Circular Food Systems Network

In circular food systems losses of raw materials in the production of biomass are kept to a minimum by pursuing a closed-loop in which all produced biomass is utilised to a maximum extent. It is a whole-system approach that looks at the individual parts of the food system as elements of an integrated entity. Such a food system approach is more than the sum of its parts as interaction between the different parts of the food system results in additional resource efficiency.

Circular Food Systems (CFS) may contribute to increased food security and reduction of GHG emissions by increasing the resource security (use of waste streams reduces need for inputs e.g. land, water, fossil energy and nitrogen and phosphorus as mineral fertilizer), and by mitigating the net greenhouse effect of emissions from CO₂, N₂O and CH₄ during the different stages of the food systems both via direct mitigation interventions such as reduction of methane emissions and indirect mitigation interventions such as through additional carbon sequestration in soils and biomass. The benefits resulting from circular food systems go beyond mitigation of GHG-emissions and food security, but may also include  increased biodiversity, and development of opportunities for ecosystem services.

Objectives of the network

The objectives of the network are:

• To contribute to food security with mitigation of GHG emissions by circularity across the entire agri-food system
• Bring together, develop and disseminate knowledge about the concept of circularity in food system across the world, and how it can contribute to GHG mitigation
• Provide coordination for international collaboration on research and design of (region specific) circular food systems
• Provide policy-makers with strategies how to implement circular food systems, based on proven technologies and system designs