Over its three-year duration, the consortium will upscale, pilot, and demonstrate eight distinct investment projects, each focused on developing cutting-edge biofertilizers, including biostimulants, and implementing sustainable agricultural practices. This comprehensive approach not only addresses existing market and technical barriers but also propels the sector towards greater competitiveness and environmental resilience.
Investment Cases Summaries
- Organic Fertilizers Production from Poultry Manure
Coordinated by Uniovo, this case focuses on scaling up and piloting a technology to convert excess poultry manure into safe compost. The initiative aims to reduce waste, improve soil structure and health, and decrease the dependency on chemical fertilizers, thereby mitigating environmental pollution and enhancing agricultural sustainability.
- Production of High-Quality Liquid Biofertilizers
Led by Fertiebro, this investment case seeks to develop liquid biofertilizers rich in soluble calcium without nitrate. Utilizing vineyard and olive oil by-products, the project addresses nitrogen contamination issues caused by excessive inorganic fertilization, promoting a circular economy and enhancing crop quality.
- Biofertilizers Production from Compost of a Biogas Plant
Agrienergia coordinates this case, which aims to scale up the production of organic fertilizers and biostimulants using compost from existing biogas facilities. The project integrates biochar and effective microorganisms to create versatile fertilizer products, supported by renewable energy from biomass pyrolysis.
- Circular and Plant-Extract Based Production of Natural Biostimulants
Desarrolos Agroquimicos leads this initiative to develop natural biostimulants from agricultural residues. By focusing on organic sources of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, the project promotes sustainable fertilization practices that enhance soil microbial life and reduce the environmental impact of farming.
- High-Quality Microbials from Agricultural Biomass Residues
N-Fix coordinates this investment case, which aims to produce biofertilizers, biostimulants, and biopesticides from agricultural and food industry residues. The project focuses on improving microbial shelf-life and performance, offering a cost-effective and scalable alternative to traditional agrochemicals.
- Scale-Up Production of a Vermicompost-Based Biostimulant
VERAGROW leads this case, which involves scaling up the production of vermicompost using earthworm castings. The project aims to increase daily production significantly, validate agronomic benefits, and meet EU regulatory standards, thereby introducing affordable and effective bio-based products to European agriculture.
- Agronomic Testing for Market Launch of PGPR-Based Biostimulants
Cybele coordinates this investment case, focusing on the development and industrialization of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). The project aims to reduce nitrogen fertilizer usage, enhance soil biodiversity, and lower greenhouse gas emissions through optimized bacterial formulations and extensive field trials.
- Digital Decision Support System for Optimal Biofertilization
AGENSO leads this initiative to develop a digital decision support system (DSS) that utilizes soil sampling, drone imaging, and satellite data to optimize biofertilizer application. The DSS provides farmers with precise prescription maps, enhancing fertilization efficiency and supporting sustainable agricultural practices.