2s2: Struggles in circular agriculture discourse: open concept, closed circuit?

Abstract

To address the role of agriculture in environmental crises such as climate change, Dutch policy agendas envision the Netherlands to be a frontrunner in circular agriculture by 2030, but to provide space for the development of different approaches, policy texts do not operationalize the concept. This study drew on discourse theory and methods to explore different lines of argumentation and knowledge claims featuring in debates on what it should mean, and on how it might carry forward a profound transformation in the agricultural sector. Our interdisciplinary exploration was based on document-analysis and interviews with farmers who already adopted more sustainable agricultural practices.