Chapter 4: Circular Economy in Agri-food Greenhouses: Lessons from the Netherlands

Purpose: This chapter explores how barriers to the implementation of circular economy (CE) practices in the greenhouse agri-food sector of the Netherlands can be overcome. It seeks to develop an evaluation framework to understand the contextual governance of this sector, with a focus on achieving both food security and sustainability.

Design/Methodology/Approach: The study examines the challenges and opportunities of applying CE principles within the Dutch greenhouse horticultural sector. It evaluates legislative, technological, and governance factors through an analysis of the sector’s current efficiency and sustainability practices.

Findings: The Netherlands is a global leader in greenhouse food production and export, driven by investments in technology and resources across the horticultural production chain. While the sector demonstrates remarkable efficiency and competitiveness in the global market, circularity is largely limited to the micro level due to significant legislative constraints. Achieving regional consensus on the definition and goals of circularity is identified as a critical step for aligning environmental and economic objectives.

Practical implications: The findings underscore the importance of addressing systemic barriers, particularly at the legislative and governance levels, to fully realize CE objectives. Aligning sustainable practices with broader policies can enhance the sector’s contribution to sustainable development goals (SDGs) 2 (Zero Hunger) and 12 (Responsible Production and Consumption), ensuring long-term food security and environmental sustainability.