Perspective: Benchmarking Opportunities Can Contribute to Circular Food Systems in Controlled Environment Agriculture

Abstract

HighlightsControlled Environment Agriculture facilities can achieve better resource efficiency and productivity than field farming.Controlled Environment Agriculture food systems provide resiliency and economic benefits for communities.Efficient Controlled Environment Agriculture strategies can reduce solid waste and wastewater emissions by recycling materials and using closed loop system approaches.Benchmarking is key to measurement and validation and certification systems can encourage and promote circularity.Abstract. Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) approaches offer pathways to circular economy systems. CEA facilities have the potential to offer increased climate resiliency and efficient use of land. Recirculating water practices in CEA operations can substantially reduce water use in the face of resource scarcity. The greenhouse gas emissions associated with food production remain a major concern for both field agriculture and CEA facilities. Benchmarking tools and certification programs can encourage and promote circular systems. Keywords: Circular economy, Energy, Greenhouse, Greenhouse gas emissions , Productivity, Protected agriculture, Regeneration, Resilience, Vertical farming, Water.