Title:
The MIDAS Project: Utilization of Marginal Lands for Growing Sustainable Industrial Crops and Developing Innovative Bio-based Products
Author(s):
Alexopoulou, E., Elbersen, B., Trindade, L.M., Cosentino, S.L., Monti, A., Carmona, M., Lewandowski, I., Kyritsis, S., Cocchi, M., Papazoglou, E.G.
Document(s):
Paper
Poster
Abstract:
MIDAS aims to develop, evaluate and optimize sustainable low-ILUC feedstock by developing selected industrial crops and cropping systems on European marginal agricultural land in a climate-resilient and biodiversity-friendly way to support feasible bio-based value chains. Mapping of the actual and future marginal lands that may be certified as low-ILUC, including current and future expectations on soil erosion and water stress as well as biodiversity challenges and potentials, ecosystem services, and guidelines for enhancing co-benefits will improve understanding of the available marginal land for “low-ILUC” biomass production. Selected industrial crops, already adapted to marginal lands, will be optimized through modern biotechnology tools - particularly for water-use efficiency - and through tailored agronomic practices towards improved resource efficiency. Case studies of innovative farming systems (intercropping, agroforestry) established on marginal land at farm level will improve harvesting solutions, biodiversity data and guidelines while relevant actors. From the produced biomass innovative bio-based products (biochemicals, composites, and elastomers) will be developed, following the biorefinery and the circular use concept. Potential biomass-to-product(s) pathways will be identified, leading to value chain/ web concepts that will be assessed for sustainability and will produce a multi-criteria tool for the design of sustainable bio-based value webs while enhancing regional biodiversity. Finally, business plans to foster circularity at farm level by engaging the farming community, industrial actors and academia through the projects’ Case Studies will be developed.
Keywords:
biodiversity, energy crops, biobased products, wood crops, novel crops, biofertilizers
Topic:
Sustainable Resources for Decarbonising the Economy
Subtopic:
Innovative biomass production for energy integrated into traditional agri-forestry systems
Event:
31st European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
1BV.3.3
Pages:
137 - 141
ISBN:
978-88-89407-23-3
Paper DOI:
10.5071/31stEUBCE2023-1BV.3.3
Price:
FREE
