Exploring entry points to circularity in food production from a farming system perspective

Background Redesigning food systems for circularity has been proposed as a strategy to reduce environmental impacts, reliance on external inputs, and to support a shift towards healthy diets. Finland's specialised and input-reliant food production systems combined with efforts to curb agricultural emissions and transition to more plant-based diets motivate exploration of future food system scenarios. Aims We explored two entry points to circular food production, localised food systems and the production of plant-based foods, and analysed their potential to enhance the environmental performance of Finnish farms. We further aimed to complement larger scale studies on circularity with a farm level perspective that accounts for heterogeneity and the farmers' perspective. Methods We generated alternative farm configurations for eight specialised arable farms in Finland. This explorative modelling study was based on three scenarios: (i) farm development based on the farmers' preferences, (ii) a localised farming system increasing nutrient and biomass cycling, (iii) maximising the production of plant-based foods. Results Localised and plant-based scenarios resulted in distinctly different production systems. While scenario (ii) reduced food production but lowered environmental impacts and input reliance, scenario (iii) led to highest reductions of greenhouse gas emissions and increases in overall food production. Farmer-led redesigns (i) showed large variability in perceived options for change reflecting farm-specific lock-ins and opportunities. Conclusions Our results underline the role of supporting objectives, such as self-sufficiency or dietary change in designing circular food systems. The heterogeneity across farms calls for a context-specific approach in supporting farmers to deliver on environmental goals.