The cultivation of industrial crops is generally promoted and supported for non-food purposes on marginal and contaminated lands. Most of these crops are used to produce a number of value added bio-products as well as bioenergy, thus contributing to the biobased economy. The EIP-AGRI Focus Group on Sustainable industrial crops discussed possibilities of enchance the industrial crop area in Europe based on knowledge and practices developed for each plants so far. Among the many examples, the MISCOMAR and MISCOMAR + projects were also presented.

In the middle of March we did winter harvest after 6th growing season of Miscanthus cultivation at Bytom site. As usual, we determined overall biomass production, leaf: stem ratio and took samples for determination of heavy metals in the aboveground plant biomass.

This report is the result of the EIP-AGRI Focus Group (FG) on Sustainable industrial crops, which was launched under the European Innovation Partnership Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability (EIP-AGRI). The Focus Group brought together 18 experts with different backgrounds and experiences – farmers, researchers, advisers, environmental groups, agri-businesses. The main question guiding the discussions was: how can industrial crops contribute to new market opportunities, business models and sustainable farming systems which create value for farmers in the EU, while not replacing food production.

A very fruitful webinar was arranged under MISCOMAR+ project 18th of November. The webinar addressed main issues related to Horizon Europe 2021-2027 Mission Area “Soil Health and Food”.

Soils are essential for life on earth, providing food, clean water and habitats for biodiversity, contributing to climate resilience and supporting our cultural heritage and landscapes. However, they are threatened by human activities including unsustainable management practices and contamination from industries. In this context, the next 10 years will be critical in terms of engaging Europe in a real agroecological transition.

An international scientific journal, Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, has published an paper about the MISCOMAR project study reviews current best practices and suitable land areas for miscanthus cultivation.

Terravesta is on a mission to manage the world’s natural resources responsibly, helping to replace the dependence on fossil fuels with a sustainable plant – based alternative Miscanthus.