This article examines how circularity can be measured and evaluated in the agricultural sector. Circularity represents a key approach for promoting sustainability in agriculture and for the efficient management of resources. Through a comprehensive review of the scientific literature and employing rigorous selection methods, we identify the relevant indicators and tools for assessing circularity in the agri-food chain. The initial bibliometric analysis was performed by using a Biblioshiny instrument from R package tool Bibliometrics. Additionally, this article analyzes the methodologies based on the indicators and metrics that can be applied to measure the restorative capacity and effectiveness of the agricultural system. Most current research follows the 3R principles of the circular economy and establishes an evaluation index system based on the regional characteristics. Methods such as the multi-criteria decision analysis, data envelopment analysis, and life cycle assessment are the most used to date. For the micro-level analysis, system dynamics, material flow analysis, and emergy analysis were the most suitable. Our results provide a clear perspective on the current state of the research in the field of measuring circularity in agriculture and lay the groundwork for the future development of effective strategies for implementing the circular economy in this crucial sector.

The Danube Delta, the second-largest wetland in Europe, provides people with multiple ecosystem services, consisting of drinking water, food, flood protection, nutrient recycling, and recreation, as it is a complex social–ecological system. Nowadays, the area faces heavy depopulation due to its failure in achieving an equilibrium between social, economic, and environmental issues. Therefore, its resurgence is the core element of its sustainable development strategy, and particular sectors such as fishing and aquaculture, agriculture, and tourism national strategies deal individually with essential issues without considering the potential conflicts that may arise from a particular sector’s development. This study develops a complex method for decision making concerning the sustainable development of the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve based on the consultation of both local and higher-level stakeholders in decision making, and the identification of social, economic, and environmental key problems. After their validation by experts, we developed a system dynamics model and ran the identified scenarios together with the stakeholders and recommended policies for the sustainable development of the area. The scenario that combines the transition towards the moderate Intensification of aquaculture with ecological agriculture and slow tourism brings a reduced impact on water quality, but measures to reduce nutrients are still recommended.

Interest in consumer behavior regarding agri-food products is growing, particularly in the context of sustainable and local consumption. This study examines consumer perceptions of certified mountain products in Romania, with a specific focus on cow’s milk. A structured survey was conducted among 576 respondents from the Bucharest–Ilfov metropolitan area, representing the target population of regular food consumers. The data were analyzed using descriptive and comparative statistical methods in SPSS, including chi-square tests and contingency coefficients, to evaluate consumer awareness, attitudes, and their willingness to pay. The results reveal that although awareness of the “mountain product” label is high (88.9%), its direct influence on purchase decisions remains limited, with price, brand, and origin playing stronger roles. Nevertheless, 95% of respondents expressed willingness to pay a premium price, and over 70% associated mountain certification with health benefits and higher quality. These findings highlight both the potential and current limitations of certification as a market-based tool to support sustainable consumption and the economic resilience of mountain areas. The study contributes empirical evidence from a less explored national context. It offers insights for policymakers, producers, and retailers seeking to strengthen short food supply chains and consumer trust in certified labels.

Organic vegetable consumption is associated with a range of behavioural, attitudinal, and economic factors. This study examines organic vegetable consumption among consumers in Olt County, Romania, with particular emphasis on consumer orientation, price perception, willingness to pay, and awareness of European Union initiatives. A quantitative survey was conducted among 340 respondents, and an Organic Vegetable Consumer Orientation Index (OVCI) was developed by integrating behavioural and attitudinal indicators. Descriptive statistics, Cronbach’s alpha, chi-square tests, and one-way ANOVA with post hoc comparisons were applied. The OVCI had an overall mean score of 0.610, with attitudinal dimensions scoring higher than behavioural dimensions. Gender and age were significantly associated with OVCI scores, whereas education, household income, household size, and residence were not. Price was frequently perceived as a barrier, although price perception was not significantly associated with OVCI. Willingness to pay a higher price premium and awareness of EU initiatives were significantly associated with higher OVCI scores. The findings reinforce the multidimensional nature of organic vegetable consumption and demonstrate the potential of the OVCI as an exploratory measure of consumer orientation. Further research should validate the index using larger, probability-based, and comparative samples and incorporate observed purchasing behaviour.

The integration of circular economy (CE) principles into the agricultural sector and related industries is strengthening, yet financial aspects that could enable broader adoption remain insufficiently explored. This study synthesizes the main outcomes of a systematic analysis, revealing both opportunities and barriers, particularly the limited access to funds for farmers and small enterprises. To address this constraint, we propose a concise overview of the main European funding opportunities. Adopting CE strategies in agriculture can improve farmer wellbeing and enhance local community welfare by diversifying markets and creating value-added products, while also contributing to natural resource conservation. Striking a balance between farm revenues and environmental protection aligns with key EU policy objectives, including the Green Deal, the Circular Economy Action Plan, and the Zero Pollution Action Plan. Accordingly, this paper emphasises suitable European funding opportunities to support the transition from conventional agricultural models towards circular, sustainable systems.

Among other factors specific to the macro environment of the product market, which influence consumption behaviour, climate changes can be mentioned. Climate changes related factors (rainfall, temperature, drought) directly influence the level of production (supply) of cereals regardless of their type. At the same time, climate changes indirectly influence the diet of the population and the demand on the grain market. The grains sector is perhaps the most important agri-food sector in Romania and component of the Romanian agri-food system and not only. Among others factors, this is due to the pedo-climatic characteristics favourable for cereal crops and the cultivation tradition. This market is characterized by a high demand, due to the multiple ways of use and consumption, cereal products being essential food for a healthy diet. This paper aims to analyse consumers preference on the whole grains market, a category encouraged by high productions level but also recommended by specialists for improving health, both for population and environment. In this context, it is important to identify the main socio-demographic characteristics of the Romanian respondents that influence their consumption decision on this market. In order to achieve the purpose of this work, a questionnaire was applied among 126 respondents and the interpretation of the results was carried out with the help of the SPSS program. Thus, reference statistical parameters such as the chi-square test and contingency coefficient were calculated, in order to validate or not the research hypotheses.