Our Organisation Search
Quick Links
Toggle: Topics

Bio Circularity in Action: Exploring Innovation in Sustainable Food Systems - A Platform for Global Insights and Local Innovation

Teagasc, Ireland's leading authority on agriculture and food research, hosted the Bio Circularity Summit at the Teagasc Food Research Centre, Ashtown, Dublin 15, today, Thursday, 10 October 2024. This 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.

Bio Circularity in Action: Exploring Innovation in Sustainable Food Systems -
A Platform for Global Insights and Local Innovation
Teagasc, Ireland's leading authority on agriculture and food research, hosted the Bio Circularity Summit at the Teagasc Food Research Centre, Ashtown, Dublin 15, today, Thursday, 10 October 2024. Pictured at the event were (l-r): Ciara McDonagh, Head of Food Industry Development in Teagasc; Jukka Kantola, Founder and CEO of the World Bioeconomy Forum; Professor Frank O’Mara, Teagasc Director; Mairead McGuinness, European Commissioner for Financial Services, Financial Stability, and Capital Markets Union; Siobhán Jordan, Head of Technology Transfer and Commercialisation, Teagasc; Hendrik Waegeman, Head of Business Operations, Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant; Filippo G Martinelli, Magfi Ltd., Malta; and Enda Ryan, CEO, ClonBio Foods.

International speakers including 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 shared at first hand the current status of the global bioeconomy and their experiences of fostering innovation and collaboration.

Mairead McGuinness, European Commissioner for Financial Services, Financial Stability, and Capital Markets Union, provided a European perspective on bioeconomy financing and policy, emphasising the EU’s commitment to advancing sustainable and circular practices.

Teagasc Director, Professor Frank O’Mara said: “We were delighted to convene this Summit to highlight Biocircularity 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, supported by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, will enable the realisation of Ireland’s ambition.”

Martin Heydon TD, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine 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.”

More information on the Bio Circularity Summit can be found here