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The European Commission has outlined today its vision for the future of agriculture and food in Europe, aiming to create a competitive, resilient, and sustainable agri-food sector by 2040. For years, the Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking has been contributing to this transformation by providing bio-based solutions to the European farmers and encouraging sustainable farming practices.
Shape the future of farming
The European Commission’s vision for 2040 underscores the importance of the bioeconomy in strengthening Europe’s food and agriculture sectors. Through targeted funding and strategic initiatives, CBE JU is helping to turn this vision into reality - decarbonising the sector, increasing resilience, and creating new opportunities for future generations.
Provide the conditions for a future-proof sector
The bioeconomy plays a crucial role in transitioning Europe towards climate-neutral and nature-positive economies. It supports farmers and foresters by offering innovative solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while generating additional income streams.
Using agricultural residues for bio-based solutions can actively remove carbon from the atmosphere and soils, helping to mitigate climate change. Several CBE JU-funded projects are already making a tangible impact:
- PEFerence: using crop residues as feedstock, the project demonstrated that the resulting bio-based PEF (a 100% bio-based polyester) reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 33% compared to PET (fossil-based polyester), making it a more sustainable choice for packaging.
- EFFECTIVE: the project team used sugar beet processing by-products and waste vegetable oil to produce bio-based polyamides and polyesters, which are used for sustainable textiles and packaging materials. These bio-based solutions will potentially reduce CO2 emissions by 28% to 45% compared to the current products.
- MANUREFINERY: the project converts livestock manure into bio-based animal feed and fertilisers, reducing agricultural waste and emissions from animal farming.
Foster a competitive and resilient sector
Reducing the EU’s dependence on imports is critical to strengthen its economic resilience and protecting this strategic sector from unexpected market fluctuations. The bioeconomy offers new ways to diversify supply chains, reduce reliance on imported fertilisers, food, and energy, and support domestic production while at the same time contributing to Europe’s transition to a low-carbon economy.
CBE JU has funded multiple projects working towards a more self-sufficient Europe. Here are three examples:
- SUSFERT & B-FERST: these two CBE JU-funded projects develop bio-based and circular fertilisers, reducing reliance on imported chemical fertilisers and supporting sustainable farming practices.
- PLENITUDE: the project’s first-of-its-kind large-scale biorefinery produces alternative vegan protein sources from agricultural waste and fungi. This new process will help reduce Europe’s over-reliance on protein imports.
Build an attractive agri-food sector
Home to almost 30% of the EU population, the bioeconomy presents exciting opportunities to revitalise rural areas and attract young people to agriculture, forestry, and the wider food system. By developing new business models and innovative value chains, the bio-based sector can make the sector more appealing to future generations by diversifying income streams, valorising farm residues, strengthening the role of primary producers in the value chain and generating new jobs in rural areas.
CBE JU-funded projects that support this transformation include:
- SUSTAINEXT: by establishing a pioneering industrial biorefinery in a rural region of Spain, the project creates job opportunities where they are most needed, promoting sustainable economic growth.
- BRILIAN: the project is putting in place sustainable, cooperative business models in rural areas to enhance rural development and protect biodiversity and the climate. These models will allow farmers to increase their incomes and diversify their income sources, thereby reducing economic risks.
Support primary producers in the bioeconomy
Primary producers play a key role in Europe’s bioeconomy, and CBE JU actively supports their participation in innovative projects. A dedicated working group on primary producers has been established to help farmers, foresters, fishermen and women, and fish farmers benefit from bio-based solutions and access funding opportunities. Organisations can express their interest in joining the group until 28 February.
Explore our latest publication for more examples of successful primary producers' participation in CBE JU projects.
