Abstract
The transition from intensive conventional agriculture to sustainable agriculture has become a global priority. This is due to the need for environmentally friendly agriculture to ensure sufficient food for a rapidly growing population. The bioeconomy is essential to progress in the field of sustainable agriculture. It contributes to the conservation of biological resources through circular and comprehensive management. The bioeconomy prioritizes the reduction and reuse of materials and products. The focus of this study is the use of biodegradable/compostable raffia in protected horticultural crops in the Province of Almería (Spain). The analysis and evaluations, based on an extensive literature review and information given by stakeholders, determined that biodegradable raffia use significantly improves the management of residual biomass in Almería. However, biodegradable raffia is only used in a small percentage of crops even though it is a sustainable alternative and profitable for farmers. The economic analysis incorporates the higher cost of recycling non-biodegradable raffia.
Highlights
Transition from the Conventional Intensive Agricultural Production Model to a Circular and Agriculture is responsible for a quarter of the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that contribute to climate change [1,2]
This study presents the following question: Is biodegradable/compostable raffia a sustainable and profitable alternative for protected horticulture in the province of Almería? From a microeconomic point of view, the aim is to analyse whether the use of this type of raffia is a profitable option for farmers and whether or not this practice contributes to the sustainability of horticulture in south-eastern Spain
This study shows the results of the economic evaluation and the environmental/social benefits that could be obtained by the replacement of plastic raffia with biodegradable and/or compostable raffia, which contribute to the reduction, use, and improved management of agricultural residual biomass [33,36]
Summary
Transition from the Conventional Intensive Agricultural Production Model to a Circular and Sustainable One. Agriculture is responsible for a quarter of the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that contribute to climate change [1,2]. The forecast is for continued increase of these emissions in the future [1]. Today, these emissions are responsible for the higher frequency of extreme weather events, such as torrential rain and prolonged drought [5]. These emissions are responsible for the higher frequency of extreme weather events, such as torrential rain and prolonged drought [5] These climatic conditions accelerate soil degradation and negatively affect agricultural productivity, putting food security at risk [6,7]. By 2050, this phenomenon could lead to an increase in the prices of basic
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
