Purpose This conceptual commentary examines how the “circular economy” principles can be integrated into the European Union’s “Farm-to-Fork” strategy to address food waste within the broader sustainability agenda. It investigates how the “circular economy action plan” complements the “Common Agricultural Policy’s” environmental objectives and how systemic innovation, urban–rural linkages and stakeholder participation can support food waste prevention. The work aims to conceptually advance the understanding of “circular economy”-agri-food policy interfaces and provides a foundation for enhancing food waste mitigation through policy alignment, sustainable business models and behavioural shifts in European food systems. Design/methodology/approach The current work adopts a conceptual and policy-analytic approach, examining the relationship between “circular economy” principles, food waste dynamics and European policy frameworks, including the “Farm-to-Fork” strategy, the “Green Deal” and the revised “Common Agricultural Policy”. It draws on discourse analysis to highlight cultural, social and behavioural dimensions shaping food waste generation and reduction. Through synthesising policy documents and academic literature, this analysis identifies institutional mechanisms, governance pathways and strategic synergies necessary for a transition towards circular and resilient agri-food systems in Europe. Findings The analysis demonstrates that “circular economy” principles provide a robust foundation for reducing food waste across the agri-food supply chain, aligning economic, environmental and social goals. The synergy between the “circular economy action plan” and the “Farm-to-Fork” strategy enhances resource efficiency, policy coherence and sustainability outcomes, particularly when supported by the new “Common Agricultural Policy” conditionality and eco-schemes. The study also highlights the vital role of small and medium enterprises, digitalisation and stakeholder cooperation in promoting circular practices, alongside the importance of cultural change and consumer awareness in achieving food waste reduction goals. Research limitations/implications This work is conceptual and policy-focused, emphasising European Union frameworks and not providing empirical case data. While acknowledging global food waste challenges, the analysis mainly reflects the European institutional context. Future work may include comparative assessments, implementation monitoring tools and empirical validation at various supply-chain stages. Nevertheless, the conceptual model enriches academic debate on sustainability transitions and supports further exploration of behavioural, technological and governance mechanisms in food waste mitigation within “circular economy”-oriented policy environments. Social implications Addressing food waste contributes to food security, equitable resource allocation and climate resilience, while encouraging cultural change and responsible consumption. Public awareness and community-based initiatives, especially in urban settings, support behavioural adaptation and local innovation. Reducing food waste also mitigates methane emissions and environmental externalities, enhancing societal well-being and promoting sustainable lifestyles aligned with European Union social and environmental ambitions. Originality/value This work conceptually links “circular economy” principles with the “Farm to Fork” strategy and “Common Agricultural Policy” sustainability reforms, framing food waste prevention as a systemic innovation challenge rather than solely a technical or regulatory issue. It advances scholarly discussion on circular transitions in agri-food systems by integrating policy, behavioural and cultural dimensions and highlighting small and medium enterprises and digital-technology roles. The study provides a unique analytical foundation for future research and policy design aimed at accelerating Europe’s transition towards circular, resource-efficient and socially inclusive food systems. Its specific innovation lies in reframing food waste prevention as a policy field shaped simultaneously by circularity, governance asymmetries and cross-sectoral institutional coordination, thus extending the discussion beyond technical mitigation and into the terrain of sustainability transitions and implementation politics.
Doukas et al. (Mon,) studied this question.