SG - A Circular Food System: Principles and Economic Challenges

A Circular Food System: Principles and Economic Challenges

The idea of a circular food system is gaining popularity. But what is it actually about? In this first lecture of the series, Imke de Boer will introduce you to the principles of a circular food system. She will go into the concept of a safe and just operating space, and discuss the role of animals in the food system. Based on their food vision for the Netherlands in 2050, Imke de Boer and Evelien de Olde will discuss some of the economic questions the transition towards a circular food system raises. In addition, Evelien de Olde will highlight some recent initiatives that aim to rethink the economy which can contribute to a more circular food system.

About Imke de Boer

Prof. dr. Imke de Boer is chairholder of the Animal Production Systems group of Wageningen University & Research. Her work is centred around the question: What role, if any, does animal-source food play in a sustainable diet? Together with her team she explores this complex question which touches upon one of the essences of human life: eating healthy and well. She deeply cares about the future of our food system, and actively participates in debates about alternative futures. She moreover is member of the Dutch Council on Animal Affairs, which advises the agriculture minister on animal welfare.

About Evelien de Olde

Dr. Evelien de Olde works as a researcher at the Animal Production Systems group of Wageningen University & Research. Her research interests include sustainability assessments in agriculture, circular food systems and certification systems of sustainable food products. She is passionate about the transformation towards more sustainable food systems. Together with Imke de Boer and a team of scientists, farmers and organizations, she developed a food vision for the Netherlands in 2050.

About lecture series Economic Perspectives for a Circular Food System

Attention for circular food systems is booming. Now that Dutch agriculture has to move towards circularity, it becomes clear that a lot of questions with regard to the business model for food producers, fair and true pricing along the chain, and the economic system in general, remain unanswered. For example, can farmers make a living from circular production? Are consumers and retailers willing to reward circularity? How do we organize responsibility in the food chain? Are there options to move beyond growth and GDP? In this series we will discuss these questions and explore the role of the economy in the transformation towards a circular food system.

This series is organized in collaboration with the Animal Production Systems group, Agricultural Economics and Rural Policy group, and Wageningen Economic Research. These five public events can be followed separately. They can also be followed as part of a new university course (capita selecta, 3 ECTS) which is organized in period 2, in the evening. More information on the course can be found here.

This programme has a hybrid set-up, which implies that a limited number of people can attend the lectures on campus while others will follow the lectures online. This set-up might be subject to change depending on COVID-19 developments.

If you wish to register for the complete course (capita selecta involving 6 sessions and assignments) or if you have questions about the course, please contact Evelien de Olde (evelien.deolde@wur.nl).

If you wish to attend one of the sessions without enrolling for the course, please register for this session by sending an e-mail to info.sg@wur.nl, with the title and date of the event in the subject line.

Please note that due to limited capacity, we might not be able to accommodate all registrations. The earlier you register, the more chance you have you can attend the event. For more information about registration and attendance, see here.