The focus of this successful meeting was to consolidate a long–term vision by presenting the current situation and developing the general concept of bioeconomy. The meeting was a key opportunity to discuss challenges such as
food security, energy, sustainability, smart bioproducts and new concepts jointly by the policy makers from the European Parliament (EP), European Commission (EC), Member States and the European Technology Platforms (ETPs).

Already today, bioeconomy is the largest economic sector and employer in Europe – employing over 22 million people with an annual turnover of more than 1.8 trillion euros. It is estimated that from 1960 – 2050 the world population will double to 9.1 billion people. In the next 50 years we have to produce better and more food than ever before – on less land per capita. At the same time, we have to reduce the amount of water usage and the amount of energy we use.

The meeting ensured that Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) were fully aware of the important developments
and that they can contribute their views and support for co-operative research innovation towards a knowledge based bioeconomy (KBBE).

EC Director Maive Rute presented the vision of the European Commission, highlighting BECOTEPS (Bioeconomy Technology Platforms) as the main project for policy, research, delivery and development of markets where producers and consumers work together towards the KBBE.

Since agriculture is Europe’s main industry, the obvious way forward is to increase agricultural production (quality and quantity) and decrease the eco-footprint of the industry. So, with a dynamic climate affecting the agriculture industry, the food industry, for example, must be greener and biomaterials including waste elements particularly should be recycled where there are concerns for environmental impact.

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