The Circular Food Systems Network, hosted by the Global Research Alliance on Agricultural Greenhouse Gases (GRA), is excited to launch our ‘Live Conversations’ webinar series:
The Principles of Circular Food Systems – Live Conversations

Join us for an engaging, podcast-style session where we dive deep into the core principles of circular food systems—not through formal presentations, but through dynamic conversations, critical questions, and multiple expert perspectives. Think of it as a live talk show on the future of circular food systems.

Episode 2:  Non-essential vs. Essential Food Products

Date 09/12/2025 11:00-12:00 CET
Location: online (free registration below)

In this episode, we explore the principle of “avoiding non-essential products and the waste of essential ones”—a cornerstone of circular food systems. What does it mean to classify foods as essential or non-essential? Why does this matter for sustainability and equity? And how do cultural and regional differences shape these definitions?

Expect an open, conversational format as our guest experts unpack questions like:

• How do we define essential vs. non-essential foods in a circular bioeconomy?
• Who decides what is essential or not? What is the role different stakeholders?
• What benefits arise from avoiding non-essential food products?
• How do cultural and regional contexts influence what is considered “essential”?
• What are the environmental and social implications of reducing non-essential products like sugar?

Featuring special guests:

• Dr. Alon Shepon – Senior Lecturer in Environmental Studies at Tel Aviv University. Alon’s research focuses on sustainable food systems and nutrition. He is lead author of the study “Environmental and social opportunities of reducing sugar intake” and brings expertise on dietary shifts, resource efficiency, and global sustainability trade-offs.
• Dr. Abigail Muscat – Coordinating Advisor in European Research Collaborations at Wageningen University & Research. Abigail works at the science-policy interface on food systems, climate, and bioeconomy topics. She is co-author of the paper “Principles, drivers and opportunities of a circular bioeconomy” and specializes in strategies for transforming food systems through circular principles

Whether you’re a researcher, policymaker, food system innovator, or just curious about the future of circular food systems, this series is for you. Please subscribe to the webinar and don’t hesitate to share this even with your colleagues. In the week prior to the webinar you will receive a link for the webinar. 

Subscribe HERE!