Circumstantial factors and local collaboration determine farmers' perceptions and practices on circular bioeconomy – examples from Southern Sweden

Abstract

Economic systems that rely on linear growth and non-renewable resources have enhanced environmental impact of agricultural practices at a global scale. The literature portrays an urgent need to align agricultural practices with economic pathways that utilize and regenerate biological resources more. Circular bioeconomy promotes means for the agri-food sector to close, narrow, and slow biological resource flows. As farmers have a pivotal role in facilitating a transition to circular bioeconomy, this study analyzes farmers' perceptions and practices related to circular bioeconomy. Based on 11 semi-structured interviews with Swedish farmers the study highlights the role of pea cultivation as a tangible means to facilitate circular bioeconomy within the agri-food sector. The empirical findings of the study depict how farmers facilitate circular bioeconomy by closing, slowing and narrowing biological flows through waste management practices, technological means, and regenerative practices. The overarching results show how circumstantial factors such as inflation, market demand and regulations influence farmers perceptions and practices on circular bioeconomy, and how local networks and collaboration can facilitate cascading use and valorization of waste and by-products.