Europe faces growing food supply demands and a shortage of non-renewable raw materials for fertilisers. But producing more from available resources is possible, say researchers: "The nutrients we need are before our eyes, ready to be transformed." 

Agricultural plastic is a small percentage of Europe’s total plastic consumption, but the harm that products like mulch films can do is devastating. Solutions are on the way. Among them are upcycling and biodegradable materials. 

From bio-based fertilisers to nutrient recovery, research is intensifying efforts to achieve Green Deal targets and decarbonise the agriculture sector. Yet, recent farmer protests have brought new challenges and systemic questions to the forefront for the incoming EU institutions: are the targets of producing more, sustainably, and cheaper compatible? Is circularity viable and accessible to all?  

The EU-funded dRural project has entered its final quarter, revealing significant improvements in the quality of life for rural inhabitants through a digital marketplace platform. A video news release highlights the project's success in Extremadura (Spain) and Dubrovnik-Neretva (Croatia).

From yield prediction to resource optimisation, artificial intelligence is revolutionising farming practices. Yet, in the shadow of financial and environmental benefits, some unseen concerns might restrain its potential: agriculture at the crossroads of increased productivity and power concentration

Producing more with less: AI-powered solutions are revolutionising agriculture. But financial and environmental benefits are only the tip of the iceberg. Some rural areas are also betting on artificial intelligence to counter depopulation: “Technology is the way to go. If we miss this opportunity, we’ll be stuck in the past”

Observing instead of mowing. Questioning rather than executing. Eric is a “punk gardener”. He praises slowness and considers himself a guest in our natural environment. Because “the time has come to take a step back and curb this unsustainable civilization”

The role of women and other minorities in agriculture is critical in improving food security and eradicating poverty. However, it is often neither recognised nor properly remunerated. See how GPS-controlled goats, digital platforms, and diverse gender initiatives help make the industry more sustainable, inclusive, and future-oriented

Crucial for nature and agriculture, nutrients are key elements for fertilizers. Researchers are fighting climate change and soil pollution, by recovering them from bio-waste, but experts warn: “Science is not enough. We need a cultural shift”

 In Spain, drought is causing irreversible losses to over 3 million crops. Worldwide, water scarcity is expected to increase in more than 80 percent of croplands. From new irrigation systems to support funds, experts and EU schemes are testing sustainable answers to a burning question: how to let agriculture survive the challenge of global warming? In Spain, drought is causing irreversible losses to over 3 million crops. Worldwide, water scarcity is expected to increase in more than 80 percent of croplands. From new irrigation systems to support funds, experts and EU schemes are testing sustainable answers to a burning question: how to let agriculture survive the challenge of global warming?

One out of four animal and plant species is threatened, and 1 million face extinction. The UN warns of a “biodiversity apocalypse,” but experts say: “We spend much more financing the destruction of nature, than conserving it.” Discover the “subsidies paradox” and how some pilot experiences are trying to reverse the trend.

The bioeconomy is expected to create 1 million jobs by 2030. From agriculture to the food industry, a wide range of opportunities is within reach for almost everybody. From dedicated masters’ programmes to mobile apps and serious games, how to access the careers of the future?

The prices of fertilisers jumped by +116% in one year. While the Ukraine war and the energy crisis are stressing the urgency of ending Europe’s dependence on Russian imports, an EU-funded project aims at creating new circular and bio-based chains in agriculture. “The time to act is now,” says the father of the bioeconomy, Christian Patermann. “It is not a luxury, but an opportunity”

Plant nutrients are crucial for fertilizers, but the war in Ukraine is highlighting Europe's dependence on non-EU countries and the risk of a global food crisis. A circular approach is being tested to recover such key elements from wastewaters. And in so doing, also preventing pollution and promoting a new generation of sustainable bio-fertilizers

The Covid pandemic planted the seeds of a new mindset and pushed lots of EU citizens to telecommute from rural areas. However, most of these still record a shrinking population and fewer opportunities than urban zones. Four are testing a digital marketplace aimed at boosting their economic growth and at avoiding the devastating effects of rural gentrification.

Country life may be romantic, but regional development counts too. Digitalisation can help boost gender equality and curb rural poverty

The European Union has updated its rules on fertilisers, which almost exclusively covered mined or chemically produced materials. While new organic fertilisers will now be able to enter the EU market in 2022, researchers are testing innovative bio-based solutions to boost the circular economy

Plastic plant pots are often used once – to bring on plants from seed or transport them home from the shops – and then thrown away. While these pots are very convenient, such disposable items contribute significantly to plastic pollution. It is possible, however, to buy biodegradable plant pots produced from bio-based materials