Issue 22, March 2025 (13/01/2025)

Bio-based textiles in Europe: latest knowledge and trends (13/03/2025)

The EC’s Knowledge Centre for Bioeconomy has carried out an assessment of the European bio-based textiles sector. The work illustrates how complex and broad the sector is, focusing on challenges, opportunities and knowledge gaps for different fibre types. It highlights how improved logistics and decreasing costs could make biosynthetic fibres more competitive, showing promising progress in the production of viscose and lyocell from sustainable cellulose sources, as well as potential developments in the processing of natural fibres.

Delivering the EU Green Deal - Progress towards targets (13/03/2025)

This JRC report provides a comprehensive assessment of progress towards the European Green Deal. The analysis encompasses 154 quantifiable targets from 44 key policy documents between 2019 and 2024. It reveals that 32 targets are well on track to be met, 64 need acceleration, 15 are stagnating or even regressing. For the remaining 43, there is no available data. The report concludes that the EU is on the right path to progress on the Green Deal: most policies and supporting tools are in place and starting to deliver results, although more action is essential to achieve the targets in some areas.

Towards sustainable food systems: developing a monitoring framework for the EU (13/03/2025)

This paper defines an EU food system sustainability model that provides a conceptual framework for monitoring. This model encompasses 12 thematic areas and 37 indicator domains, synthetised through a rigorous review of existing frameworks and the assessment of nearly 250 relevant indicators via a transparent workflow and an integrated collaborative digital tool. It identifies data gaps that signal challenges ahead in effective monitoring, but also opportunities for research and cooperation.

JRC - Farming Practices Evidence Library (13/03/2025)

The JRC has launched the Farming Practices Evidence Library, a comprehensive dataset that compiles scientific insights on the environmental and climate effects of different farming methods. Accompanied by a user-friendly dashboard, this tool provides accessible, science-based evidence for policymakers, farmers, and researchers.

European croplands under climate change: how to increase projected soil organic carbon stocks (13/03/2025)

The Nature Restoration Regulation aims to increase soil organic carbon (SOC) stock trends in the top 30 cm of cropland mineral soils. This paper investigates the feasibility of an annual SOC stock increase of 4 ‰ in European croplands, through estimations of required C input changes. The authors propose a novel calibration approach, which improves the accuracy of SOC stock predictions. The results reveal that significant carbon input changes are required to reach the 4 ‰ target, exceeding predicted net primary productivity changes.

Introducing maximum sustainable yield targets in fisheries could enhance global food security (13/03/2025)

Combining a fish stock model with a global agriculture and food market model, this research analyses scenarios involving a continuation of current fishing trends versus optimal management through maximum sustainable yield targets. It reveals that maximum sustainable yield management of overfished stocks could increase yields by 10.6 Megatons, alleviating the need for aquaculture expansion, as well as meat and feed demand. Lower food prices and additional supply could enhance global food security. Conversely, continued overfishing will likely lead to lower catches over time, adding pressure to the agricultural and aquaculture sectors.

Knowledge Centre for Bioeconomy’s key resources (13/03/2025)

The new section of the Knowledge Centre for Bioeconomy’s web platform provides users with an easy to navigate selection of publications and visual contents with a focus on different bioeconomy related aspects. This “key resources” section gives access to policy briefs as well as to scientific reports, data visualisations and videos which have been produced by the Knowledge Centre for Bioeconomy from 2018 onwards, including the full collection of newsletters.

EU Compass to regain competitiveness and secure sustainable prosperity (13/03/2025)

In January 2025, the Commission presented the Competitiveness Compass, a new roadmap to restore Europe’s dynamism and boost our economic growth. The Compass highlights the role that the upcoming EU Bioeconomy Strategy and Biotech Act will play: the first will enable a significant growth in bio-based materials, biomanufacturing, biochemicals, and agri-biotech sectors, reducing strategic dependencies and giving opportunities to rural areas; the second will drive innovation and leverage the potential that biotechnologies can bring to EU economy.

Clean Industrial Deal (13/03/2025)

The Clean Industrial Deal mobilises EUR 100 billons in different areas that are fundamental to accelerate the decarbonisation of the European industries. The plan aims at lowering energy prices, creating quality jobs and the right conditions for companies to thrive, including mandating the use of new raw material sources like recycled and bio-based materials and laying down priorities for manufacturing and using bio-based materials, and for retaining them as long as possible in the economy.

Vision for agriculture and food (13/03/2025)

The Commission has presented its roadmap for a thriving EU farming and agri-food sector, fostering trust and dialogue across the entire value chain within the EU and globally. Recognising the essential role of farmers, the Vision seeks to boost the agri-food sector’s competitiveness and attractiveness. It acknowledges the key role of the bioeconomy to reduce critical dependencies, stressing that innovative bio-based and circular solutions can give complementary incentives and rewards to farmers.

New Biotech and Biomanufacturing Hub to support innovative companies (13/03/2025)

The Commission has launched a new Biotech and Biomanufacturing Hub to support companies – particularly start-ups and SMEs - in bringing innovative products to the EU market and increase their competitiveness. The Hub will also help companies identify the support available to them at EU level and how to access this support to help them to expand and grow.

EU Green Week 2025 (13/03/2025)

Europe’s leading environmental conference will take place in Brussels from 3-5 June. This year’s Green Week will unpack the “three Cs” - Clean, Competitive & Circular – exploring how to put circularity at the centre of our economic transition. The conference will enable knowledge sharing, alliance building, and raising awareness about the potential of a circular economy.

Biogas (13/03/2025)

Biogas is a mixture of methane, CO2 and small quantities of other gases produced by anaerobic digestion of organic matter in an oxygen-free environment. The precise composition of biogas depends on the type of feedstock and the production pathway.

Trends in the EU bioeconomy – 2024 update (13/01/2025)

The EU Bioeconomy Monitoring System maps the progress towards the five objectives of the EU Bioeconomy Strategy. This report, analysing the latest available updates of the indicators in the Monitoring System, detects improvements in ensuring food and nutrition security, reducing dependence on non-renewable resources with substitution by bio-based sources, and strengthening European competitiveness and creating jobs. However, the challenges in managing natural resources sustainably and mitigating and adapting to climate change persist.

New EU Food System Monitoring Dashboard (13/01/2025)

The JRC has set a new monitoring framework and an associated dashboard delivering a comprehensive view on the environmental, economic and social impacts of the EU food system, including health impacts of diets. The launch is accompanied by a report explaining the main steps taken to develop the system, the principles governing the selection of the indicators and plans for further work.

The 2024 Annual Economic Report on the EU Fishing Fleet (13/01/2025)

The findings of this annual report show a substantial improvement in the EU fishing fleet's economic performance, with gross profits projected to reach €1,673 million in 2024. The report highlights that progress in achieving sustainable stocks, higher prices for key species, reduced fishing capacity, and decreased fuel consumption are all contributing to this growth. Moreover, it demonstrates that moving to less fuel-intensive fishing techniques not only benefits the environment but also decreases costs and strengthens socio-economic resilience, while important challenges remain, like aging vessels and a lack of young entrants.

EU Fish Market report 2024 (13/01/2025)

This release of the annual report on fish market focuses on the fishery and aquaculture market’s performance in 2022-2023. According to the key findings, in 2023 the at-home consumption of fresh seafood decreased due to rising prices. At the same time, the EU saw a decrease in the total value and volume of seafood trade in 2023 compared to 2022, and the apparent consumption (the sum of catches and aquaculture production and imports minus exports) in 2022 saw an increase in aquaculture products.

“Fishers of the Future” - new report presented by the European Commission (13/01/2025)

The European Commission has presented a new foresight study that explores different scenarios for the EU fishing sector towards 2050. This EU-wide multi-stakeholder foresight project explores the changes that the profession, role and identity of fishers may face. The study’s findings will inform the reflections planned throughout 2025 on the European Oceans Pact and the evaluation of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) regulation. These elements will serve as a foundation for shaping a future vision for fisheries in 2040.

Harvesting resilience: adapting the EU agricultural system to global challenges (13/01/2025)

This Nature paper examines the challenges and drivers shaping EU agriculture in the medium term, focusing on its capacity to meet societal demands and remain resilient. Key drivers include climate change, global population growth, and geopolitical shifts, while innovation fosters adaptation. The EU’s regulatory responses and the evolution of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) will determine how agriculture reconciles environmental sustainability with farmers’ concerns about fair competition, influencing global outcomes.

Emerging Biotechnologies in Europe: Foresight for Policy (13/01/2025)

The JRC has published a new external expert report, reviewing the sector of Industrial Biotechnology in the European Union and associated emerging technologies, looking at its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) that affect its potential for growth and international competitiveness. The report identifies critical issues such as slow-moving legislation and fragmented regulations and recommends better communication, targeted investments, and collaboration to translate EU biotech innovations into economic benefits.

Clean Energy Technology Observatory: Bioenergy and Advanced Biofuels in the European Union - 2024 Status Report (13/01/2025)

The Clean Energy Technology Observatory (CETO) monitors EU research and innovation activities in clean energy technologies. The 2024 CETO status reports collection includes a report on bioenergy and a report on advanced biofuels in the European Union. The former shows the significance of the European bioenergy sector in the global context and its role in the transition towards a low-carbon economy. The latter examines the biofuel and advanced biofuel sectors within the EU. They both emphasise the importance of continued investment, technological development, and international collaboration to ensure the bioenergy and biofuels sector's growth and sustainability.

Enhancing stakeholder involvement in EU bioeconomy policy (13/01/2025)

This report explores ways to boost stakeholder engagement in EU bioeconomy policy, a crucial step in shaping a sustainable and circular economy. After identifying key gaps and opportunities, the study proposes seven recommendations to enhance stakeholder involvement. By strengthening stakeholder engagement, the EU can ensure that its bioeconomy policy is more inclusive, effective, and responsive to the needs of all stakeholders.

Monitoring the German Bioeconomy - Status, performance, trends and implications for sustainable development (13/01/2025)

This report presents key finding from the German Bioeconomy Monitoring System, developed by over 40 researchers from more than 10 institutions and across 2 projects. The document includes an overview of updated and new data, trends and scenarios covering environmental, social and economic dimensions of sustainable bioeconomy development in Germany.

Agrifood systems in nationally determined contributions: Global analysis (13/01/2025)

The FAO released this overview of the major climate-related risks and greenhouse hotspots in agrifood systems and synthesized in seven key findings the main climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies being set forth in nationally determined contributions (NDCs) to address them. Ahead of the global call for third-round NDCs expected to be submitted by all countries in 2025, these key findings serve to inform enhanced ambition, action and support of the mitigation, adaptation and climate finance ambition gaps in agrifood systems.

USA Interagency Report to Advance Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing for Robust Economic Growth (13/01/2025)

The White House released the report “Building a Vibrant Domestic Biomanufacturing Ecosystem” as part of a broader national bioeconomy implementation plan. The report outlines the current state of US biomanufacturing, as well as known gap areas, key drivers and policy needs. Eleven actions were identified through stakeholder engagement that the federal government could consider in order to continue increasing the domestic biomanufacturing capacity.

Recommendations and good practices for sustainable aquaculture (14/01/2025)

The European Commission has published three new staff working documents on access to space and water for freshwater and land-based aquaculture, climate-change adaptation, and energy transition. These documents elaborate on the recommendations included in the strategic guidelines for a more sustainable and competitive EU aquaculture. Developed in collaboration with EU Member States, aquaculture producers, the aquaculture advisory council, and scientific experts, these three new publications consolidate good practices and provide concrete examples to support EU countries in promoting sustainable aquaculture.

Fishing area (13/01/2025)

Geographical fishing areas in the European Union Common fisheries policy are defined for a number of specific areas of water: - the north-east Atlantic, which is roughly the area to the east of 42°W longitude and north of 36°N latitude, including the waters of the Baltic Sea; - the north-west Atlantic, which is the region that is roughly the area to the west of 42°W longitude and north of 35°N latitude; - the eastern central Atlantic, which is the region to the east of 40°W longitude between latitudes 36°N and 6°S; - the Mediterranean, which is also known as the Food and Agriculture Organization Major Fishing Area 37, comprises the Mediterranean Sea and the adjacent Black Sea.

Issue 20, November 2024 (15/11/2024)

Volume, increment, aboveground biomass, biomass conversion and expansion factors for the main forest types in the EU (14/11/2024)

This paper provides a library of country-specific data on standing stock volume, aboveground biomass and cumulated net annual increment by age classes (at least for even-aged forests) for 222 forest types and 48 different management types in 25 EU Member States. The data compiled can be used both as direct input for calibrating yield-data driven models applied both at national and international level, either for directly assessing the current and potential growth or net carbon sink of specific forest area, also at sub-national level. Whereas age class is mentioned as a driver in the whole analysis, the reciprocal consistency between biomass, volume, and increment data, associated to each forest type is a key element addressed by the assessment.

Reducing the plant protein deficit of the European Union (14/11/2024)

Within the context of the review of the plant protein policy, the Commission published a series of factsheets on a variety of related topics: protein supply and demand, related CAP interventions, EU countries’ initiatives and research activities. In parallel, in the new report “Closing the EU protein gap – drivers, synergies and trade-offs", the JRC explored potential synergies and trade-offs within a food systems’ approach by assessing the combined impacts of key scenarios that assume an increased protein crop production, changes in feed ratios, altered livestock production systems and transition towards a more sustainable diet.

Reconciling the different uses and values of deadwood in the European Green Deal (14/11/2024)

Deadwood plays a multifaceted role in the bioeconomy, biodiversity conservation, soil health, fire mitigation, bioenergy, and carbon storage. This paper focuses on deadwood and compares estimates in managed and unmanaged forests. It highlights the need for coherent and mutually supportive policies to develop multifunctional pathways that reconcile deadwood management with biodiversity, bioenergy, and climate objectives. Finally, it shows that harmonised data and monitoring are essential, along with transdisciplinary collaboration, to identify trade-offs between biomass uses and values and to ensure the maintenance of functional forest ecosystems.

Cultivating sustainability: the role of European Food Systems in advancing the SDGs (14/11/2024)

Taking into account complex interactions among supply chains, consumption patterns, ecosystems, human health, and planetary boundaries, this report identifies key sustainability elements in food system conceptualisations, including environmental, economic, social, and governance aspects. These elements are then linked to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to demonstrate how sustainable food systems can advance the 2030 Agenda in an integrated manner. The current state of progress on food system-related SDGs is discussed, presenting challenges and opportunities. Findings highlight food systems' potential to address multiple SDGs directly and the entire 2030 Agenda through SDG interlinkages.

Existing sustainability efforts and policies in the food systems in the EU and worldwide (14/11/2024)

Many initiatives address the sustainability of food systems in the EU and globally. This report describes the initiatives proposed by international organisations as well as the most relevant policy framework initiatives in EU and non-EU countries, providing examples. In delivers key messages and recommendations to foster a fair and just transition towards a European sustainable food system, revealing the importance to embrace sustainable food systems, looking at the environmental, economic, and social dimensions and their complex interactions, along the whole food value chain.

The state of soils in Europe (14/11/2024)

This report offers a comprehensive assessment of soil degradation in the 32 Member States of the European Environment Agency (EEA), along with six cooperating countries from the West Balkans, Ukraine and UK. With contributions from over 90 authors, the report draws on the latest research, case studies and soil monitoring data, providing a thorough analysis of soil threats and their implications. It highlights the urgent need for comprehensive soil management strategies and sustainable soil governance frameworks, supported by research, innovation, and robust soil monitoring schemes, to safeguard soil health and ensure the long-term resilience of ecosystems.

Second call to become an EU Bioeconomy Youth Ambassador (14/11/2024)

The European Commission launches the second call for EU Bioeconomy Youth Ambassadors aiming to raise awareness about the sustainable circular bioeconomy and engage with youth communities on the opportunities that bioeconomy offers for our society. Young individuals who are eager to commit in favour of bioeconomy can apply before 17 November.

Global Bioeconomy summit Communiqué 2024 (14/11/2024)

On October 24, the International Advisory Council on Global Bioeconomy (IACGB) concluded the Global Bioeconomy summit 2024 by providing a set of recommendations to countries, regions, industry, communities, and partners: i) integrate bioeconomy strategies into economic policy; ii) create a Global Bioeconomy Partnership bringing different existing initiatives together to share perspectives; iii) facilitate development of standards for fast and broad market access for bioeconomy innovations; iv) support regional and local initiatives to grow and connect with the global bioeconomy; v) include teaching of bioeconomy principles and exemplars as part of all education levels.

G20 reaches consensus and establishes high-level principles on Bioeconomy (14/11/2024)

After nine months of intense debates, the G20 Initiative on Bioeconomy (GIB) established 10 high-level principles as a result of a meeting of experts from the Forum's member countries, held in Rio de Janeiro. Among the principles there is a commitment to inclusion and equity, defending the rights of all persons, contributing to the conservation of biodiversity, promoting sustainable consumption and production patterns, as well as the trade for bioeconomy products and services. Market conditions, sustainable business models, and decent jobs are also considered.

Global Energy and Climate Outlook 2023 (14/11/2024)

Based on quantified assessment by the JRC's internal energy-economics teams, the Global Energy and Climate Outlook provides a global picture of energy markets as they transform over the next decades, under the simultaneous interactions of economic development, technological innovation and climate policies. The report evaluates the role of different energy sources, including biomass, in three different scenarios.

EU Climate Action Progress Report 2024 (14/11/2024)

According to the latest Climate Action Progress Report, the EU achieved a record 8% drop in GHG emissions in 2023 compared to the previous year. Emissions are now 37% below 1990 levels, while the EU’s GDP has grown by 68% over the same period. The report published by the European Commission also outlines key achievements in the fight against climate change, while stressing the need for continued action to meet future goals. The assessment of progress in the LULUCF sector takes into account bioeconomy related initiatives and policies.

EU Agri-Food Days (14/11/2024)

This annual event will take place in Brussels on 10 – 12 December. It will bring together agri-food system stakeholders, civil society, consumers, academia and policymakers from across the EU. They will discuss the latest agricultural trends, policy options, market developments, as well as how research, innovation and digital technologies are shaping European agriculture of today and tomorrow. Participants could reflect on current and upcoming challenges in the European agri-food sector and assess how the common agricultural policy and the EU Green Deal can contribute to deliver a greener, fairer and more competitive agriculture in Europe.

Food balance sheets (14/11/2024)

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has given considerable importance to furthering the development of food balance sheets, reflecting their usefulness in analyzing the food situation at the level of individual countries. Food balance sheets present a comprehensive picture of the pattern of a country's food supply during a specified reference period. The first attempts at preparing food balance sheets date back to World War I. Food balance sheets were the major source of data when, in 1936, at the request of the League of Nations Mixed Committee on the Problem of Nutrition and its Sub-Committee on Nutritional Statistics, a systematic international comparison of food consumption data was prepared.

Soil organic matter (13/09/2024)

Is the measure of the content of organic material in soil. This derives from plants and animals and comprises all of the organic matter in the soil exclusive of the matter that has not decayed.

Issue 19, September 2024 (13/09/2024)

A shared prospect for farming and food in Europe (13/09/2024)

The final report of the Strategic Dialogue on the future of EU agriculture was published on 4 September 2024. Stakeholders from the European agri-food sectors, civil society, rural community and academia, produced a comprehensive set of 10 political principles, recognising the importance of cooperation, policy coherence and attractiveness of rural areas, among others. The Strategic Dialogue proposed 14 recommendations, including for example: strengthening farmers’ position in the value chain; making the healthy and sustainable choice the easy one; reducing GHG emissions in agriculture and better access and better use of knowledge and innovation. Within this framework, the report recognises the central role of the bioeconomy in combatting climate change, safeguarding ecosystem resilience, and delivering to restore nature.

The State of the World’s Forests 2024 - Forest-sector innovations towards a more sustainable future (13/09/2024)

This annual report by FAO illustrates the state of the world’s forests and explores the transformative power of evidence-based innovation in the forest sector: 18 international case studies provide a glimpse at the wide range of technological, social, policy, institutional and financial forest-sector innovations – and combinations of these – being tested and implemented in real-world conditions. The report identifies barriers to, and enablers of, innovation and enumerates five actions for empowering people to apply their creativity in the forest sector to solve problems and scale up positive impacts.

Modelling enhancement of Ecosystem Services provision through integrated agri-environment and forestry measures (13/09/2024)

This study demonstrates for the first time the potential synergies and trade-offs to ecosystem services that can result from the application of both farmland and forest measures in a variety of landscape characteristics. The application of such measures is simulated within a range of biophysical contexts in known High Nature Value landscapes across the Republic of Ireland and three high resolution geospatial scenarios. The response of ecosystem services such as habitat quality, carbon storage, production income and ecosystem connectivity is modelled and compared accross the scenarios.

Modelling the land footprint of EU consumption (13/09/2024)

This JRC report presents the updated version of the land footprint model LAFO v2.0 and estimates the land embodied in bio-based products for the EU27 in 2021 as net imports of cropland (21.9 Mha), net exports of grassland (3.3 Mha) and forest land (1.4 Mha*y). It shows how the extra EU land footprint is concentrated in relatively few countries: Argentina, Brazil, and Ukraine for cropland, Russia, Brazil and Norway for forest land. The estimated EU per capita cropland footprint and forest land footprint are consistent with other studies adopting a physical-based accounting approach, while the grassland footprint estimation is affected by higher uncertainty on input data.

Towards sustainable food systems: an analysis of EU policy measures setting environmental sustainability requirements (13/09/2024)

This study aims at better understanding the environmental impacts of EU policy measures setting environmental sustainability requirements and their evolution over time, as well as their coverage in terms of actors and environmental impacts of the EU food system. It finds existing legislation does not address consistently the environmental impacts of the EU food system, and relevant actors along the supply chain are involved in existing policy initiatives in a heterogenous way. A focus on food waste highlights the lack of monitoring in current initiatives, as well as an incoherent uptake of initiatives across the EU.

Assessing the potential for seaweed cultivation in European seas (13/09/2024)

JRC researchers explore how seaweed cultivation could contribute to food security, energy independence, carbon neutrality, and ecosystems restoration in the EU, combining biophysical models with a seaweed production model. The results show that Atlantic regions are the most suitable areas for seaweed cultivation, particularly for cold-water and intermediate-water species. Even considering logistic constraints, model results indicate a potential yearly production of over 8.5 million tonnes of seaweed biomass, and 5 million tonnes per year considering only EU Member States’ waters. The study also discusses the opportunity to use integrated multi-trophic aquaculture to increase the potential for seaweed cultivation.

Circular Bio-Based Europe Joint Undertaking: Horizon Europe and the Green Transition interim evaluation support study (13/09/2024)

This report presents the assessment of the European Partnership Circular Bio-Based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE-JU) against the evaluation criteria of relevance, coherence, efficiency, effectiveness, EU added value, additionality, directionality, international positioning and visibility, transparency and openness as well as phasing out preparedness. The evaluation of the partnership is based upon a mixed-method approach including quantitative and qualitative data analysis. The efficacy of the structure and the partnership model, the importance of robust communication strategies and stakeholder engagement mechanisms were among the main lessons highlighted, along with the necessity for agility and responsiveness within the partnership, to respond to fast technological advancements and the dynamic policy landscape of the bio-based economy.

One planet network workshop on bioeconomy (13/09/2024)

On 12 and 13 September 2024, UNEP One Planet Network, two Brazilian Ministries and the European Commission DG Research & Innovation, co-hosted this plenary session to explore patterns of sustainable consumption and production within the bioeconomy. Building on the results of the consultative workshops conducted in March in preparation for the G20 Bioeconomy Initiative, the session aimed to identify key pathways and best practices for advancing bioeconomy as an enabler for SDG12. The recorded sessions will be made available online after the event.

Call for candidates for the support group to the energy transition partnership for EU fisheries and aquaculture (13/09/2024)

The European Commission has launched a call for expression of interest to establish a support group to the Energy Transition Partnership (ETP) for EU fisheries and aquaculture. This group (of 10 coordinators) is envisaged as a bottom-up advisory and consultative entity; (i) contributing actively to the energy transition of the sector (ii) advising the work of the Energy Transition Partnership (iii) providing input for the development of the energy transition roadmap in EU fisheries and aquaculture. Candidates must express their interest by 23 September 2024.

A series of multisectoral events on the sustainable development of the Amazon rainforest (13/09/2024)

The Brazilian embassies in Berlin, Brussels and Paris, along with the Brazilian mission to the European Union and other Amazonian countries' embassies, have organised the Amazon week initiative, featuring a series of events on the topic from 16 to 27 September. The initiative is designed to facilitate discussions on forest conservation, climate protection, and socioeconomic development in the Amazon region.

Issue 18, July 2024 (11/07/2024)

Toolkit to reduce consumer food waste (18/07/2024)

Academics and practitioners from different backgrounds identified and evaluated actions and developed recommendations for policymakers and other key players to reduce food waste. These are now available in a multilanguage interactive toolkit. The toolkit to reduce consumer food waste includes four video tutorials, a food waste action planner to take inspiration from other successful projects, a food waste prevention calculator to calculate environmental, economic impacts and benefits of actions, and the nutritional value of saved food, and tailored recommendations for policymakers, businesses, schools in all EU languages.

Gross ecosystem product in macroeconomic modelling (11/07/2024)

JRC scientists introduced a new Gross Ecosystem Product (GEP) module in the macroeconomic model MAGNET. MAGNET explicitly represents the economic linkages across the sectors of each regional economy, allowing to analyse policy effects in sectors that are vertically linked with each other, such as bioeconomy sectors. This report provides an example of a practical application of the GEP module: a forward-looking policy scenario that assumes a notable change in consumption patterns. The results of preliminary simulations show that such an impact can significantly differ both between GDP and GEP and across particular ecosystem services.

The JRC’s integrated agro-economic modelling platform (iMAP) in support of better agricultural and food policies (18/07/2024)

This article provides an overview of the development of the JRC’s integrated agro-economic modelling platform and its main contributions to policy analysis, in particular the provision of medium-term projections for agricultural markets and the analysis of various CAP proposals. The authors describe the gradual shift to expand the capabilities of individual models within the platform, highlighting how model integration together with incorporating knowledge from other fields of economic analysis is fundamental to capture evolving policy objectives.

New online tool: the Agri Sustainability Compass (18/07/2024)

Building on the wealth of information already available on the Agrifood Data Portal, the European Commission has launched an interactive tool offering clear and comprehensive information on sustainability in agriculture. The Agri Sustainability Compass brings together 20 key indicators for the three dimensions of sustainability in agriculture and rural areas. This helps users quickly grasp the current state of agriculture’s sustainability and its evolution over time.

Study on funding for EU rural areas (18/07/2024)

The Commission has published a study examining the contribution of EU funding to the development of rural areas and the evaluation of the impact of LEADER concept of connecting and involving local people in rural areas. Both highlight the significant impact of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), in addressing the needs of rural areas and tackling the actions set in the Long-term vision for rural areas. The study also assesses the role of other EU funds targeting rural areas (2014-2020), showing that a shared and comprehensive rural strategy helps EU countries to efficiently direct CAP funding to rural areas and meet the needs of rural communities.

OECD-FAO Agricultural Outlook 2024-2033 (18/07/2024)

This Outlook edition reveals that emerging economies will shape the global agricultural landscape, with India as the leading player. According to the authors, well-functioning international agricultural commodity markets will remain vital for global food security and rural livelihoods. Despite agriculture's global greenhouse gas intensity is projected to decline, direct emissions from agriculture will likely increase by 5%, unless counterbalanced by a strong reduction of food loss and waste.

Global Bioeconomy Assessment: Coordinated Efforts of Policy, Innovation, and Sustainability for a Greener Future (18/07/2024)

The strategic development and utilization of biomass resources, as pivotal solutions for advancing towards the Sustainable Development Goals, are at the very centre of this report by the UN Environment Programme. The report offers a detailed analysis of the evolution of bioeconomy policies across different regions and nations. In parallel, it examines the lifecycle and characteristics of bio-based products and addresses multidimensional impacts such as land use changes, biodiversity loss, and the socio-economic enhancements brought about by bioeconomy.

The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2024 (18/07/2024)

Published biennially, this is a detailed situation report on matters ranging from global aquatic resources to the trade in seafood products or the extent of illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. This edition features the Blue Transformation in action, illustrated by activities and initiatives, led by FAO in collaboration with Members, partners and key stakeholders, to integrate aquatic foods into global food security and sustainability, enhance policy advocacy, scientific research and capacity building, disseminate sustainable practices and technological innovations, and support community involvement.

The EU blue economy report 2024 (18/07/2024)

The new edition of this annual report offers an in-depth analysis of European blue economy sectors. The report presents their performances based on the latest available data and their evolution since 2009, with a special focus on key socio-economic trends between 2020 and 2021. Furthermore, it delves into the contribution of all blue economy sectors to energy transition. Finally, it illustrates the potential impacts of climate change on the blue economy along the EU coastline, showcasing the need to raise current levels of coastal protection.

Commission launches consultation on the common fisheries policy (18/07/2024)

The European Commission has launched a consultation to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of the common fisheries policy (CFP), as a first part of a thorough evaluation that will look at how the CFP has achieved its objectives since 2013. The consultation targets a wide range of stakeholders, including individuals, the fisheries and the maritime sectors, non-governmental and other organisations, and national administrations from Member States.

BIOEAST stakeholders manifesto – call for signatories (18/07/2024)

The BIOEAST Thematic Working Groups have launched the Stakeholder Manifesto on “Sustainable supply chains and strengthened local processing of bioresources in Central and Eastern Europe”. The initiative targets individuals and organisations, both within the macro-region and beyond, calling for collective commitment to achieve a sustainable and circular future on healthy soils, freshwater, food system security and modern biomanufacturing demands.

Bioeconomy knowledge base: an online library to support EU policymaking - Edition 2023 (18/07/2024)

The Knowledge Centre for Bioeconomy (KCB) is committed to enhancing the knowledge base on the bioeconomy to contribute to better policymaking. At the end of 2023, the KCB library contained more than 5600 curated resources, constantly updated with the latest publications, datasets, events, news. This report is the second in a series aimed at describing the workflow process and methods used in the curation task. It includes an update of the statistics until the end of 2023 and explains how recommendations from the previous report have been addressed.

Sustainable development in the EU: monitoring progress towards the SDGs (18/07/2024)

Eurostat has published the eighth report on the EU’s progress towards the SDGs. Such progress is monitored along a set of 102 indicators, which are assessed annually over a short-term (past five years of available data) and over a long-term (15 years) period. The report also looks at the impact of some recent developments on the SDGs based on quarterly and monthly data. In addition, it includes a section on the EU in the world and analyses spillover effects of EU consumption.

Aquafeeds (18/07/2024)

Also known as aquaculture feeds, aquafeeds are feeds used to farm aquatic species. Semi-commercial feeds comprise a number of ingredients that are mixed in various proportions to complement one another and form a simple compound feed. These feeds are manufactured using simple production technologies such as grinding, cooking and drying, and are distributed and sold via local market chains. Aquafeeds in this category may be made by farmers or by small- and medium-scale feed manufacturers.

(17/05/2024)

Register for the public event on solutions to reduce consumer food waste (17/05/2024)

On 5 June 2024, the European Commission organises a public event in Brussels, designed for policymakers at local, regional, and national levels, as well as for food businesses and other organisations committed to tackle consumer food waste. Experts and practitioners will discuss about best practices and effective policies to address consumer food waste, and give advice on how to design, monitor, and evaluate food waste reduction actions effectively. Registration is open until 31 May.

Mapping global forest cover of the year 2020 to support the EU regulation on deforestation-free supply chains (17/05/2024)

This document presents the input data, methodology and a preliminary assessment of the first version of the Global Forest Cover map for year 2020 at 10m spatial resolution (GFC 2020). GFC 2020 builds on several global data sets and provides a harmonised, globally consistent and spatially explicit representation of forest presence and absence for year 2020. The map aims to support the implementation of the EU Regulation on Deforestation-free supply chains. The primary access to GFC 2020 is via the EU Observatory on Deforestation and Forest Degradation.

Current national proposals are off track to meet carbon dioxide removal needs (17/05/2024)

The authors of this paper analyse if and how current national proposals for carbon dioxide removal (CDR) align with temperature targets. They observe that proposed CDR efforts by countries fall short of those in integrated assessment model scenarios that limit warming to 1.5°C. The most ambitious proposals are close to levels in a low-energy demand scenario with limited CDR scaling and aggressive near-term emissions reductions. Many countries propose to expand land-based removals but have not yet committed to scaling up novel CDR methods.

Bioeconomy globalization: recent trends and drivers of national programs and policies (17/05/2024)

In 2020, the International Advisory Council on Global Bioeconomy (IACGB) released a comprehensive report that analysed the progress of bioeconomy policies across the globe up until that year. This study builds on that report, analysing bioeconomy policy trends between 2020 and 2024. The study aims to contribute valuable insights for policymakers, researchers, and other stakeholders involved in shaping the evolving bioeconomy landscape.

Accelerating the circular economy in Europe - State and outlook 2024 (17/05/2024)

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of Europe's transition towards a circular economy, highlighting progress and challenges. Despite the dedicated policies and the increased circular activities in EU Member States, Europe still operates under a predominantly linear mode. The report concludes that more needs to be done to achieve the 2030 targets and identifies potential actions for the future, such as making circular policies more binding and target-oriented, promoting higher quality recycling, and addressing the demand side.

Agri-environmental policies from 1960 to 2022 (17/05/2024)

This research explores the association between economic development and agri-environmental policies and between the soil-related, agri-environmental policies of countries and their border discontinuities in cropland erosion. It presents a database of 6124 policies across 200 countries between 1960 and 2022, including various policy types and goals and reveals a strong positive link between economic development and implemented policies. Furthermore, it shows that 43% of global border discontinuities in soil erosion can be attributed to differences in policies.

European Bioeconomy Policy Forum brand new website (17/05/2024)

The European Bioeconomy Policy Forum provides a platform for structured dialogue between the Commission and Member States (MS). In particular, it collects input from MS to guide the implementation of the EU Bioeconomy Strategy, inform wider policy developments and build the knowledge base on key bioeconomy-relevant policy developments and best practices at MS and EU level. This new dedicated webpage describes the objectives, working modalities and main outputs of the initiative, coordinated by DG Research and Innovation.

G20 Bioeconomy initiative (17/05/2024)

The Bioeconomy initiative of the G20 is based on three main axes: the role of science, technology, research, innovation, and traditional knowledge; the sustainable use of biodiversity; and the bioeconomy as a promoter of sustainable development. Brazil is promoting the discussion on bioeconomy at the G20 level, to build a common understanding and the definition of high-level principles.

The long-term vision for the EU’s rural areas: key achievements and ways forward (17/05/2024)

This report evaluates actions taken under the 2021-2027 EU Rural Action Plan, examining Common Agricultural Policy and cohesion policy contributions. Offering reflections and possible orientations for enhanced support, it discusses new indicators and data on rural areas, summarises 30 months of rural vision implementation, and proposes ways forward. The report, along with two staff working documents from the European Commission, concludes by suggesting opportunities for post-election debates on rural support.

Aquaculture: Commission shares recommendations and good practices (17/05/2024)

Following aquaculture producers’ calls, the Commission has published two staff working documents to facilitate the sustainable growth of aquaculture in the EU. The documents elaborate on the recommendations included in the EU strategic guidelines on facilitating the sustainable development of aquaculture in EU Member States, with the objective of streamlining the regulatory and administrative framework applicable to the sector, and ensuring adequate planning and allocation of space for marine aquaculture.

Food Waste Index Report 2024 (17/05/2024)

This report aims to spur action towards SDG 12.3 by providing a deeper understanding of global food waste. Building on its 2021 predecessor, the report expands data coverage, refines measurement methodology across sectors, and explores effective solutions for food waste reduction, with a focus on public-private partnerships. By tracking progress and offering guidance, the report helps countries tackle the issue of food waste.

Global Resources Outlook 2024 (17/05/2024)

The scientific community stresses the urgent need for global resource transformation to address the triple planetary crisis. This outlook reveals rising trends in resource use and predicts further increases. To combat this, bold policy action is crucial for phasing out unsustainable practices, promoting responsible innovation, and ensuring social equity in the necessary transitions. The path towards sustainability requires multilateral environmental agreement integration, sustainable resource use paths, and appropriate incentives.

Land use, land-use change and forestry (17/05/2024)

In the context of national greenhouse gas (GHG) inventories under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC, 2019), LULUCF is a GHG inventory sector that covers anthropogenic emissions and removals of GHG in managed lands, excluding non-CO2 agricultural emissions. Following the 2006 IPCC Guidelines for National GHG Inventories, ‘anthropogenic’ land-related GHG fluxes are defined as all those occurring on ‘managed land’, i.e., ‘where human interventions and practices have been applied to perform production, ecological or social functions’. Since managed land may include carbon dioxide (CO2) removals not considered as ‘anthropogenic’ in some of the scientific literature assessed in this report (e.g., removals associated with CO2 fertilisation and N deposition), the land-related net GHG emission estimates from global models included in this report are not necessarily directly comparable with LULUCF estimates in National GHG Inventories.

Jobs and wealth in the European Union Bioeconomy – based on 2021 data (21/03/2024)

The JRC has updated the dashboard and corresponding brief on jobs and growth in the EU bioeconomy, with data until 2021, enabling a comprehensive analysis of the bioeconomy's performances during the COVID-19 pandemic. The brief provides insights into the latest data and trends on employment and value added generated by the biomass-producing and converting sectors in the EU and its Member States during this period.

Bioeconomy Changemakers Festival highlights and recording (21/03/2024)

This Festival, organised by the European Commission, included a high-level event in Brussels on 13-14 March, and 33 satellite events taking place across Europe during the entire week. This event aimed to engage youth as drivers of the transformative change needed to address the multiple challenges that Europe faces today, and to unlock the potential of the bioeconomy to make the transformation happen.

Let’s reduce consumer food waste! Register to the public event (21/03/2024)

On 5 June 2024, the European Commission will gather actors working on reducing consumer food waste to share the latest initiatives, including those addressing consumer behaviour change, and to discuss how the solutions of the European Consumer Food Waste Forum can support their work. The conference will have an interactive format to facilitate knowledge sharing and networking between participants and experts.

EU Bioeconomy Monitoring System dashboards: extended with social indicators (21/03/2024)

In this document, the JRC describes the progress made in 2023 for the development, maintenance and updating of the EU Bioeconomy Monitoring System, from its launch in 2020. It contains an overview of the purpose of the system, its current status and an outlook for 2024. In particular, two new indicators were added in 2023, related to the social impacts of trade.

The development of bio-based industry in the European Union: A prospective integrated modelling assessment (21/03/2024)

This paper presents results from a study addressing knowledge gaps in the EU bioeconomy modelling capacity, particularly representations of contemporary bio-based industrial markets. The authors have developed an integrated model toolbox, consisting of five state-of-the-art bioeconomy simulation models. Amongst other things, results indicate that the promotion of biomass for industry reduces fossil dependence, although if enacted globally, may result in a substantial increase in biomass demand.

Food 2030 - Green and resilient food systems - conference outcome report (21/03/2024)

This report captures the main findings of the European Commission (EC) Conference entitled "Food 2030: Green and resilient food systems", held in Brussels on 4-5 December 2023. The event, which represents an important milestone in the EC's Food 2030 process, served to showcase promising R&I outcomes contributing to sustainable food systems transformation in Europe and beyond. Furthermore, the conference provided a space for multi-stakeholder reflection and dialogue towards envisioning future R&I needs.

Simulating future wood consumption and the impacts on Europe's forest sink to 2070 (21/03/2024)

In this report, JRC scientists aim to assess plausible future forest management options at EU level and their long-term impacts on the forest carbon sink. Simulating different socio-economic pathways and various levels of intensity of forest removal, they show that only a prolonged reduction in wood consumption will keep the forest carbon budget above the EU target until 2050 and thereafter. Nevertheless, the need to increase the forest carbon sink to mitigate climate change could be challenged by an increase in future harvest intensity and wood utilisation.

Cumulative economic impact of upcoming trade agreements on EU agriculture (21/03/2024)

This JRC study reports the results of a modelling exercise focusing on the economic impact of upcoming free trade agreements on EU agriculture, looking into bilateral trade, production, demand and prices. According to the analysis of 10 new trade agreements, concluded or under negotiation, the EU exports to the 10 partners will increase strongly: by 27 % (EUR 3.5 billion) in a conservative scenario and by 38 % (EUR 4.8 billion) in an ambitious scenario, as compared to a baseline in 2032.

Building the future with nature: boosting biotechnology and biomanufacturing in the EU (21/03/2024)

The Commission has proposed a series of targeted actions to boost biotechnology and biomanufacturing in the EU and reap the related benefits. The list of actions includes the review of the EU Bioeconomy Strategy by 2025, to take into account the current societal, demographic and environmental challenges, reinforcing the bioeconomy's industrial dimension and its links to biotechnology and biomanufacturing to contribute to a stronger EU economy.

Recommendation for 2040 emissions reduction target to set the path to climate neutrality in 2050 (21/03/2024)

The Commission has published a detailed impact assessment on possible pathways to reach the agreed goal of making the European Union climate neutral by 2050, recommending a 90% net greenhouse gas emissions reduction by 2040 compared to 1990 levels. The Communication also sets out a number of enabling policy conditions which are necessary to achieve the 90 % target.

Bioeconomy Youth Vision (21/03/2024)

The EU Bioeconomy Youth Ambassadors were selected by the European Commission in 2022 to represent the voice of the youth within bioeconomy. They have recently published their vision on how to shape the bioeconomy concept and upcoming EU and national bioeconomy policies to align them with the shared mission of tackling climate change and protecting nature. This document addresses the bioeconomy at different levels in terms of geographic boundaries, economic models, technology relevance, educational systems, and citizen engagement, being aware of differential priorities, and the need for coordinated political action from various sides.

New European Partnerships on Agroecology and Animal Health and Welfare (21/03/2024)

The European Partnership on Agroecology and the European Partnership on Animal Health and Welfare were launched under the umbrella of the EU’s Framework Programme for Research and Innovation Horizon Europe. These Partnerships will bring together funding organisations, research institutes, laboratories, universities, industrial partners and other key stakeholders from EU Member States and countries associated to Horizon Europe to advance research and generate ready-to-use innovations, in key areas of agricultural production.

The European Commission invites farmers to participate in online survey on simplification (21/03/2024)

The Commission has launched an online survey to gather the views of EU farmers on the burden represented by procedures and rules linked to financial support under the CAP, as well as other EU rules for food and agriculture in the EU. The survey is open from 7 March to 8 April. Preliminary results will be presented already by mid-April. In parallel, interviews will be organised with farmers' organisations to complete the picture.

New EU toolkit provides focused support to rural areas (21/03/2024)

Launched by the Commission on 6th February, the EU Rural toolkit provides local authorities, regions, businesses, and individuals with a means to access more easily information on the different EU funding opportunities and take advantage of EU initiatives to improve the quality of life in their territories. The toolkit gathers opportunities from 26 EU funds and offers an interactive funding finder that lets beneficiaries tailor their search based on several criteria, such as the organisation they represent, their proposed activity and the type of support they want.

The Economics of the Food System Transformation (21/03/2024)

The Food System Economics Commission, an independent academic body, has brought together several experts and produced this report which identifies the elements related to a transformation from today’s food systems to an inclusive, health-enhancing and environmentally sustainable global food system, looking at its feasibility from an environmental and technical perspective and at its social and economic benefits globally.

Building a resilient biomass supply - A Plan to Enable the Bioeconomy in America (21/03/2024)

The US Department of Agriculture has released a plan including programs to encourage climate-smart production and use of domestic biomass. The plan describes current understanding of biomass use and availability and identifies current challenges and vulnerabilities to biomass supply chain systems in the US, taking stock of existing initiatives and recommending additional actions to support the expansion of the bioeconomy.

Agricultural area (21/03/2024)

Agricultural area, abbreviated as AA, describes the area already used for farming, or that could be brought back into cultivation using the resources normally available on an agricultural holding. It includes the land categories: - arable land; - permanent grassland; - permanent crops; - kitchen gardens; - unutilised agricultural area; - special holding areas; The term does not include wooded land and land occupied by buildings, farmyards, tracks, ponds, etc.

(21/03/2024)

Exploring foresight scenarios for the EU bioeconomy (11/01/2024)

A new JRC report summarises the results of a scientific game on bioeconomy which engaged several stakeholders across EU in foresight thinking. Collaboration, policy coherence, inclusion of rural areas, effective communication and citizens’ engagement emerged among the main areas to consider for shaping the future bioeconomy policy.

EU Observatory on deforestation and forest degradation (11/01/2024)

On 8 December 2023, the JRC launched this observatory to monitor changes in the world’s forest cover and related drivers. Besides providing access to global forest maps and spatial forest and forestry-related information, it facilitates access to scientific information on supply chains, linking deforestation, forest degradation and changes in the world’s forest cover to EU demand for commodities and products. The observatory supports the EU’s new rules on deforestation-free products, addressing a wide range of public entities, consumers, and businesses.

(19/01/2024)

Agro-economic-environmental modelling in the context of the Green Deal and sustainable food systems (11/01/2024)

The Integrated Modelling Platform for Agro-economic Commodity and Policy Analysis (iMAP) can assess a broad range of policies in the agricultural and food sector, particularly those related to the European Green Deal. This report evaluates the modelling needs which can be covered by the current iMAP model suite, as well as the gaps in model requirements to be filled by further developments or by new models, tools and approaches.

Digital transition - Long-term implications for EU farmers and rural communities (11/01/2024)

This foresight study, carried out by the European Commission, focuses on the implications of digital technologies for transformative resilience of agri-food systems and rural areas. A wide group of farmers, rural actors, experts and policymakers took part in this collective intelligence-building exercise, to inform digitalisation policy and strategy at the EU and/or national levels, help stress test policy options, and engage key stakeholders at the policy implementation stage.

Mapping the contribution of agroecological transitions to the sustainability of food systems (11/01/2024)

In this report by the JRC, the authors focus on the agroecology/food system interface and identify a wide variety of links between agroecological principles and sustainability dimensions of food systems. They point out the subjects and segments of food value chains which would benefit from being further explored, to inform future research relevant to the agroecological transition towards the sustainability of food systems.

R&I policy as a driver for sustainable, healthy, climate resilient and inclusive food systems (11/01/2024)

This report, from the series Food 2030, aims to guide future research and innovation policy reflections related to Horizon Europe, the Farm-to-Fork Strategy, the European Green Deal and beyond. It promotes a systemic approach, setting out 11 pathways for action where research and innovation can effectively deliver co-benefits in relation to nutrition, climate, circularity and communities, at multiple levels.

EU agricultural outlook 2023-35 (11/01/2024)

This outlook report considers the main drivers expected to affect the future of EU agriculture until 2035, keeping an unchanged policy framework. It gives an overview of arable and specialised crops, milk, dairy and meat products, presenting market trends and their impact on farmers’ income. Finally, it analyses two scenario alternatives and theoretical pathways.

The EU Fish Market - 2023 Edition (11/01/2024)

The European Market Observatory for Fisheries and Aquaculture Products (EUMOFA) has published the annual economic report on the European fisheries and aquaculture industry, including data on production, consumption and trade available as of September 2023. The study assesses the performance of fishery and aquaculture products in the EU market compared with other food products.

Key figures on the European food chain - 2023 edition (11/01/2024)

Eurostat released the annual review of data and statistics regarding the European agriculture and fisheries sectors, as well as the wider farm to fork chain, including related environmental issues. The document gathers key messages for the EU, it highlights the main players and their key specialisations, accompanying the analysis with effective visualisations.

The potential of emerging bio-based products to reduce environmental impacts (18/01/2024)

This research, co-authored by the JRC, analyses the environmental trade-offs of 98 emerging bio-based materials, and estimates that their greenhouse gas life cycle emissions are on average 45% lower compared to their fossil counterparts. The large variation between individual products (from 19% for bioadhesives to 73% for biorefinery products) leads to conclude that the environmental sustainability of bio-based products should be evaluated on an individual product basis and that more radical product developments are required to reach climate-neutral targets.

Divergence in land CO₂ flux estimates: new research offers more consistent accounting (11/01/2024)

A new paper published in Nature, led by IIASA and co-authored by the JRC, makes further steps towards consistent accounting of land use CO₂ fluxes: it aims to ensure accurate assessment of progress and provides recommendations to ensure transparency and clarity in the accounting methods used at national level.

Bioeconomy Changemakers Festival (11/01/2024)

Organised by the European Commission in cooperation with the Bioeconomy Youth Ambassadors, this festival will include more than 30 independent satellite events all over Europe between 11 and 17 March and a high-level event in Brussels on 13-14 March. The Youth Ambassadors are working on a "Bioeconomy Youth Vision", which will be officially handed over to the EC during the festival. By taking part, youth organisations have the chance to build a more comprehensive vision for their generation. Those interested should write to: eubioeconomyya@gmail.com

EU Commission’s proposal for a framework for forest monitoring (11/01/2024)

On 22 November 2023, the Commission issued a proposal for a Regulation on a monitoring framework for resilient European forests. This framework will enable the collection and sharing of timely and comparable forest data obtained through a combination of Earth Observation technology and ground measurements. Building on existing national efforts, it will offer better data and knowledge for decision making and policy implementation, including more up-to-date information on natural disturbances and forest disasters across Member States.

Carbon Management: Bioeconomy and Beyond (11/01/2024)

This report by the OECD affirms that the sustainability of the bioeconomy may be increased by enlarging its boundaries to include alternative sources of bio-based carbon to complement biomass. Based on a series of workshops and 16 case studies, it reviews a number of hybrid technologies that can be deployed to ‘defossilise’ economic sectors and sets out policy options to bring these technologies to commercial scale.

Bioeconomy Matters – podcast (11/01/2024)

Created by two Bioeconomy Youth Ambassadors in the framework of the Horizon Europe project BioBeo, this podcast offers a multifaceted representation of the European bioeconomy. It addresses a wide public, offering groundbreaking insights and revelations from the younger generation’s perspective through a series of interviews with bioeconomy experts and stakeholders.

Ecosystem services (18/01/2024)

The range of benefits provided to humans by healthy ecosystems. Services include provisioning (such as food and wood), regulating (for example climate, flood and water regulation) and cultural services (for example, spiritual, recreation, educational).

(16/11/2023)

Biomass supply and uses - summary for policy makers (16/11/2023)

This summary presents selected facts, figures and findings from the recent JRC report “Biomass production, supply, uses and flows in the European Union”. It informs policymakers on the trends in biomass supply and demand at EU level and notably on the increasing demand from both primary domestic production and secondary sources, putting pressure on ecosystems.

New dataset on jobs and wealth in the bioeconomy of EU regions (16/11/2023)

The JRC has published a pilot dataset providing preliminary estimates (2008-2020) on employment and value added in the bioeconomy sectors for European Union regions (NUTS2 level). The aim of this dataset is to fill the data gap on the socioeconomic implications of the bioeconomy at the subnational level, with a systematic combination of regional statistics from Eurostat and other official data sources, along with national output bio-based shares.

How to reduce consumer food waste? Recommendations to policy makers, food businesses and schools (16/11/2023)

The Knowledge Centre for Bioeconomy published a set of informative leaflets, based on the work of the European Consumer Food Waste Forum, providing useful tips and best practices on food waste prevention actions for various target groups: policymakers, food businesses and schools. The leaflets are available in all EU languages, to be further disseminated throughout the EU Member States.

The 2023 Annual Economic Report on the EU Fishing Fleet (16/11/2023)

The Scientific, Technical and Economic Committee for Fisheries has released the annual structural and economic overview of the national and European fishing fleets. The report shows the most recent data (2021), with nowcasts for 2022 and 2023, and trend analyses for the years 2013-2021. In addition, it provides regional analysis of the EU fishing fleet by major sea basin.

Clean Energy Technology Observatory: Advanced biofuels in the European Union - 2023 (16/11/2023)

This report provides data on the installed capacity and planned production of advanced biofuels in Europe. It shows the recent progress of innovative technologies and the main challenges the sector must overcome, including the financial barriers and the availability of sustainable biomass feedstock. In addition, it describes investments in biofuels research and facilities, it quantifies high-value patents, the contribution to the EU GDP and job creation, as well as the international trade for the advanced biofuels sector.

The European biomass puzzle (16/11/2023)

The EU Member States face a true challenge: producing and trading enough biomass for food, feed, energy, construction, and other purposes while increasing their carbon sequestration capacity and protecting biodiversity. This report by the European Environment Agency highlights controversial aspects that need to be carefully tackled and analysed to take advantage of the biomass contribution to reaching the objectives of the European Green Deal.

The state of food and agriculture 2023 (16/11/2023)

In its annual flagship publication, FAO focuses on the true cost of food for sustainable agrifood systems. The report introduces the concept of hidden environmental, health and social costs and benefits of agrifood systems and proposes an approach – true cost accounting (TCA) – to assess them. It also provides national assessments on 154 countries and shows that global hidden costs from agrifood systems reached 12.7 trillion USD in 2020, equivalent to 10 percent of global GDP.

Rethinking the approach to the EU bioeconomy and taking action (16/11/2023)

The Biobased Industry Consortium has published its first 'Trend Report' on the EU bioeconomy, based on a series of workshops organised in 2023, with the participation of representatives from the European institutions, non governmental organisations, think tanks and private sector companies. The report includes six case studies and a set of policy recommendations for the bieoconomy to contribute to a circular, climate neutral and green economy.

Agricultural policy monitoring and evaluation (16/11/2023)

The OECD measures and classifies support to agriculture through a comprehensive system which provides comparable and up-to-date information on agricultural policies across different countries. The 2023 edition of this report assesses this information to focus on the role of agricultural and other policies in adapting agriculture to climate change. The European Common Agricultural Policy is analysed in a dedicated chapter.

Give your opinion on the future of the Green Deal (with)in cities (16/11/2023)

The Joint Research Centre, in collaboration with the Politecnico di Torino (Italy), has launched a survey to identify priorities for and barriers to urban green transition and rank major challenges and solutions for the implementation of the Green Deal at local level. By 23 December, interested stakeholders can share their opinion on what might slow down regions and cities from the achievement of some of the Green Deal objectives.

Ireland’s bioeconomy action plan 2023-2025 (16/11/2023)

Ireland has published its first national Bioeconomy Action Plan, including 33 actions to accelerate support for the development of the bioeconomy. The document contains an overview of the country’s bioeconomy policy strategy and implementation framework, and presents the specific actions according to seven main pillars, with a high focus on bringing sustainable scientific practices, technologies and biobased innovation and solutions into use on farms and by biobased industries in the country.

Circular economy and bioeconomy sectors - Horizon Europe calls (16/11/2023)

Under the Horizon Europe - Cluster 6: “Food, bioeconomy, natural resources, agriculture and environment”, the European Commission funds research and innovation activities to develop sustainable solutions for the circular economy and bioeconomy sectors with an overall indicative budget of EUR 147.5 million. 16 calls for projects on relevant topics are open until 22 February 2024.

Launch of new digital toolkit for rural regions (16/11/2023)

The Biorural project aims to create a pan-European Rural Bioeconomy Network to promote the currently available small-scale bio-based solutions in rural areas and give increased value in such remote areas. The consortium has recently launched the “Biorural Toolkit”, an online platform featuring factsheets, inventories, success stories, the biomass geoportal and other resources to support local bioeconomy stakeholders. The toolkit is available in 15 languages.

Forestry residues (16/11/2023)

Forestry residues can be primary or secondary. Primary forestry residues are left over from logging operations - thinning or final felling (branches, stumps. tree tops, bark, sawdust etc.). Secondary forestry residues are by-products and co-products of industrial wood-processing operation (bark, sawmill slabs, saw dust, wood chips etc.)

(20/09/2023)

Releasing global forests from management: how much more carbon could be stored? (22/09/2023)

This article investigates over the impact of forest management practices on the global carbon budget. The authors apply machine learning to model the expected increase of global forests' aboveground biomass in absence of human intervention. According to their findings, the global forest carbon would only increase by 15% in this way, meaning that forest-based climate mitigation should not be mistaken as a way to compensate for present carbon emissions levels.

The role of forests in the EU climate policy: are we on the right track? (22/09/2023)

This study evaluates to what extent the European forest sink is on track to meet our long-term climate targets. It demonstrates that at the EU level, the recent decrease in forest growth rate and the increase in harvest and mortality are causing a rapid drop in the forest sink. In addition, continuing the past forest management practices is projected to further decrease the sink. Finally, it considers options for enhancing the sinks through forest management while taking into account adaptation to climate change and resilience.

Land-use, deforestation and carbon dioxide emissions embodied in the palm oil consumption of four European countries: a biophysical accounting approach (22/09/2023)

This study focuses on the palm oil imports between 2000 and 2020 by four EU countries from Indonesia, Malaysia, and Papua New Guinea. It links the demand for palm oil from the food, oleochemicals, and energy sectors, to the increased environmental impacts in South-East Asia. By adopting a biophysical accounting approach, the authors quantify the total embodied land footprint, the volume of deforestation and the emissions associated with land use change activities incorporated in the per-capita consumption of palm oil and its co-products in the leading European economies.

How to tackle food waste in your country (22/09/2023)

The United Nations General Assembly designated 29 September as the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste. The Knowledge Centre for Bioeconomy has promoted the activities of the European Consumer Food Waste Forum during the past two years. The Forum’s work has resulted in the publication of a compendium of tools, best practices, and recommendations to help all key players prevent food waste. The document provides policymakers, researchers, businesses, and practitioners a set of recommendations to take action against consumer food waste. The compendium encourages cooperation with other stakeholders and promotes the establishment of sustainable food systems. The executive summary of the compendium is now available in all EU languages.

Seaweed farming: assessment on the potential of sustainable upscaling for climate, communities and the planet (22/09/2023)

Starting from an accurate literature review, this report by the UN Environment Program investigates the potential climate benefits of the seaweed farming value chain, considering different use pathways. It assesses the feasibility of upscaling the global farmed seaweed production and it synthetises the findings in a situational analysis with a SWOT design. Finally, the report remarks the crucial role of coastal communities to maximise climate and environmental co-benefits, and the need to build global partnerships to advance science for the sustainable use of ocean resources.

Regional Innovation Valleys for bioeconomy and food systems (22/09/2023)

The European Commission has opened a call for proposals to create connected regional innovation valleys across the European Union, involving regions with lower innovation performances, by building on strategic areas of regional strength and specialisation in support of key EU priorities. The call closes on 17 October. The concept of Regional Innovation Valleys for Bioeconomy and Food systems will be launched in a public event in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, on 13th October 2023.

Green Deal: new guidelines for sustainable forest management and payment schemes for forest ecosystem services (22/09/2023)

In July 2023, the Commission has published two new guidelines to incentivise and reward sustainable forest practices. The “closer to nature” guidelines aim to strengthen forest multifunctionality and resilience to climate change, while fostering long-term economic and other societal benefits. The guidance on payment schemes for forest ecosystem services presents a variety of ways in which land managers, including foresters, may derive monetary benefits from the provision of the different ecosystem services. The two guidelines are key deliverables of the EU Forest Strategy.

The Spanish Presidency’s vision of a resilient European Union (22/09/2023)

The Spanish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, in close consultation with officials of the 27 Member States, the European Commission, the Secretariat of the Council of the EU, and several academics and private sector representatives, presented Resilient EU2030, a strategic proposal to ensure the EU’s Open Strategic Autonomy and global leadership by 2030. The document explicitly mentions the role of the bioeconomy and bio-based materials in reducing the EU’s foreign dependencies while mitigating climate change.

One planet - bioeconomy solutions for global challenges (22/09/2023)

The International Advisory Council on Global Bioeconomy has published a new statement, building upon previous communiqués of the Global Bioeconomy Summits held in the last decade. The statement puts forward the bioeconomy as a key solution enabling a transformed fossil-free, sustainable, regenerative and circular global economy, driven by technology and social innovations.

Ireland’s forest strategy (22/09/2023)

The Irish government has recently published Ireland’s Forest Strategy towards 2030, including a Shared National Vision for the role of forests and trees in the country’s future. Based on a series of stakeholders' consultations, the new strategy aims to expand the national forest estate on both private and public land, to deliver benefits for environment, economy and society.

Circular bioeconomy roadmap for Estonia (22/09/2023)

The Estonian Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture has developed a roadmap for the circular bioeconomy. It defines the main directions of activities for the development of the circular bioeconomy in Estonia in the short term (2023-2027) and in the long term (until 2035) and serves as the basis for compiling regional circular bioeconomy roadmaps. The latter are based on local bio-resources, the needs and opportunities of communities and municipalities, and formulate novel local initiatives and forms of cooperation supporting the growth of added value and the vitality of the regional bioeconomy.

Roadmap “Circular bioeconomy for Germany” (22/09/2023)

This roadmap by the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft for implementing the bioeconomy in Germany provides recommendations to help accelerate the market ramp-up of bio-based products and technologies, and to address social and ecological challenges. It shows that removing regulatory hurdles, getting technology transfer investments off the ground, and engaging stakeholders and consumers at an early stage can speed up the deployment of a circular bioeconomy, where biogenic raw materials are used in value creation cycles.

Biomass (22/09/2023)

The biodegradable fraction of products, waste and residues from biological origin from agriculture, including vegetal and animal substances, from forestry and related industries, fisheries and aquaculture, as well as the biodegradable fraction of waste, including industrial and municipal waste of biological origin.