Insights from MainstreamBIO’s Regional Awareness Campaign
MainstreamBIO is excited to announce the successful completion of our regional awareness campaigns across our seven focal regions in Ireland, Spain, Bulgaria, Sweden, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Poland. Running from February to the end of June 2024, these campaigns were designed to engage rural communities directly in the bioeconomy movement, fostering a deeper understanding of bio-based solutions and promoting sustainable development across these regions.
Let us present some key-insights to you!
Bulgaria (South Central Bulgaria)
In Bulgaria, the “Awareness on the Bioeconomy and Social Innovation for Rural Development of South-Central Region” event was held on February 23, 2024, in Plovdiv. Organized by AUP, this workshop focused on educating farmers and rural communities about the benefits of bioeconomy and social innovations in agriculture. The event attracted 20 participants, including members of Local Action Groups (LAGs), NGOs, and AgroHubs, who engaged in lively discussions about the role of bioeconomy in fostering sustainable rural development.
Spain (Valle del Ebro)
The Spanish campaign, hosted on May 4-5, 2024, in Valderrobres, Aragon, focused on demonstrating how the bioeconomy can drive economic and environmental benefits in rural areas. Organized as part of the Livestock and Commercial Fair of Valderrobres, the event drew 24 participants from the rural community, including primary producers. Attendees explored business opportunities linked to bio-based solutions and learned about practical applications such as nutrient recycling and circular bioeconomy practices. The event successfully highlighted the potential of bioeconomy to transform rural economies and promote sustainable farming practices.
Poland (Lubelskie)
The Polish campaign, titled “Innowacyjne Praktyki Odzyskiwania Składników Odżywczych,” took place on June 23, 2024, in Końskowola. This event, hosted by the Lublin agricultural advisory centre, was a satellite event to a larger agricultural exhibition and attracted over 1,000 participants. Of these, 40 visitors specifically engaged with the MainstreamBIO stand, where they discussed innovative nutrient recovery practices and tools supporting bioeconomy development. The campaign effectively showcased how bio-based solutions can be integrated into existing agricultural practices, sparking keen interest in farmers community.
Denmark (Midtjylland)
Denmark’s campaign, held on March 18, 2024, at Molbo Agro, focused on the benefits of reduced tillage and conservation agriculture. Organized by Food & Bio Cluster Denmark (FBCD), this event brought together 35 participants, including farmers, environmental managers, and agricultural students. The discussions centered around the practical benefits of no-tillage systems, reduced machinery costs, and improved soil health. Attendees also participated in field demonstrations that highlighted how conservation agriculture can contribute to both farm profitability and environmental sustainability.
Sweden (Middle and Upper Norrland)
The Swedish campaign event, “Utforska nya cirkulära bioekonomimöjligheter med BioReCer och MainstreamBio,” was held on June 13, 2024, in Domsjö. Organized by RISE, the event attracted 30 stakeholders, including policymakers, business leaders, and academics. The discussions focused on identifying regional needs and strategies for promoting bioeconomy initiatives, with an emphasis on the collaborative efforts between the BioReCer and MainstreamBIO projects. The event served as a crucial platform for fostering partnerships and exploring new opportunities to advance the circular bioeconomy in Sweden.
Netherlands (Flevoland and Friesland)
The “Future Farm and Food Experience” event in the Netherlands, held on May 30, 2024, in Lelystad, was a major highlight of the Dutch campaign. This annual event attracted between 1,000 and 1,500 participants, including farmers, students, and industry stakeholders. The program featured excursions to bio-based installations and presentations on local bio-based production opportunities. The MainstreamBIO project played a central role in the event, showcasing its digital toolkits and resources, which are designed to support participants in planning and implementing bio-based initiatives on their farms.
Ireland (Southern Region)
The Irish campaign culminated in the “Irish Rural Bioeconomy Event” on June 28, 2024, at the National Bioeconomy Campus in Lisheen, Tipperary. This event, organized by MTU, brought together 20 participants, including primary producers, policymakers, and industry leaders. The event featured presentations, interactive discussions, and a site visit, all aimed at increasing awareness and understanding of the bioeconomy and its potential to drive sustainable development in rural Ireland. The event also highlighted the synergies between the MainstreamBIO project and other bioeconomy initiatives, emphasizing the collaborative efforts needed to mainstream small-scale biorefineries.
The regional awareness campaigns by MainstreamBIO have made a significant impact in connecting with rural communities and promoting the bioeconomy across Europe. By engaging a diverse range of stakeholders, from farmers to policymakers, these campaigns have laid the groundwork for sustainable development and innovation in the bio-based sector.
In the upcoming Educational and Awareness-Raising Campaign Round 2, we are planning significant enhancements to increase engagement and inclusivity, focusing particularly on mainstreaming small-scale bio-based solutions. This campaign will feature four impactful webinars, with a dedicated effort to include more youth and women participants. Additionally, we will conduct another round of regional campaigns from October 2024/November 2024 until January/February 2025.
So many more to come….stay tuned everyone!!
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