Page 109 - STRATEGY FOR SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTUR AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE PERIOD 2021-2030 AND VISION TO 2050

planning and design to use waste sources,
reduce environmental pollution, maintain the
long-term use of resources and materials,
and regenerate natural ecosystems (Ellen
MacArthur Foundation, 2013) .
27
Circular agriculture is an ecological
concept based on maximizing the use of all
biomasses. Circular agriculture aims to create
a cycle of raw materials and substances and
reduce resource use and adverse impact on
the environment (Berkum, 2019) .
28
Circular agriculture consists of 3 main
principles. The first principle focuses on the
importance of taking advantage of natural
processes while limiting the use of external
(dangerous) inputs; the second principle
focuses on the efficient use of resources to
promote the efficient circulation of nutrients,
energy, and water; the third principle systems that include efficient resource
addresses the question of how to minimize extraction species and benefit from
food loss through the recycling of waste as interactions between species.
inputs for agricultural production. These • Principle of multipurpose use and
principles are not mutually exclusive but recovery (waste to value): This principle
complementary. focuses on minimizing food loss by

• Regenerative agriculture principle using by-products and turning them
(conservation and increasing of into valuable inputs for the agriculture
natural resource supplies): This production chain.
principle addresses the importance of
leveraging biological processes and
ecosystem services while reducing
inputs that are non-recyclable or
hazardous chemicals, materials, and
other items difficult to reuse or recycle
or are toxic.

• Principle of efficient use of resources
(close the nutrient loop): Agricultural
systems can use resources more
efficiently by regulating resource use
and reuse. The efficient circulation
of nutrients, energy and water often
27 Ellen MacArthur Foundation. 2013. Towards a circular
characterizes natural ecosystems. This economy. [Virtual]. Access on 21 Dec. 2016. https://www.
ecosystem is nourished and supported ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/ assets/ downloads/
publications/Ellen-MacArthur-Foundation-Towards-the-
by species living in different niches Circular- Economy-vol.1.pdf
28 Berkum, S. van, J. Dengerink and R. Ruben. 2018. The food
and beneficial interactions between system approach: Sustainable solutions for adequate supply
species. Circular agriculture can grow of healthy food. Wageningen, Holland: Wageningen economic
study
out of ecology by developing production

Guidelines for the Strategy for sustainable agriculture and rural development 109
in the period 2021-2030, and vision to 2050