The CIRCULAGRIS project for developing metrics for circularity and sustainability in Italian agri-food systems

The agricultural sector, a leading sector in Italy, is crucial for various EU sustainability initiatives and Circular Economy (CE) integration. However, evaluating the sustainability of specific CE practices is essential beyond mere circularity. Scholars stress the need for assessing sustainability impacts at both company and inter-firm levels, often using life cycle-based assessment methodologies, although further development is necessary for CE practices assessment. The CIRCULAGRIS project aims to understand the relationship between circularity and sustainability in the agricultural sector, thus identifying metrics and exploring the impact of circular practices. Methodologically, the project encompasses several key approaches: identifying circularity assessment methods and indicators through systematic literature review, modelling circular systems within three key supply chains in Italy (wine, olive oil, bread/pasta), applying and testing assessment methods to these models, developing a comprehensive life cycle-based assessment framework for all sustainability dimensions, and assessing individual sustainability aspects using life cycle assessment, life cycle costing, and social life cycle assessment. Comparative and scenario analyses will be used to understand how circularity affects sustainability. Expected results include the development of a framework for assessing the sustainability implications of the three identified supply chains, creating knowledge about applying life cycle-based methodologies within circular supply chains, identifying circularity assessment methodologies tailored to the agri-food sector, establishing an approach linking circularity and sustainability assessment to guide decision-makers, and identifying best practices for structuring supply chains considering sustainability impacts. In conclusion, whilst CE is a priority for EU sustainability initiatives, its implementation may not always guarantee enhanced sustainability, especially in sectors like agri-food, which is vital for meeting human needs. This research seeks to fill existing gaps by providing methodological tools to assess circularity and sustainability in agri-food supply chains, thus allowing stakeholders to determine if their circular practices indeed lead to greater sustainability compared to linear approaches. Contribution to SDGs and related targets: SDGs 2 and 12 + targets: 12.3, 12.4, 12.5. Relation to the topic of the Conference: Offering methodological instruments for evaluating circularity and sustainability within agri-food supply chains.