions that need to be addressed in the near future, and the conceptual approach can be individualized to help increase cost- and eco-effectiveness from a circular economic perspective. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards More Sustainable Food Systems: A Circular Economy Approach)
22 pages, 4764 KiB  
Commentary
Three Propositions to Unify Circular Economy Research: A Review
by Massimiliano Borrello, Stefano Pascucci and Luigi Cembalo
Sustainability 2020, 12(10), 4069; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12104069 - 15 May 2020
Cited by 69 | Viewed by 7863
Abstract
Transitioning into a circular economy (CE) has been recently proposed as an agenda for reconciling global industrial systems with natural equilibria, but the current understanding of CE is ambiguous among scholars. Informed by recent growing CE literature, this study summarizes through three key [...] Read more.
Transitioning into a circular economy (CE) has been recently proposed as an agenda for reconciling global industrial systems with natural equilibria, but the current understanding of CE is ambiguous among scholars. Informed by recent growing CE literature, this study summarizes through three key propositions a set of indisputable insights emerging from the CE debate. In particular, the paper: remarks how CE takes stock of concepts of other schools of thought to drive policy interventions; depicts CE as a systemic transition of global industrial systems; and highlights the role of eco-effectiveness to upgrade business-centered approaches to sustainability. The proposed propositions are expected to contribute to reducing ambiguities in the CE debate and to convey coherence to future research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards More Sustainable Food Systems: A Circular Economy Approach)
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