Agribusiness in Argentina is facing growing challenges due to rising global food demand, climate change, and environmental pressures. Circular economy models offer a promising approach to address these issues by improving resource efficiency, minimizing waste, and supporting sustainable development. This chapter examines the potential of circular economy practices within the Argentine agribusiness sector, focusing on the CREA collaborative network. Through surveys and case studies, the research evaluates adoption rates, identifies key drivers and barriers, and develops a set of 13 indicators to measure environmental, social, and economic impacts. The chapter also addresses financial challenges and proposes locally adapted sustainable finance instruments to support circular economy initiatives.
The adoption of circular economy practices in Argentina is driven by several factors, including environmental concerns, economic benefits, and social pressures. Surveys within the CREA network reveal that while knowledge of circular economy is still limited, there is significant interest among producers and technical advisors to learn and implement these practices. Cases already adopting circular economy models focus on initiatives such as using effluents as fertilizers, renewable energy generation, and bioproduct production. Adoption rates vary across regions and types of production, with intensive livestock activities showing higher implementation levels compared to extensive crops and livestock systems.
Economic and environmental considerations strongly influence the decision to adopt circular economy practices. Producers report positive impacts on soil quality, biodiversity, and public perception, while economic benefits are expected to materialize over the medium to long term. Circular economy practices also help producers manage production risks linked to climate, markets, and other external factors. However, barriers such as high investment costs, lack of financing, and limited training remain significant challenges. The pace of adoption has accelerated since 2010, partly due to environmental regulations, global sustainability agendas, and institutional actions within the CREA network.
Profiles of CREA producers adopting circular economy models show that higher education levels, professionalized management, and access to environmental and technological advice increase the likelihood of implementation. Age and gender have minimal influence, while social and environmental pressures further encourage adoption. These findings highlight the importance of knowledge exchange, collaborative learning, and professional support in promoting circular economy practices.
To support broader adoption, a set of indicators has been developed to evaluate circular economy practices in Argentine agribusiness. These indicators cover environmental, social, and economic dimensions and are designed for flexible application, monitoring, and benchmarking. Sustainable finance instruments, such as Social, Green, and Sustainable Bonds and Sustainability-Linked Bonds, are proposed to address financial gaps and facilitate medium- to long-term investments in circular economy initiatives. These tools aim to align financial strategies with sustainability goals and provide measurable outcomes through key performance indicators.
The chapter concludes that circular economy adoption within the CREA network has grown significantly over the last decade, driven by environmental awareness, professional management, and institutional support. Despite ongoing financial and capacity challenges, the exchange of knowledge among producers and the use of tailored indicators can enhance adoption. Successful implementation requires favorable macroeconomic conditions, institutional support, and sustainable financing strategies. By fostering learning, collaboration, and investment, circular economy models can help Argentine agribusiness transition toward more sustainable, resilient, and resource-efficient systems.
