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 Call for Abstracts for the Science Day is now open!

Please go to the online abstract submission form to see more information on how to submit your abstract for the Science Day. The deadline for abstract submission is 15 May 2015. We expect to announce the results of the abstract review by the end of June 2015.

The scientific sessions on the Science Day on 21 October are:

1. Transition towards bioeconomy: changing production systems and consumption patterns
2. Innovative climate change mitigation strategies for the forest-based sector
3. Assessing sustainability in forestry, agriculture and related bioenergy systems
4. Optimal forest operations for a sustainable biomass supply
5. Environmental challenges for the bioeconomy
6. Economic and social challenges for the bioeconomy