Bioeconomy, Agriculture, and the Circular Economy: Opportunity and Challenges. Lessons Learned from the EU BioMonitor Project

Justus Wesseler (), Kutay Cingiz, Roy Delahaye, Maximilian Kardung, Ema Lazorcakova, Myrna van Leeuwen, Hans van Meijl, Robert M’Barek, George Philippidis, Tevecia Ronzon, Johannes Sauer, Claudio Soregaroli, Viktoriya Sturm, Gianmaria Tassinari, Vineta Tetere, Hans Verkerk and Maria Vrachioli
Additional contact information
Justus Wesseler: Wageningen University and Research
Kutay Cingiz: Wageningen University and Research
Roy Delahaye: Statistics Netherlands
Maximilian Kardung: Wageningen University and Research
Ema Lazorcakova: Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Institute of Economic Policy and Finance
Myrna van Leeuwen: Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen Social and Economic Research
Hans van Meijl: Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen Social and Economic Research
Robert M’Barek: European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC)
George Philippidis: Centro de Investigación y Technologia Agroalimentaria (CITA), Aragonese Foundation for Research & Development (ARAID), Unit of Agrifood and Natural Resource Economics
Tevecia Ronzon: European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC)
Johannes Sauer: Technical University of Munich, Department of Economics & Policy, Chair for Production and Resource Economics
Claudio Soregaroli: Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore Piacenza, Department of Agricultural and Food Economics
Viktoriya Sturm: Thünen Institute of Market Analysis
Gianmaria Tassinari: European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC)
Vineta Tetere: Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies
Hans Verkerk: European Forest Institute
Maria Vrachioli: Technical University of Munich, Department of Economics & Policy, Chair for Production and Resource Economics

Chapter Chapter 5 in Handbook of Circular Bioeconomy, 2026, pp 57-75 from Springer

Abstract: Abstract This chapter analyzes the evolving relationship between the bioeconomy, agriculture, and the circular economy, drawing insights from the EU Horizon 2020 BioMonitor project. It begins by placing the bioeconomy within the broader sustainability agenda, revisiting classical economic thought, and demonstrating how principles of circularity can enhance the value of biological resources while respecting ecological limits. This chapter quantifies Europe’s bioeconomy’s size, growth trajectories, and material flows using newly developed indicators and methods such as environmentally extended input–output analysis, the Bio Flow Monitor, and the BioMAT model. It identifies sectoral hotspots and evaluates the socio-economic and environmental trade-offs involved. Case studies on sludge-based biofertilizer production and regional biorefineries illustrate how hybrid modeling captures the connections between upstream and downstream processes, employment effects, and uncertainties. The results indicate that the value added by bio-based sectors and job creation are growing, particularly in food production, biofuels, and high-value chemicals. However, these sectors still represent a modest share of total economic activity, and their benefits are contingent upon coherent policies, reliable data, and the cascading use of biomass. This chapter concludes by outlining future opportunities and challenges for a bioeconomy transition in the EU, including essential research, regulatory, and skills priorities needed.

Keywords: Bioeconomy; Agriculture; Circular economy; European Union; BioMonitor; Sustainability; Indicators; Biorefineries; Value added; Material flow; Bio-based material; Biofertilizer; Regional development (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
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DOI: 10.1007/978-3-032-07112-5_5

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