Building a more circular and resilient future for Limburg’s vineyards

This research explores how Limburg’s vineyards can become more circular, sustainable and resilient. Viticulture is an important and growing part of the region’s agricultural landscape, but vineyards also depend on resources such as water, fertilisers, crop protection products and labour. At the same time, the sector faces increasing pressures from climate change, supply-chain disruptions and changing policies.

Mapping material flows

Using Material Flow Analysis (MFA), the research maps key inputs, outputs and residual streams in vineyards, including water use, fertiliser and pesticide inputs, pruning residues and grape pomace. Together with vineyard owners and regional stakeholders, the research will identify opportunities to reduce resource use, valorise residual materials and strengthen the resilience of viticulture to future shocks.

Supporting Limburg’s circular transition

The research is supported through Maastricht University’s Seed Fund Research Call 2025–2026, “Transition to a circular economy in Limburg through Material Flow Analysis.” The call supports interdisciplinary research that contributes to Limburg’s transition towards a circular economy and builds on the regional data and expertise of Maastricht University’s Expertise Centre for Regional Circular Economy (ERCE).

The aim is to generate knowledge that is both scientifically relevant and practically useful for vineyards, regional organisations and policymakers working towards a more circular and resilient agricultural sector in Limburg.