Multi-criteria Evaluation of Bran Use to Promote Circularity in the Cereal Production Chain

Cereal production, as well as other agricultural activities, has a relevant impact on the environment contributing to produce negative externalities. Furthermore, it is wasteful, increasing the pressure on the environment, without any utility, and reducing the economic performance of producers. This is particularly evident in regions, like Basilicata and Puglia (located in Southern Italy), where cereal production represents an important quota of regional economy. In order to reduce waste, it is necessary to redefine the cereal production chain, to improve its efficiency and to reduce the ecological footprint of the production, helping, at the same time, farmers to improve their economic performance. Bran is an output of cereal production that is generally wasted; however, it can be used as an input to other production chains. Finding new market opportunities for bran can be a successful strategy to promote circularity of the cereal chain achieving a better balance between social, environmental and economic aspects. To promote a circular production pattern, this study evaluated three different alternative projects for bran use (i.e., paper production, biogas and feed), by using multi-criteria analysis as a tool for local authorities to evaluate projects promoting circular economy. Involving all representative stakeholders of the cereal production chain, the results show ability to achieve the best solution (in this case the biogas one) in order to increase bran utility, implementing the sustainable development of rural areas.