Global experts and industry gather for bio circularity summit
Teagasc today (Thursday, October 10) hosted the Bio Circularity Summit at the Teagasc Food Research Centre, Ashtown, Dublin.
The landmark event brought together global experts, industry leaders, and innovators to discuss the future of circular bioeconomy and its crucial role in building sustainable food systems.
International speakers included Jukka Kantola, founder and CEO of the World Bioeconomy Forum; Grigoris Chatzikostas of Re.Frame Food, Greece; Margarita de Gregorio, secretary general of Spain’s BIOPLAT; Hendrik Waegeman, head of Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant; Filippo G Martinelli from Magfi Ltd., Malta; and Enda Ryan, CEO, ClonBio Foods.
They shared first-hand, the current status of the global bioeconomy and their experiences of fostering innovation and collaboration.
European Commissioner for Financial Services, Financial Stability, and Capital Markets Union, Mairead McGuinness provided a European perspective on bioeconomy financing and policy, emphasising the EU’s commitment to advancing sustainable and circular practices.
Teagasc Director, Prof. Frank O’Mara said: “We were delighted to convene this summit to highlight bio circularity in action is a shared endeavour to maximise impact for Ireland.
"The companies attending today heard at first hand the significant opportunities to exploit renewable biological resources from meat, marine and agricultural crops sectors, to support the Irish bio-economy and food industry to produce food, value added ingredients feed and materials while reducing carbon emissions.
"Collaboration by Irish researchers and partnership working across our agencies including Enterprise Ireland, Bord Iascaigh Mhara and the EPA [Environmental Protection Agency], supported by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, will enable the realisation of Ireland’s ambition.”
Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon noted: “By leveraging bio-based resources and refining them into high-value products, Ireland can accelerate its progress toward a sustainable and circular economy.
The Bio Circularity Summit and National Bioeconomy Week provide platforms to highlight these opportunities, bringing together key players to foster innovation and collaboration in this critical sector.”
