"Bioeconomy" Newsletter Issues

(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.

(19/07/2023)

JRC contribution to the EU food waste reduction target initiative (18/07/2023)

JRC scientists have contributed to the European Commission proposal of legally binding food waste reduction targets to be achieved by the EU Member States by 2030, published on 5th July as part of the Farm to Fork Strategy. They have analysed the potential economic, social and environmental impacts of cutting EU food waste by 2030, assessed environmental benefits linked to food waste reduction and prepared a compendium of tools, best practices, and recommendations for policymakers, researchers, businesses, and practitioners, to take action against food waste at consumer level. In this context, the Knowledge Centre for Bioeconomy has contributed to communicate and disseminate the work of the European Consumer Food Waste Forum.

Impacts of farming practices on environment and climate (18/07/2023)

The iMAP project (Integrated Modelling platform for Agro-economic and resource Policy analysis) aims to provide robust scientific evidence to support the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the Common Agricultural Policy, within the framework of the EU environment and climate change objectives. Among the outcomes, the project has just released a wiki with a synthesis of a large amount of scientific evidences on the impacts of farming practices on the environment, climate and agricultural productivity.

Assisted tree migration can reduce but not avert the decline of forest ecosystem services in Europe (18/07/2023)

In this paper, JRC scientists combine a large dataset of tree species occurrences, future climatic projections, and data on tree functional traits and tree-specific forest services with an innovative modelling approach, to tackle assess forest ecosystem services decline and explore alternative scenarios of assisted tree migration strategies. This research has contributed to the impact assessment of the Commission proposal on production and marketing of plant reproductive material in the Union.

Urban food system transformation in the context of Food 2030 – current practice and outlook towards 2030 (18/07/2023)

This report by DG Research and Innovation (DG RTD) reflects on the future of sustainable food systems in line with the priorities of the Food 2030 initiative. It seeks to share good practices and to serve as inspiration for more urban areas wishing to transform their food systems. The report is based on a survey of 22 European urban food system transformation projects, in-depth interviews, and a workshop with representatives of some 25 European projects and networks.

The EU Blue Economy report 2023 (18/07/2023)

Jointly produced by DG Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (DG MARE) and the Joint Research Centre, the 2023 edition of this report highlights the evolution of the blue economy sectors since 2010. It shows that despite the negative impact of the COVID19 pandemic and the unprovoked Russian invasion of Ukraine, most of the analysed sectors increased their economic performances.

SAPEA Report on Sustainable Food Consumption (18/07/2023)

The Group of Science Advisors from SAPEA (Science Advice for Policy by European Academies) has released a report presenting the evidence for the main levers and actions to shape food consumption for the mutual benefit of environmental sustainability and public health, including health-related inequalities. The authors looked at food system impacts, food environment and consumer behaviour, as well as at policy and strategies to overcome the barriers that hinder sustainable and healthy food consumption.

Bioeconomy Changemakers Festival 2024 - Call for satellite events (20/07/2023)

The Bioeconomy Changemakers Festival, jointly organised by the European Commission and the EU Bioeconomy Youth Ambassadors, aims to engage youth as drivers of the transformative change and boost the bioeconomy innovation ecosystem. It will take place between 11 and 17 March 2024 in various location across EU Member States, including a high-level main event in Brussels. Interested companies and institutions can now apply for organising satellite events.

Proposal for a Soil Health Law (18/07/2023)

As part of the EU soil strategy for 2030, the EU proposed a new Soil Health Law to help achieve healthy soils by 2050. The proposal puts in place a solid and coherent monitoring framework, combining data from multiple sources to support innovative and evidence-based solutions in farming practices. In addition, it requires EU Member States to define positive and negative practices for soil management as well as regeneration measures based on national soil health assessments, useful to inform LULUCF, CAP and water management policies. Finally, the proposal requests that Member States address soil contamination issues, applying the ‘polluter pays’ principle.

Towards a fair and sustainable Europe 2050: Social and economic choices in sustainability transitions (18/07/2023)

On 5 July 2023, the Commission presented the 2023 Strategic Foresight Report, on how to put ‘sustainability and people's wellbeing at the heart of Europe's Open Strategic Autonomy', identifying six key social and economic challenges and ten concrete actions to achieve a successful transition. The Communication builds on the JRC Report "Towards a fair and sustainable Europe 2050: Social and economic choices in sustainability transitions", where the crucial role of the bioeconomy is highlighted in one of the scenarios of a sustainable EU 2050.

Outlook on climate and security nexus (18/07/2023)

With a joint Communication, the European Commission and the High Representative clarified how the EU will address the growing impact of new threats related to climate change and environmental degradation on our society and our security operations. The EU aims to better integrate the climate, peace and security nexus in the EU's external policies, with a set of concrete actions across the entire spectrum of data, policies, missions, defence, and cooperation with third partners. The concept of food security and the sustainable management of key natural resources are an integral part of this strategy.

Law to fight global deforestation and forest degradation driven by EU production and consumption enters into force (18/07/2023)

On 29 June 2023, the EU Regulation on deforestation-free supply chains entered into force, stepping up EU’s engagement with producer and consumer countries to prevent deforestation and forest degradation in any part of the world while promoting sustainable consumption. Operators and traders will have 18 months to implement the new rules covering palm oil, cattle, soy, coffee, cocoa, timber and rubber as well as derived products. The list of commodities that are covered will be regularly updated taking into account the evolution of the deforestation.

Secondary legislation clarifies contribution of biofuels to renewables target in transport (18/07/2023)

Following several stakeholder consultations, the European Commission adopted the delegated Regulation, pursuant to Article 28(5) of the Renewable Energy Directive. This delegated act defines a methodology allowing economic operators to calculate the contribution of biofuels and biogas in blended transport fuel. Calculations are done in the context of the EU renewable energy target in transport, in line with the sustainability and greenhouse gas emissions saving criteria and low indirect land-use change-risk criteria.

Fisheries management (18/07/2023)

The integrated process of information gathering, analysis, planning, decision making, allocation of resources and formulation and enforcement of fishery regulations by which the fisheries management authority controls the present and future behaviours of the interested parties in the fishery, in order to ensure the continued productivity of the living resources.

(12/05/2023)

New interactive visualisation of the EU Bioeconomy Monitoring System (12/05/2023)

The EU Bioeconomy Monitoring System has redesigned its interactive visualisation tool, presenting a set of headline indicators divided into five main groups: (i) Ecosystem condition, (ii) Primary production systems, (iii) Secondary production systems, (iv) Waste and circularity, (v) Trade. On the revamped graphical interface the user can access ad-hoc graphs and select specific indicators. All the available indicators can be consulted freely and are available for download.

Estimating future emissions from land use, land use change and forestry (12/05/2023)

This report by the JRC describes the implementation of the ecosystem service “climate regulation” in the land use modelling platform LUISA-BEES (Land Use Integrated Sustainability Assessment – Bioeconomy and Ecosystem Service). The newly developed spatially explicit Land Use, Land Use Change and Forestry (LULUCF) module can estimate the associated emissions in CO2 equivalent under different biomass demand scenarios in the EU. The outcomes of the model runs are compared with UNFCCC reported data, discussing the differences and providing suggestions for improvements.

Jobs and wealth in the EU Bioeconomy (17/05/2023)

The JRC has published the 2020 socio-economic data of the bioeconomy in the European Union. In 2020, the biomass producing and converting sectors in the EU provided 17.2 million jobs, which is about 8.3% of the total employment. The value added reached 665 billion EUR, corresponding to a share of 4.9% of the total value added. Compared to 4.75% in 2019, the bioeconomy has shown a higher resilience than the rest of the economy.

Exploring economy-wide sustainable conditions for EU bio-chemical activities (12/05/2023)

The EU bio-based chemical industry can contribute to the Green Deal ambition towards a sustainable circular economy. This paper, written by JRC scientists, uses economic modelling to explore future scenarios quantifying the impacts from increases in EU bio-based chemical, pharmaceutical and plastic output over a thirty-year time horizon to 2050. Outcomes from the simulations reveal, among other findings, improvements in EU bioeconomy growth and employment and greater chemical industry trade competitiveness. The paper has been presented, along with other JRC publications and insights into the state and prospect of the industrial side of the bioeconomy, at the workshop on “Biobased Industries and Biomaterials – Opportunities for Acceleration” organised by DG GROW (Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs) on 10 May.

Exploring foresight scenarios for the EU bioeconomy (12/05/2023)

Between October 2022 and May 2023, the Knowledge Centre for Bioeconomy organised three workshops to explore bioeconomy foresight scenarios towards 2050. The events were based on the Scenario Exploration System, an award-winning gaming tool designed by the EC Competence Centre on Foresight and adapted to the bioeconomy to promote long-term thinking of relevant experts. In total, around 100 stakeholders participated in the exercise, engaging in strategic discussions and sharing their insights on the future of the bioeconomy in Europe.

Council Conclusions on bioeconomy opportunities (12/05/2023)

On 25 April 2023, EU Member States adopted the “Conclusions on the opportunities of the bioeconomy in the light of current challenges with special emphasis on rural areas”. The conclusions recognise the positive impacts of a sustainable bioeconomy on the environmental, economic and social challenges and on the European Green Deal targets. They also explicitly acknowledge the role of the Knowledge Centre for Bioeconomy and the EU Bioeconomy Monitoring System, developed by the JRC, and the efforts in enhancing the knowledge base for policies and systematically monitoring economic, environmental and social progress towards a sustainable bioeconomy.

How to reduce consumer food waste? Solutions from the European Consumer Food Waste Forum (12/05/2023)

The European Consumer Food Waste Forum is a network of international practitioners and researchers, who have identified a variety of evidence-based, practical solutions to reduce food waste at the consumer level, including household and food services. The recommendations are summarised in a compendium of best practices to facilitate the uptake of effective interventions. These will be presented at a high-level event at the European Parliament on 29th June 2023. Interested participants shall register to attend in person or follow the online streaming.

Stronger legislation to accelerate the rollout of renewable energy, including bioenergy (12/05/2023)

On 30 March 2023, the European Parliament and the Council reached a provisional agreement on the recast of the EU Renewable Energy Directive. In line with ambitious climate and biodiversity goals, the agreement extends the bioenergy sustainability criteria to installations from 7.5 MW thermal input and ensures that forest biomass is not sourced from areas rich in carbon and biodiversity. Additional provisions support the efficient use of woody biomass, prioritising its highest value applications (so-called cascading use principle), while limiting the financial benefits for energy produced from certain categories of woody biomass and from forest biomass used in power-only installations.

German Bioeconomy monitoring System (12/05/2023)

Developed in the context of the SYMOBIO 2.0 project, this new platform offers facts and figures on the status, performance and trends of the German bioeconomy. It aims to inform stakeholders through simple graphics and headline indicators with direct links to key sources. Its data explorer and up-to-date information emphasise the importance of systemic monitoring, including key aspects such as scale, balance, incentives, impacts and innovation.

Commission updates marketing standards of agri-food products (12/05/2023)

On 21 April 2023, the European Commission proposed to revise the existing marketing standards applicable to a number of agri-food products, such as fresh fruit and vegetables, eggs and poultry as well as jams, marmalades, fruit juices and honey. The Commission is committed in helping consumers make more informed and healthier choices and prevent food waste and supports the adoption of new marketing standards for cider and perry, and for the origin labelling of pulses, which are currently not covered by the Common Market Organisation Regulation.

Cascading use (12/05/2023)

Cascading use is the efficient utilisation of resources by using residues and recycled materials for material use to extend total biomass availability within a given system. From a technical perspective the cascading use of wood takes place when wood is processed into a product and this product is used at least once more either for material or energy purposes. In a single stage cascade, wood is processed into a product and this product is used once more for energy purposes. In a multi-stage cascade, wood is processed into a product and this product is used at least once more in material form before disposal or recovery for energy purposes.
Source: Cascades - Study on the optimised cascading use of wood

(13/03/2023)

Biomass production, supply, uses and flows in the European Union (13/03/2023)

This science for policy report collects the contribution of 42 scientists from JRC and external organisations to provide a cross-sectoral overview of the biomass produced and used in the EU-27, as well as specific data on biomass production, supply, uses and flows by sector. It also dives into topics such as the trade of bio-commodities or some innovative wood-based products.

Trends in the EU bioeconomy (13/03/2023)

The EU Bioeconomy Monitoring System is being developed by the JRC to track economic, environmental and social progress towards a sustainable bioeconomy. This publication reports the first assessment of the trends of the EU bioeconomy, based on the tracked indicators. The analysis shows that while resource efficiency is improving, there is a growing pressure on ecosystems from forestry and agriculture.

The EU Bioeconomy Footprint: using LCA to monitor environmental impacts of the EU Bioeconomy (13/03/2023)

This scientific publication presents a Life Cycle Assessment-based Bioeconomy Footprint developed by JRC researchers to assess and monitor the environmental impacts of the EU bioeconomy along time. The study quantifies the overall impact of 76 representative products based on the consumption intensity and the environmental impacts of the life cycle of each of them.

Exploring new visions for a sustainable bioeconomy (13/03/2023)

In this report, five authors share their perspectives on the existing narratives related to the bioeconomy, after discussions held at a workshop of the Community of Practice on Bioeconomy, last November. The themes covered include: understanding human-nature relationship to frame the bioeconomy; facing the challenges of green growth; embedding the Environmental Justice agenda principles for a just bioeconomy; and the complexity of the agri-food system. The authors identify so far under-represented perspectives in the bioeconomy discourse, to develop an alternative vision for a “green, just and sufficient bioeconomy”.

Bioeconomy knowledge base: an online library to support EU policymaking (13/03/2023)

The Knowledge Centre for Bioeconomy online library provides a one-stop shop for filtered and distilled knowledge on the bioeconomy to support evidence-based EU policymaking. It is constantly updated with the latest publications, datasets, events, news, visualisations and other resources, and made publicly accessible. This report describes the workflow process and methods to curate, organise, store and share the bioeconomy-relevant knowledge.

A new tool maps the state of soil health across Europe (14/03/2023)

The EU Soil Observatory has released the soil health dashboard, a new tool to show information on soil degradation processes based on EU-wide harmonised soil datasets and a novel methodology combining 15 indicators. The dashboard supports the forthcoming European Commission proposal for a soil health law and indicators as part of the EU soil strategy for 2030.

The European Commission launches the rural observatory (13/03/2023)

The rural observatory with its online tool provides data, statistics, indicators and analyses related to EU rural areas. Such information allows evaluating and assessing the impacts and progress of EU legislative initiatives on rural areas, thus supporting evidence-based policymaking.

'Living in the Bioeconomy’ Conference in Stockholm (14/03/2023)

The conference took place on 27 and 28 February in the context of the Swedish Presidency of the EU Council. The event gave space to discussions on policies and actions to take towards a sustainable, bio-based society with resource-efficient value chains, starting from the outcomes of the EU bioeconomy strategy progress report, published in 2022. In this occasion, the JRC presented the three new reports on the EU bioeconomy trends; on EU biomass production, supply, uses and flows; and on new visions for a sustainable bioeconomy.

Sustainability and resilience of the EU's fisheries and aquaculture sector (13/03/2023)

In February 2023, the Commission launched a new package of measures to improve the sustainability and resilience of the EU's fisheries and aquaculture sector, including two Communications, an Action Plan and a Report. The measures aim to promote the use of cleaner energy sources, reduce dependency on fossil fuels as well as reduce the sector's impact on marine ecosystems, without leaving behind the social and economic aspects.

Farmers’ Toolbox for Integrated Pest Management (17/03/2023)

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) aims to control pests damaging crops and plants by using natural methods whenever possible and chemical pesticides as last resort. The Commission has just published a database presenting an overview of the IPM methods currently available, accompanied by a study assessing their effectiveness and prospects for their further uptake.

Transition pathway for the chemical industry (13/03/2023)

The European Commission, together with EU countries, relevant stakeholders, NGOs and other parties, ‘co-developed’ an actionable plan to achieve the green and digital transition and improve the resilience of the chemical industry. This roadmap, composed of cross-cutting actions, technology, and regulatory components, identifies the access to sustainable biomass as alternative feedstock for the bio-based chemistry as a key element, among others.

The Green Deal Industrial Plan (13/03/2023)

The new plan aims to enhance the competitiveness of Europe's net-zero industry and support the fast transition to climate neutrality. Based on four pillars (a simplified regulatory framework, faster access to funding, enhancing skills, and global cooperation and trade for the green transition) it provides a more supportive environment for the scaling up of the EU's manufacturing capacity for net-zero technologies and products, including bio-based substitutes for critical raw materials and innovative advanced biofuels.

Cover crop (14/03/2023)

It is the arable land on which plants are sown specifically to reduce the loss of soil, nutrients and plant protection products during the winter or other periods when the land would otherwise be bare and susceptible to losses. The economic interest of these crops is low, and the main goal is soil and nutrient protection. Normally they are ploughed in during spring before sowing another crop, and are not harvested or used for grazing.

(11/01/2023)

Prospective LCA methodology for novel and emerging technologies for bio-based products (11/01/2023)

A prospective Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) looks at future environmental impacts of technologies and their products, and is a well-suited methodology to assess the environmental performance of novel and emerging technologies for bio-based products, to ensure that such technologies present a genuine decrease of environmental burdens. This JRC report, based on discussions with relevant experts in the context of a Community of Practice workshop of the Knowledge Centre for Bioeconomy, provides guidance on how to perform a prospective LCA for emerging bio-based products.

Sustainable and circular bioeconomy in the climate agenda: opportunities to transform agrifood systems (11/01/2023)

The bioeconomy offers opportunities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the agrifood system by replacing fossil-based resources and processes with biological ones, from microbiome innovations, biofertilisers and biopesticides, to alternative proteins, bio-based plastics and textiles, and biological waste management, to name just a few. This paper, published by FAO, describes the important role of the bioeconomy in the pathway towards the Paris Agreement targets. It starts from the definition of the bioeconomy and its relevance in the global climate agenda and includes examples of innovations within the bioeconomy that support climate change mitigation and adaptation goals.

Blue bioeconomy report - 2022 edition (16/01/2023)

The European Market Observatory for Fisheries and Aquaculture Products (EUMOFA) has just released the 2022 edition of its biannual blue bioeconomy report that provides an updated overview of the EU’s blue bioeconomy sector. The report explores the latest developments of micro- and macroalgae cultivation systems, with a particular focus on sargassum - a genus of brown macroalgae that plays a crucial role in marine ecosystems. It also looks at the crucial role that macroalgae ecosystems play in the marine carbon cycle and provides an analysis of how macroalgae can transform regional economies.

The future of food and agriculture: drivers and triggers for transformation (11/01/2023)

This FAO report describes potential alternative futures for agrifood systems and their interrelations with broader socioeconomic and environmental systems. It builds on a comprehensive strategic foresight exercise and highlights four key triggers for the transformation of agrifood systems: improved governance; increased consumer awareness; better income and wealth distribution; widespread technological, social and institutional innovations. All of them will have to be activated by means of suitable public strategies and policies, with the participation of all stakeholders.

The achievements of the Bio-based Industries Joint Undertaking since 2014 (16/01/2023)

A new book tells the story of the Bio-based Industries Joint Undertaking (BBI JU), from its launch in 2014, to the moment the Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU) took over its activities in 2022. More than 140 successful projects funded by this public-private partnership contributed to de-risking investments, structuring Europe-based value chains, and creating jobs in the bioeconomy sector.

EU policy framework on bio-based, biodegradable and compostable plastics (11/01/2023)

In November 2022, the European Commission adopted a policy framework to improve the understanding around bio-based, biodegradable and compostable plastics. The Communication aims to clarify where these plastics can bring genuine environmental benefits. It includes measurable requirements these plastics must satisfy to have positive environmental impacts and affirms the importance of ensuring that consumers receive correct information about the challenges and benefits stemming from the use of bio-based products.

Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (11/01/2023)

On 19 December 2022 world leaders adopted the historic Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework on the occasion of the UN Biodiversity Conference (COP15). The agreement sets clear and measurable targets for ambitious actions by 2030 and 2050, also relevant to the bioeconomy: among them, to sustainably manage areas under agriculture, aquaculture, fisheries and forestry, and substantially increase agroecology and other biodiversity-friendly practices, as well as to tackle climate change through nature-based solutions, and reduce global footprint of consumption by 2030.

The new Common Agricultural Policy starts (11/01/2023)

The approval of all 28 Strategic Plans (one for each EU country and two for Belgium) by the European Commission has marked the start of the new Common Agricultural Policy on 1 January 2023. The policy will focus on ten specific objectives, linked to common EU goals for social, environmental, and economic sustainability in agriculture and rural areas. Available funding will support European farmers in the transition towards a sustainable and resilient agricultural sector, and help preserve the vitality and diversity of rural areas.

Monitoring soil threats in Europe (19/01/2023)

European soils are under increasing pressure due to soil sealing, pollution, intensive agriculture and climate change. At the same time, there are management options to improve soil functions and health, including to sequester carbon, increase biodiversity and prevent erosion. This report by the European Environment Agency presents a comprehensive set of common indicators to assess soil health as well as risk-based thresholds to inform protection and restoration needs and soil-related policies in Europe.

The State of Carbon Dioxide Removal (23/01/2023)

Carbon Dioxide Removal involves capturing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and storing it on land, in oceans, geological formations or products, and is crucial if we are to meet the Paris Agreement temperature goals. The State of Carbon Dioxide Removal, led by the University of Oxford’s Smith School of Enterprise, is a first global scientific assessment of Carbon Dioxide Removal. The report takes stock of the most significant research and innovation in the field, to provide a clear and reliable knowledge base to researchers, policymakers and practitioners.

Sustainable forest management (11/01/2023)

Stewardship and use of forest lands in a way and at a rate that maintains their productivity, biodiversity, regeneration capacity, vitality and their potential to fulfill, now and in the future, relevant ecological, economic and social functions at local, national and global levels and that does not cause damage to other ecosystems.

(18/11/2022)

Updated EU biomass flows (08/11/2022)

The JRC’s ‘EU Biomass flows’ dashboard has been updated with new harmonised data presented in the form of Sankey diagrams. The updates include a full refresh of agriculture and food data, extension of agriculture, food and food waste time series to 2019, new waste flows for aquatic-based food and improved conversion of trade data for agricultural and food commodities to biomass equivalent.

An overview of the algae industry in Europe (08/11/2022)

In this new report, the JRC presents its updated database on algae, with recent data on algae production, novel socio-economic data and an extension to enterprises that are part of the post-production steps of the algae value chain. Based on these data, the report illustrates qualitative and quantitative aspects of the production and use of macroalgae, microalgae and Spirulina in Europe.

Rethinking agriculture (08/11/2022)

This briefing from the European Environment Agency focuses on the role agriculture can play in addressing environmental and sustainability challenges in Europe and worldwide. Firstly, it proposes a reflection on what makes this important sector unsustainable under the current geopolitical, social and economic context. Secondly, it identifies the specific functions which make agriculture essential to contribute to sustainability goals, and that should be preserved and supported in the future.

Mainstreaming biodiversity in forestry (08/11/2022)

The relation between forests' overexploitation and biodiversity loss is at the centre of this publication by the FAO and the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR). It shows that biodiversity conservation is strictly linked to social, economic and environmental sustainability. The report presents necessary strategies, actions and policies, as well as barriers and threats to effectively mainstream biodiversity in forestry, along with case studies in eight countries from all over the world.

Managing healthy and resilient ecosystems in the EU bioeconomy: register to the webinar (14/11/2022)

This report, published earlier this year, provides guidance on managing healthy and resilient ecosystems in the context of the bioeconomy in Europe. It focuses specifically on agro-ecosystems, forest ecosystems and marine aquaculture ecosystems. On 1 December 2022, the lead author Jeanne Nel (Wageningen University and Research) will present its main findings in a webinar, jointly organised by the Commission’s Knowledge Centre for Bioeconomy and Knowledge Centre for Biodiversity.

Towards a strong and sustainable EU algae sector (15/11/2022)

The Commission has adopted a new Communication to create opportunities for the algae industry, to help it grow into a robust, sustainable and regenerative sector capable of meeting the growing EU demand. This policy initiative identifies 23 actions to improve the algae governance framework and business environment, close knowledge, research, technological and innovation gaps, and increase social awareness and market acceptance of algae and algae-based products in the EU.

EU Bioeconomy conference 2022 - video recordings now available (08/11/2022)

The EU Bioeconomy conference took place on 6-7 October 2022, bringing together more than 1600 participants. The conference featured a series of success stories and stimulated interesting discussions, including on how increasing biomass demand for energy and industrial needs can be matched with climate and biodiversity objectives. The video recordings of all sessions are now available.

Launch of the Biomethane Industrial Partnership (09/11/2022)

On 28 September 2022, the European Commission, together with industry leaders, launched the Biomethane Industrial Partnership (BIP) announced in the REPowerEU Plan. This new public-private partnership is open to all interested stakeholders that wish to work towards achieving the target of 35 billion cubic metres of biomethane production and use by 2030. It will contribute to an integrated net-zero energy system as well as to the reduction of Europe’s dependency on imported natural gas.

German government presents key points for its upcoming biomass strategy (08/11/2022)

The German government issued guidelines for its biomass strategy, which will be developed in synergy with stakeholders and adopted next year. The document aims to ensure a full alignment between sustainable biomass exploitation and climate, environmental and biodiversity goals. It thus focuses on the sustainably available biomass potential, the preservation of natural ecosystems and the priority of food security.

Initiative to accelerate the energy transition of EU fisheries and aquaculture sector (09/11/2022)

The European Commission has launched a call for evidence to gather feedback on a new initiative to help accelerate the energy transition of the EU fisheries and aquaculture sector. The initiative will put in place the structures to enhance cooperation between stakeholders and help remove the current barriers to the uptake of energy-efficient technologies, in order to make sure the sector can strengthen its resilience and improve its long-term social, economic and environmental sustainability.

EU agrees to increase carbon removals through land use, forestry and agriculture (11/11/2022)

The European Commission, the European Parliament and the Council have reached an agreement on the Land Use, Land Use Change and Forestry (LULUCF) regulation, to increase the EU's target for net carbon removals by natural sinks to 310 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2030. This agreement sets ambitious and fair targets for each Member State to reverse the decreasing trend of the EU's carbon sink.

Agreement on national emission reductions from transport, buildings, waste and agriculture (11/11/2022)

A new consensus to increase the ambition of the EU's Effort Sharing Regulation (ESR) has been reached by the European Commission, the European Parliament and the Council. The agreement establishes binding annual greenhouse gas emission targets for Member States in sectors not currently included in the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS). The agreement importantly maintains the Commission's proposal to boost the emission reduction target for these sectors from 29% to 40% by 2030, compared to 2005 levels.

Primary woody biomass (14/11/2022)

All roundwood felled or otherwise harvested and removed. It comprises all wood obtained from removals, i.e., the quantities removed from forests and from trees outside the forest, including wood recovered due to natural mortality and from felling and logging. It includes all wood removed with or without bark, including wood removed in its round form, or split, roughly squared or in other form, e.g., branches, roots, stumps and burls (where these are harvested) and wood that is roughly shaped or pointed.