Conference: Towards a sustainable bioeconomy – innovative methods and solutions for the agriculture and forest sectors

Moving towards a bioeconomy is one of the key policy strategies of the EU. Its vision is of a knowledge-based Europe turning to green growth via innovation, which presents opportunities for the agricultural and forest-based sectors. Sustainable production of renewable resources will be needed, with the conversion of these resources and waste streams into value added products, such as food, feed, bio-based products and bioenergy. Even though we currently lack a transparent and common understanding of the definition of a bioeconomy, we require improved tools and assessment methodologies to ensure that this intensified use of renewable biological resources is done sustainably.

The Towards a Sustainable Bioeconomy conference aims to support this vision: showcasing science-based results through an open forum to help identify and implement sustainable opportunities for the bioeconomy by fostering scientific exchange (Day 1, the Science Day), organizing Science-Policy- Practice interaction (Day 2), and developing persuasive solutions (Day 3).

The Science-Policy-Practice interaction day (22 Oct) will focus on the topic Cascade use of biomass. Is cascading use of biomass a superior concept in the context of a sustainable bioeconomy? Can we prove it is beneficial for land managers, industry and society? Are there winners and losers? What are the drivers or barriers to cascade use? Do we need additional rules and regulations? These are some of the questions to be discussed in a series of interactive sessions – see more details in the day’s programme at http://www.castle-itn.eu/conference/programme-2/science-policy-practice-day.html

More information

'Towards a sustainable bioeconomy – innovative methods and solutions for the agriculture and forest sectors' will be held on 21–23 October 2015 at the Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site, Barcelona, Spain.

http://www.castle-itn.eu/conference.html