Comparative analysis of circular agriculture development in selected Western Balkan countries based on sustainable performance indicators

Abstract

Modern agriculture rapidly improves productivity, yet it also pays high price for overconsumption of natural resources and energy use which is not environmentally friendly. To shape a sustainable agricultural future, the Western Balkans countries (WBC) need to tackle key challenges such as pollution, climate change and biodiversity threats. Circular agriculture is a concept that promotes the sustainable use of existing agricultural inputs and products, thus representing a driver of the future agri-food system. The paper considers basic drivers, moving from linear to circular agriculture, and summarises the implications of various performance indicators that drive circular agriculture development in Albania, Macedonia and Serbia. Based on the performance indicators, selected WBC have favourable conditions for switching from linear to circular agriculture and approach the EU level. Besides the indicators relevant to the northern part of Serbia, where «agrokombinats» are changing the general picture of input consumption, all other indicators illustrate favourable conditions for circularity. Technologically, Macedonia is leading in its use of ICTs for circular agriculture. The adoption of sustainable technologies for precision agriculture in the region will optimise the input use and increase productivity. The promotion of smart farming, based on the ongoing debate on the future design of the national agriculture policy to CAP harmonisation and use of EU funds to support farmers who have already taken steps towards digitalisation for circular agriculture, is a must for the region. Serbia has positive trends in organic agriculture, which is a wider accepted concept of the circular approach. However, there is still a need for an integrated farming system to minimise the use of direct energy from harmful resources, as well as fertilisers and pesticides for crop production. Albania shows the best performance in terms of circular agriculture, yet there is a space for improvement regarding socioeconomic aspects. Shifting from extensive labour to autonomous force is needed.