THE TRANSITION TO A BIO-ECONOMIC MODEL OF PRODUCTION

In order to cope with a steadily growing population, rapidly depleting resources, increasing environmental pressures and climate change, Europe needs a radical change in its approach to the production, consumption, processing, treatment, storage, recycling and disposal of biological resources. The European Green Deal sets out bioeconomy and innovation as key tools to improve the management of its renewable biological resources and to create new, diversified markets for bio-based food and products (European Commission, 2018).

The development of a bioeconomy has great potential: it can sustain and create economic growth and jobs in rural areas, reduce dependence on fossil fuels and improve the economic and environmental sustainability of primary production and manufacturing industries. The goal is a more innovative, low-emission economy, combining the demand for sustainable agriculture, food security and sustainable use of renewable biological resources, while at the same time ensuring biodiversity and environmental protection, and achieving five (5) objectives (European Commission, 2018): ensuring food security, sustainable management of natural resources, reducing dependence on non-renewable, unsustainable resources, mitigation and adaptation to climate change, and enhancing competitiveness and creating jobs.

The bioeconomy development model contributes, beyond the implementation of the European Green Deal, to strategies for a circular economy and innovation.