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COVID-19, the Food System and the Circular Economy: Challenges and Opportunities

Author

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  • Fabio Giudice

    (Department of Law, Economics, Politics and Modern Languages, LUMSA University of Rome, 00193 Rome, Italy)

  • Rocco Caferra

    (Department of Economics, Management and Law, University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy)

  • Piergiuseppe Morone

    (Bioeconomy in Transition Research Group (BiT-RG), University of Rome Unitelma Sapienza, 00161 Rome, Italy)

Abstract

This paper analyzes the causes and effects of the COVID-19 crisis, with a specific focus on the food system. Food consumption and production has not only been impacted by the crisis, but it may have also contributed to causing the pandemic. After providing a brief introductory framework, the paper presents the results of a pilot study on the link between COVID-19 and the food system, as indicated by the social media activity of selected European Union (EU) Twitter accounts, measured using an original “theme popularity” metric. Thereafter, a systematic review of the literature is proposed to identify the causes of the rise in popularity of a sustainable food system theme, the potential consequences of the COVID-19 crisis for the food system (targeting the production, consumption and waste disposal phases) and possible solutions, focusing on the circular economy. Challenges and opportunities for policymakers in the short and long term are discussed. A holistic approach is advocated, as the global food system is intimately connected with society and requires deep cooperation among nation states and economic actors.

Suggested Citation

  • Fabio Giudice & Rocco Caferra & Piergiuseppe Morone, 2020. "COVID-19, the Food System and the Circular Economy: Challenges and Opportunities," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(19), pages 1-15, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:19:p:7939-:d:419424
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