The connection of the agricultural production with food, inevitably involves the concept of sustainability, as this can be addressed through environmental, economic and social terms. From an environmental perspective, sustainable agriculture aims to reduce all factors that negatively affect the environment, directing agricultural practices to more biologically-based approaches. The economic dimension sharing the same logic, promotes circularity practices, namely practices for the utilization of residues, wastes and possibly other polluting by-products. The above are prerequisites in order the “farm to fork” scheme to work effectively, ensuring sustainability under the future conditions.
The purpose of this specialization field is to train students, who choose it, in technologies and knowledge that aim at:
• increasing organic agriculture
• reducing the use of pesticides
• reducing nutrient losses
• promoting biodiversity
• integrated management and protection of crops
• utilizing waste and residues for the production of value-added products.
The EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) puts good environmental practices at the epicenter of agriculture and forestry, trying to ensure increased food production protecting at the same time the environment. This European framework does not exist as a theoretical perception, but sets on agriculture and food sectors very specific production and environmental targets but also restrictions. This agricultural production is charged with the achievement of specific production and environmental targets by 2030, such as: increase organic farming, reduce the use of chemicals, pesticides and artificial fertilizers, decrease nutrient losses and reduce sales of antimicrobials livestock farming and aquaculture. At the same time, the EU’s Biodiversity Strategy aims to characterize at least 10% of agricultural area as high-diversity landscape, including, among others, buffer zones, fallow areas, hedgerows, non-productive trees, terrace walls and small ponds.
Sustainable management of food production and consumption involves not only food security, but also promotes more environmentally friendly, resilient, healthier and more equitable food production systems. Sustainable food production systems are based on broad adoption of sustainable agricultural production, while ensure access to healthy and nutritious food and fair treatment of all economic agents across the food supply chain.
The circular economy model is applicable in all sectors of production, consumption and waste management with the production of value-added products. In the context of this specialization, innovative solutions that encourage the reuse, repair, renewal and recycling of existing products and materials are presented. In the light of circular economy what was previously considered as "waste", is a potential resource that can be converted into raw material. This process requires the participation and synergy of many different disciplines.