Ready for a joint take-off? Bioeconomy and the Transformation of Agriculture and Food Systems.

The expert panel addressed the question of how framework conditions and projects as well as private sector activities in partner countries can be designed in such a way that the potential of the bioeconomy for fair and socially, ecologically, and economically sustainable development can be fully exploited. The transformation of agriculture and food systems is the biggest relevant building block, since these systems account for the largest share of the bioeconomy and at the same time face great challenges in the view of multiple crises, including climate change and biodiversity loss, to supply everyone with sufficient healthy food.

Discussions on national strategies in Latin America, Africa and Asia offered insights into the challenges and the necessary change in framework conditions to design the future development of the bioeconomy. Examples provided by researchers and practitioners highlight the importance of the bioeconomy for a sustainable, inclusive and equitable development.

The welcoming address of a representative of an indigenous community in Brazil stood out as he underlined the importance of the natural resources of the Amazon rainforest and intact ecosystems. A representative of the private sector highlighted how ethical sourcing is possible.

The panellists from Africa, Asia, Latin America and Europe were unanimous in their demand that sustainable bioeconomy must prioritize food security, guarantee human rights and take into account planetary boundaries. Cooperation and exchange between scientists, practitioners and politicians are the key elements of a successful sustainable bioeconomy.