thERBN

Develop a Thematic European Rural Bioeconomy Network.

PROGRAMME : Horizon Europe
TYPE OF ACTION : HORIZON Coordination and Support Actions - "Thematic networks to compile and share knowledge ready for practice"
REGIONAL PARTNERSHIP : AC3A
LEAD PARTNER : Ghent University - Belgium
DATES : 1/01/2025 – 31/12/2027
TOTAL BUDGET : 3 M€

Context

Efforts to implement sustainable solutions often face significant challenges among smaller actors such as farmers and foresters who are hindered by time and financial constraints. The EU-funded thERBN project aims to address these barriers by establishing an EU-wide multi-actor thematic network.

This network will facilitate accessible knowledge sharing of innovative circular bioeconomy solutions tailored for small-scale farms and foresters in rural areas. By providing practical CB solutions and a supportive framework, the project will empower these practitioners to adopt sustainable practices, overcome daily challenges and benefit from the transition to a circular bioeconomy.

Project objectives

The Thematic European Rural Bioeconomy Network (thERBN) aims to foster the sharing of practical, circular bioeconomy solutions with farmers and foresters by building a European network. The actions will be:

Identify urgent needs related to the valorisation of co-products
Bring together solutions already tested in the field, innovations developed by Operational Groups, and results from national and European projects
Produce practical content (technical factsheets, videos, podcasts, etc.) disseminated via the EU-Farmbook and thERBN platforms
Connect researchers, advisors, and AKIS actors to support more sustainable agricultural and rural models

Implementation

2025 : Identification of valorisation solutions for residues from fruit and vegetable crops, vine prunings and fine straw. Selection of the two most innovative solutions, production of content, and organisation of two demonstration days.
2026 : Identification of valorisation solutions for livestock residues: slurry and sheep wool. Selection of the most innovative solutions, production of content, and organisation of two demonstration days.
2027 : Identification of valorisation solutions for forestry residues: hedge trimmings. Selection of the most innovative solutions, production of content, and organisation of two demonstration days.

Beneficiaries

The final beneficiaries of the thERBN project are multiple, both direct and indirect.

Farmers and foresters: They will see the value of their by-products increase through new valorisation pathways.
SMEs and bioeconomy industries: Companies will benefit from the technologies and models showcased in the project, enabling them to diversify their activities and enhance their competitiveness.
Local authorities and regions: Partner regions will benefit from a strengthened bioeconomy ecosystem, creating new employment opportunities and promoting greener growth.
European consumers: They will gain access to new bio-based products produced more sustainably.
Policy makers: Recommendations will be provided to the European Commission to remove barriers and strengthen opportunities for bioeconomy sectors.

Project partners

The project brings together 20 partners, including 3 consultants, 4 clusters, 6 technical centres, and 7 practitioners from 11 different countries (Belgium, Spain, Greece, Italy, Lithuania, Slovakia, Romania, France, Poland, Germany, Portugal).

The French partners involved are the Association of Chambers of Agriculture of the Atlantic Arc (AC3A) and Valorial.

With a budget of approximately €3 million, the project is funded by the European Union through the Horizon Europe programme.

Join the thERBN community

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/therbn

thERBN is funded by the Horizon Europe programme.