Speaker
Description
In the current context of the transition to a green and sustainable economy, primary production through agriculture has an important role in the development of a circular bioeconomy that is functional. Given its agricultural potential and a high level of biological diversity, Romania is well-positioned to implement innovative business models that efficiently utilize biological resources and reduce waste to provide added value in circular value chains of bioeconomy ecosystem. The main purpose of this paper was to evaluate how to incorporate the principles of the circular bioeconomy into Romanian agriculture, by converting traditional value chains into sustainable value chains that have environmental value and impacts on rural communities.
The methodology of research included as a first step a documentary review. Literature review of circular bioeconomy and its linkages to agricultural value chains, European policies (Green Deal, Farm to Fork, Circular Economy Action Plan, Bioeconomy strategy) and respective national policy documents (circular economy related regulatory framework, research and development strategies, Strategic Plan) was conducted. Semi-structured interviews were also conducted with business, research and rural development stakeholders. The interviews addressed attitudes towards the circular economy, the level of implementation, the barriers and facilitators.
The results of the research indicated a series of significant aspects regarding the evolution of the circular bioeconomy in Romanian agriculture. The adoption remains limited but in progress. Most of the Romanian entrepreneurs are aware of some circular practices, such as crop rotation, composting, valorization of by-products resulted from main activity, but few of them is yet standardized in an integrated circular bioeconomy approach. Main challenges identified in this research study referred to the obstacles most frequently cited by respondents are: lack of information and training on bioeconomy-related issues; barriers to obtaining access to finance circular investments; lack of adequate infrastructure for collecting and processing waste; and lack of proper cooperation among value chain actors (farmer–processor–consumer). The majority of respondents identified a rather proactive public policy and research interest in this area. Financial incentives for circular biobased business, clear regulation of agricultural waste management, and the creation of platforms for collaboration among farmers, researchers, institutions, and the private sector were identified as immediate needs
To push forward the transition towards circular agriculture, there needs to be an integrated strategic plan, targeted investment, intersectoral coordination and continued training of farmers and other parties.
