The perspective of young farmers on circular agriculture: the case of the north of the Netherlands

The transition towards circular agriculture is seen as a way to improve the environmental sustainability of agriculture. As the next generation, young farmers play a crucial role in this transition, and understanding their perspective on circular agriculture is essential. Therefore, this paper aims to explore young farmers' perceptions of the transition to circular agriculture by (1) surveying their views and definitions of circular agriculture, (2) determining their implementation of circular agricultural practices and perceived barriers and (3) analysing the transformative potential of these practices. Data was collected through an online survey among 53 young farmers in the northern Netherlands, followed by a transformative potential analysis and reflective discussions. Findings, revealed high variability in whether young farmers view circular agriculture as a solution to agricultural challenges in the Netherlands. They were, however, relatively positive about circular agriculture as something that fits their businesses. We observed variation in which themes were associated with circular agriculture, indicating a lack of a consistent definition. While many circular agricultural practices have already been applied or are of interest, many of these practices exhibit low transformative potential. Almost all young farmers were confronted with systemic barriers concerning regulatory uncertainties and existing regulations. Creating an enabling environment for the implementation of circular practices requires supporting young farmers in adopting more transformative practices, overcoming systemic barriers, and providing a clear long-term perspective in which circular agriculture is embedded in a vision, or pathway, towards sustainable food systems.