The future is here – sustainable bioeconomy solutions for food security

The European Commission’s expert panel, moderated by Minna Huttunen, featured opening remarks by Peter Wehrheim (DG RTD B2) and Orsolya Frizon Somogyi (DG AGRI F2). Danish Minister Jeppe Bruus highlighted Denmark’s Green Transition, focusing on climate solutions for agriculture, water environment improvement, nature restoration, and local ownership initiatives. Key actions include a climate tax on livestock emissions by 2030, nitrogen emission reductions by 2027, and the formation of local tripartite groups by 2025. Expert presentations covered food security with new biotechnologies (Michael Obersteiner), valorizing under-used feedstocks (Marije van Velthoven), cellular agriculture (Nesli Sozer), and market access and consumer preference (Min Hao Wong). The panel discussion emphasized the bioeconomy’s role in the 5Ps (People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace, Partnership), the need for broad involvement in sustainable bioeconomy, protein diversification through fermentation and cellular agriculture, and key factors for novel food implementation in Singapore, such as government support, food technology, and access to capital. The transition to sustainable food systems supported by bioeconomy solutions requires patience, protein diversification, and rewards from sustainable choices.