Circular Economy: Key to Sustainable Food Systems in France

Cirad's new paper highlights the circular economy's vital role in making food systems sustainable.

Key Points

  • • Cirad emphasizes the need for transforming food systems to reduce fossil fuel reliance.
  • • The circular economy is a practical tool for optimizing resources and minimizing waste.
  • • Three key ambitions are outlined: optimizing resource use, minimizing waste, and valuing local co-products.
  • • Case studies illustrate successful applications of circular economy principles in food systems.

Cirad, a prominent French agronomy research organization, has released a position paper underscoring the essential role of the circular economy in transforming food systems for sustainability. The report, published on July 9, 2025, highlights that the transition towards circularity is crucial for diminishing reliance on fossil fuels and synthetic chemicals, thus improving public health and ensuring equitable distribution of food resources.

The Cirad emphasizes three core ambitions to enhance food system efficiency: optimizing resource use, minimizing food waste, and effectively valuing local co-products. According to their findings, successful implementations of circular economy principles can lead to significant improvements in sustainability, as illustrated by various case studies included in the paper. These examples demonstrate the effectiveness of tailored strategies that respect local contexts and engage relevant stakeholders in achieving sustainable food production practices.

Cirad also asserts that advancing circularity requires looking beyond mere efficiency gains. It involves systemic changes that reflect the political and economic dimensions of food systems while promoting collective innovation among various actors involved. The strategies proposed are aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, aiming to enhance food security, foster social equity, and reduce the environmental consequences of current food systems.

This report presents a timely call for action, suggesting that the circular economy offers practical solutions that can significantly contribute to the sustainability goals of France's food systems.