The Concept of Circular Economy in Agriculture. A Review of the Literature and a Possible Way Forward

The EU prioritises the circular economy to foster sustainability, optimise resources, and minimise waste. Despite its potential, lacking a clear definition for circular economy in agriculture limits its benefits and cumulative knowledge. This study systemically identifies a consensus concept of circular economy in agriculture and its relationship with circular bioeconomy. We conducted a two-stage review and coding analysis of academic and grey literature, 22 documents define circular economy in agriculture and 12 define circular bioeconomy. Results indicate that circular economy in agriculture closes production loops, reduces, manages, and repurposes waste, primarily through the R’s principles - reduce, reuse, recycle. Its aims include environmental, economic, health and food security benefits. Circular economy in agriculture is overarching and synergistic to circular bioeconomy, since cascading mechanisms improve sustainable resource management. As circular economy evolves, this study offers a foundation for future research integrating expert validation and qualitative assessments with implementation and monitoring strategies.