A joint webinar organised by the ManuREfinery and Rural BioReFarmeries Horizon Europe projects on the 23rd June, brought together experts from across Europe to explore innovative approaches for transforming agricultural side streams into valuable bio-based products. The session highlighted how biomass such as grasslands and livestock manure can play a key role in advancing Europe’s circular bioeconomy while creating new opportunities for rural communities.
The webinar featured contributions from leading experts, including James Gaffey (Munster Technological University, Coordinator of Rural BioReFarmeries), Raúl Muñoz (University of Valladolid, ManuREfinery project partner), Vladislav Popov (Agricultural University-Plovdiv), and Giuseppe Salvio (ENCO Engineering & Consulting).
James Gaffey introduced the Rural BioReFarmeries project, which focuses on developing small-scale, decentralized green biorefineries using grassland biomass as a primary feedstock. With grasslands covering a significant share of European agricultural land, the project aims to unlock their potential by extracting proteins and other valuable components for use in animal feed and bio-based products.
The project is demonstrating innovative approaches across multiple sites in Denmark, the Netherlands, and Ireland. These include the use of diverse feedstocks such as multi-species swards, cover crops, and silage to extend processing periods beyond seasonal limitations. In parallel, the project is developing smart biomass supply chain tools to optimise harvesting, logistics, and processing.
Beyond protein production, the Rural BioReFarmeries approach explores cascading value chains, including the development of fibres for biodegradable materials and the conversion of residual streams into compounds such as volatile fatty acids. These efforts aim to improve the overall economic viability of green biorefineries while contributing to more sustainable agricultural systems.
Raúl Muñoz presented the ManuREfinery project, which is developing modular, small-scale biorefinery systems to convert livestock manure into valuable bio-based products. The project focuses on integrating technologies that enable nutrient recovery, emission reduction, and the production of feed and fertiliser products.
ManuREfinery is implementing multiple demonstration activities across Europe, targeting different livestock systems and environmental challenges. The project combines processes such as ammonia recovery, anaerobic digestion, gas conversion, and fermentation to produce outputs including microbial protein and biofertilisers.
A key aspect of the approach is its modular and adaptable design, allowing solutions to be tailored to specific farm conditions. By transforming manure from a waste management challenge into a resource, the project contributes to improved nutrient circularity and reduced environmental impacts.
Vladislav Popov presented insights into the economic and systemic dimensions of biorefinery deployment. His analysis highlighted the importance of integrating economic, environmental, and social considerations when developing viable business models.
While centralized systems may benefit from economies of scale, decentralized approaches can offer advantages in terms of local value creation and reduced transport needs. However, challenges remain in areas such as logistics, governance, and coordination among stakeholders.
The findings also underline the importance of farmer engagement, fair value distribution, and the recognition of environmental benefits—such as nutrient recycling and reduced emissions—in economic assessments. These factors are essential for fostering adoption and long-term sustainability.
Giuseppe Salvio addressed the market perspective, focusing on how innovative biorefinery solutions can move from demonstration to commercial deployment. He highlighted the complexity of developing business models for systems that rely on heterogeneous feedstocks and produce multiple outputs.
To address these challenges, the project is exploring flexible and modular business approaches, including different ownership and operational models such as equipment provision, service-based solutions, and cooperative schemes. Engagement with stakeholders across the value chain—ranging from farmers to industry—is considered key to successful market uptake.
Across all presentations, speakers emphasized the strong potential of bio-based products derived from agricultural biomass, including protein-rich feed ingredients, biofertilisers, and specialty compounds.
At the same time, several key challenges for scaling up were identified. These include ensuring technical robustness at larger scale, optimising biomass logistics, addressing regulatory requirements, and supporting farmers through training and incentives.
The webinar concluded by highlighting the importance of continued collaboration, knowledge exchange, and integration of technological, economic, and social perspectives to advance circular bioeconomy solutions in Europe’s rural areas.
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