On 27 March 2026, our partner IUNG-PIB organized an online workshop entitled “Possible Valorisation Pathways of Food Wastes”. The event brought together stakeholders interested in sustainable agriculture, circular economy solutions, renewable energy, and innovative approaches to organic waste management.
The webinar showcased the objectives, activities, and key results of two complementary projects: Waste4Soil and Value4Farm. Participants gained valuable insights into how organic waste streams can be transformed into resources that support both agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability.
Key Topics Covered
The workshop was structured around three main themes:
- Presentation of the Value4Farm project and its contribution to promoting renewable energy solutions in agriculture.
- Presentation of the Waste4Soil project, highlighting innovative pathways for improving soil quality through the valorisation of organic materials.
- Demonstration of an audit tool designed to support decision-making and investment planning for farmers and agricultural stakeholders.
To ensure an engaging learning experience, the organisers combined multimedia presentations, video materials, interactive Mentimeter surveys, and open discussions with participants.
Waste4Soil: Turning Organic Waste into Soil Resources
During the Waste4Soil session, participants explored practical solutions for enhancing soil health through the use of organic materials derived from food industry waste streams. Several examples demonstrated how these materials can be transformed into valuable fertilisers and soil improvers, contributing to improved soil quality while reducing waste generation.
The discussion highlighted the important role that circular approaches can play in addressing soil degradation, improving resource efficiency, and creating sustainable value chains within the agri-food sector.
Supporting Sustainable Agriculture and the Circular Economy
The webinar provided comprehensive knowledge on:
- The use of renewable energy sources in agriculture;
- Sustainable management and valorisation of organic waste;
- Circular economy approaches for the agricultural sector;
- Decision-support tools that facilitate investment and innovation.
Participants actively contributed to the discussions and surveys, making the event highly interactive and fostering the exchange of experiences and ideas among researchers, practitioners, and stakeholders.
Looking Ahead
A key message emerging from the workshop was the need for continued technological development and supportive regulatory frameworks to enable the wider adoption of innovative waste valorisation and renewable energy solutions in agriculture.
The event demonstrated the strong potential of projects such as Waste4Soil and Value4Farm to support the transition towards more resilient, resource-efficient, and sustainable farming systems across Europe.
