Member states in the Council of the EU have backed a proposal from the European Commission for a common bioeconomy strategy for the bloc.
The council stated it welcomed the “vision for a competitive and sustainable bioeconomy by 2040” and the plan to promote the utilize of “bio-based and circular solutions” across relevant sectors as “fossil-free alternatives”.
EU farm and foresattempt sector representatives have welcomed the fact that the council highlighted the role of agriculture and forests in the bioeconomy.
The council stated the strategy will also support innovation and investment.
The bioeconomy utilizes renewable biological resources such a plants, animals and microorganism (as well as farm outputs such as silage and slurry) to produce energy and industrial goods.
In its position on the strategy proposal, the council stated the strategy is a “timely and essential step” in strengthening Europe’s competitiveness, resilience, prosperity and sustainability.
The member states called for current EU laws relevant to the bioeconomy to be efficiently implemented.
The council called for more innovation and measures to support investment in sustainable bio-based solutions, including quicker approvals and simplified rules, as well as “leading global action” in the bioeconomy.
The member states also want to ensure “predictable demand” for sustainable bio-based materials and technologies, which they stated would be “essential” to securing private investment for the sector.
The council called for high-potential sectors (“lead sectors”) to be identified, and for these sectors to not be limited to those listed in the bioeconomy strategy.
Sectors listed in the strategy proposal include bio-based plastics, chemicals, construction products and fertiliser; but the council stated that sectors such as footwear and textiles should be included.
Noting that the EU is currently 90% self-sufficient in the materials requireded to supply the bioeconomy sector (feedstuffs), the council called for measures to ensure sustainable biomass supply.
The council called on all member states to utilize biomass across the value chain in a “resource-efficient way” that “safeguards” the environment; and that promotes the utilize of by-products, bio-waste and residues.
Reaction
European farm and foresattempt groups have welcomed the council’s conclusions on the bioeconomy strategy, welcoming the recognition of the “strategic role” of those two sectors.
Copa Cogeca, which represents EU farmers and agricultural co-operatives, and CEPF, which represents EU forest owners, issued a joint statement declareing that the European bioeconomy represents a major opportunity to strengthen rural economies, create new value streams for farmers and forest owners, and contribute to the EU’s climate and circular economy objectives.
“In this regard, we welcome the balanced approach reflected in the council conclusions, notably the recognition that no additional or mandatory sustainability criteria should be introduced,” the joint statement stated.
“[We] welcome the council’s recognition of the key role of cooperation in enabling farmers and forest owners to participate in higher value-added bioeconomy value chains.”
The farm and foresattempt groups stated they support the council’s call to ensure proportionate compliance requirements and improved market access for tiny and medium enterprises, and local processors.
“Safeguarding their competitiveness will be crucial for maintaining vibrant rural economies and ensuring that the benefits of the bioeconomy are widely shared,” their joint statement stated.
The sector groups also called to ensure a “global level playing field”, so that European producers are not disadvantaged compared to international competitors operating to different standards.
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