Agrospecials Edition 15 - September 2025 Bioeconomy

An advanced bioeconomy is an opportunity for innovation, resilience and prosperity

A thriving bioeconomy is essential for achieving a climate-neutral, resource-efficient, and resilient Europe. The Dutch government supports a circular, regenerative, and competitive bioeconomy.

The Netherlands moving from fossil foundations to a biobased future

The Netherlands is moving steadily toward a sustainable economy. A crucial part of this transition is the bioeconomy: replacing fossil-based resources with renewable, biobased alternatives.

EU's efforts toward a circular, regenerative and competitive bioeconomy

Europe is preparing to update its bioeconomy strategy, a framework that spans agriculture, biotechnology, fisheries, and the emerging blue economy. The outcome will shape how Europe develops new technologies, creates jobs, and strengthens sustainability.

Why does the bioeconomy need an integrated global approach?

The bioeconomy holds great promise: reducing dependence on fossil fuels, creating new jobs, and offering solutions to climate challenges. Yet, according to WUR researcher Hans van Meijl the reality is more complex.

Building a healthier future with biobased materials

The construction industry in the Netherlands faces pressure to become greener, healthier, and more sustainable. For Johan Mellegers, chairman of Biobased Nederland, the answer lies in using natural, locally sourced materials.

From Copenhagen to the Hague: building Europe’s bio-based future

Denmark has made biosolutions a centerpiece of its EU presidency in 2025, seeing them as both a climate solution and a new export adventure. The Netherlands is already engaging in this agenda.

Cocoa at the core: Côte d’Ivoire’s path to a thriving bioeconomy

Côte d’Ivoire, the world’s top cocoa producer, is rethinking how it uses its resources. For Dutch companies, this growing bioeconomy opens new opportunities for collaboration.

Dutch–Ethiopian partnerships turning coffee and avocado byproducts into value

In Ethiopia, the avocado and coffee industries generate large amounts of unused residues while soils remain nutrient poor. How can agricultural waste become a driver of new products, farmer resilience, and a circular bioeconomy?

Showcasing in Ghana: turning waste into energy and fertile soils

Ghana’s bioeconomy is emerging as a driver of sustainable development, turning waste challenges into new green opportunities. With agriculture employing over half the workforce and millions of tons of staple crops produced each year, the country urgently needs solutions to soil degradation, climate change, and mounting waste.

Building a young but ambitious bioeconomy: South Africa and the Netherlands join forces

Although still in its early stages, South Africa has been developing the bioeconomy sector for more than a decade. The government sees it as a pathway to create jobs, improve energy security, and tackle environmental challenges.

Brazil and the Netherlands advancing the bioeconomy agenda

Brazil is a frontrunner with regards to strengthening its bioeconomy. At its heart, are people who play an active role in the conservation of Brazil’s crucial ecosystems.

Seaweed potential in Chile–Netherlands blue bioeconomy cooperation

Oceans play a vital role in tackling climate change and driving the bioeconomy. Chile, with its long coastline and rich marine ecosystems, is especially known for its abundance of seaweed.

Colombia and the Netherlands promote sustainable cocoa to boost rural economies in the Amazon

Colombia is putting the principles of the bioeconomy into practice in its Amazon region. With support from the Netherlands and international partners, a new cocoa initiative is creating change by linking forest protection with income generation and local development.

Mexican–Dutch cooperation for sustainable sargassum solutions

The massive influxes of sargassum along Mexico’s Caribbean coast is both an urgent challenge and a unique opportunity. While the ecological and economic damage is severe, initiatives show how this biomass can be integrated into a circular bioeconomy.

China’s agricultural bioeconomy: new horizons for Dutch collaboration

China is building a bioeconomy that addresses land and resource constraints while creating fresh business opportunities. Dutch companies are already playing a role.

Opportunities for Dutch innovation in Kazakhstan’s emerging bioeconomy

Kazakhstan has the potential to become a key player in the global bioeconomy. The government has linked its carbon neutrality target for 2060 to the development of sustainable food systems.

How Dutch knowledge can make a difference in South Korea’s bioeconomy

South Korea already recycles over 98% of its food waste, making it one of the world’s most efficient bioresource recyclers. This article highlights key developments, with a focus on South Korea–Netherlands cooperation in green bio, as well as insights from Taiwan.

Turning smoke into solutions: how Thailand is building on its bio-based future

By turning agricultural leftovers into useful products, Thailand is starting to reduce air pollution while creating new opportunities for farmers and businesses. Some Dutch partners are already involved in these efforts and can help scale them further.

Vietnam and the Netherlands drive the bioeconomy together

Vietnam is undergoing a major transition. The country is steering agriculture and food systems toward a more sustainable, circular, and resilient future.

From waste to wealth: unlocking Egypt's bioeconomy with Dutch expertise

Egypt generates more than 100 million tons of waste annually. The management of this waste is a challenge, but also an economic opportunity since a large share of the waste is organic.

Colofon