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Sustainability and Circularity of the Agri-food Systems: How to Measure It? A First Attempt on the Italian System

Author

Listed:
  • Gianni Betti

    (Department of Economics and Statistics, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy)

  • Francesca Gagliardi

    (Department of Economics and Statistics, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy)

  • Andrea Mecca

    (Department of Economics and Statistics, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
    Department of Statistics, Computer Science, and Applications ‘Giuseppe Parenti’, University of Florence, 50121 Firenze, Italy)

  • Angelo Riccaboni

    (Department of Business and Law, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy)

  • Cristiana Tozzi

    (Santa Chiara Lab, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy)

Abstract

The agri-food sector is undergoing profound transformations driven by ecological and digital transitions, as well as evolving consumer and nutritional choices. These shifts pose significant challenges but also open new opportunities for businesses to enhance sustainability and competitiveness through circular economy principles. In response, Spoke 9 of the National Agritech Center (PNRR) has launched a survey to analyze agri-food companies and sustainability practices and promote circular strategies. A large-scale survey conducted in early 2024 gathered data from 3002 agri-food companies, covering 20 Italian regions and six major supply chains (wine, olive oil, dairy, milk, fruit and vegetables, and beekeeping). The study is the first attempt in Italy to get metrics on these topics from agri-food companies, and it provides a comprehensive assessment of circular economy practices in the sector. The key objectives of the work are as follows: (1) developing integrated sustainability indicators; (2) sector-specific circular metrics; (3) identifying best practices and gaps; (4) supporting policy and decision-making; and (5) benchmarking and monitoring.

Suggested Citation

  • Gianni Betti & Francesca Gagliardi & Andrea Mecca & Angelo Riccaboni & Cristiana Tozzi, 2025. "Sustainability and Circularity of the Agri-food Systems: How to Measure It? A First Attempt on the Italian System," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(7), pages 1-17, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:7:p:3169-:d:1627086
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Lara Penco & Francesca Serravalle & Giorgia Profumo & Milena Viassone, 2021. "Mobile augmented reality as an internationalization tool in the “Made In Italy” food and beverage industry," Journal of Management & Governance, Springer;Accademia Italiana di Economia Aziendale (AIDEA), vol. 25(4), pages 1179-1209, December.
    2. Ana Garcia-Bernabeu & Adolfo Hilario-Caballero & David Pla-Santamaria & Francisco Salas-Molina, 2020. "A Process Oriented MCDM Approach to Construct a Circular Economy Composite Index," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(2), pages 1-14, January.
    3. Gianni Betti & Daniela Evangelista & Francesca Gagliardi & Emanuele Giordano & Angelo Riccaboni, 2024. "Towards Integrating Information Systems of Statistical Indicators on Traceability, Quality and Safety of Italian Agrifood Systems for Citizens, Institutions and Policy-Makers," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(15), pages 1-26, July.
    4. Francisco José Castillo-Díaz & Luis J. Belmonte-Ureña & María José López-Serrano & Francisco Camacho-Ferre, 2024. "Quantifying sustainability in the agri-food system: a comprehensive methodological framework and expert consensus approach," Agricultural and Food Economics, Springer;Italian Society of Agricultural Economics (SIDEA), vol. 12(1), pages 1-22, December.
    5. Kirchherr, Julian & Reike, Denise & Hekkert, Marko, 2017. "Conceptualizing the circular economy: An analysis of 114 definitions," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 127(C), pages 221-232.
    6. Sanhong Liu & Ying Xie & Wen Liang, 2024. "Optimisation of the Circular Economy Based on the Resource Circulation Equation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(15), pages 1-23, July.
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