Transforming Food and Agriculture to Circular Systems: A Perspective for 2050

Abstract . Food and agricultural systems (FAS) provide food, feed, fiber, energy, and other products, and they are intricately interwoven with human society. FAS are often misunderstood as simply farming systems. In reality, FAS are much more complex because they encompass a wide range of activities—including production, processing, transport, marketing, and consumption—as well as management of the byproducts. In the U.S., FAS constitute more than 22% of the national GDP, employ more than 28% of the national workforce, and are critical to national security.