From Research to Practice: Empowering the Next Generation of Circular Farmers through BREC

A Future for Circular Agriculture

The shift towards a circular bioeconomy presents both immense opportunities and significant challenges for the agricultural sector. With an increasing number of technologies available to reduce waste and optimize resource use, farmers are often overwhelmed by the volume of information and options. This leads to “analysis paralysis,” a phenomenon that stifles decision-making and hinders progress towards sustainable agricultural practices. The BREC (Bridging the Gap between Research and Education in Circular Bioeconomy) project aims to change this by simplifying the adoption of circular practices and technologies for farmers, educators, and decision-makers.

Tackling Analysis Paralysis in Agriculture

The agricultural sector is undergoing rapid technological innovation, offering numerous ways to address issues like nutrient recovery, waste management, and renewable energy. However, with such a wide range of available solutions—such as biogas production, protein extraction, and nutrient recovery—farmers, agricultural schools, and policy-makers often struggle to choose the right technology for their needs. This confusion hampers the ability to act effectively and implement sustainable practices at scale, leaving the sector at risk of falling short on its environmental goals.

The BREC project recognizes this challenge and addresses it by focusing on providing clear, practical solutions, helping farmers and educators navigate the maze of emerging technologies and adapt them to local conditions.

Providing Practical Tools and Knowledge

The solution put forward by BREC is straightforward: a set of modular, accessible tools and educational resources designed to help stakeholders across the agricultural value chain make informed decisions about circular technologies. These tools include:

• Biorefinery Pilot Plant Concept: A flexible, scalable concept for a bio-based refinery that can be adapted to local agricultural practices and waste streams. It integrates technologies like biogas production, protein extraction, nutrient recovery, and biochar production.
• Calculation Tool: An easy-to-use tool that helps farmers and agricultural schools assess the feasibility and resource availability for implementing circular bioeconomy solutions and appraise the benefit of developing a biorefinery pilot plant where technologies get combined.
• Educational Material: A comprehensive e-books and presentations designed to inform and empower the next generation of farmers, students, and agricultural advisers. These resources focus on practical application and demonstrate how circular technologies work in real-life farming contexts.
• Information Material on Circular Agriculture Practices: Counteracting analysis paralysis by providing easy to understand information, and giving an overwiev, of mutliple technnologies that can contibute to increased circularity and sustainable utilization of available resources.

By providing these tools and educational materials, BREC offers farmers, educators and decision-makers an easy way to implement sustainable practices without being overwhelmed by complexity.

Transnational Cooperation for a Sustainable Future

The BREC project would not be possible without the power of transnational cooperation. By working together, partners from Norway, Sweden, Finland, Germany, and Latvia have been able to pool their knowledge and resources, creating a project that transcends national borders. This collaboration fosters the exchange of best practices, addresses regional differences, and amplifies the impact of the project across Europe.

Empowering the Agricultural Sector for a Circular Future

The BREC project’s journey is an ongoing effort to bridge the gap between research, education, and practical implementation. By offering clear, accessible solutions, BREC is helping farmers, educators, and policy-makers make informed decisions about circular technologies. Through transnational collaboration, BREC proves that by working together across borders, we can build a sustainable agricultural future that benefits both the environment and local communities.

Join the Journey: Visit the BREC project website to learn more about the innovative biorefinery pilot plant concept, download educational resources, and discover how you can be a part of the transition to a circular bioeconomy in agriculture.

Programme Manual Online

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