Multifunctional production of biomass for the bio-based economy. Erik Steen Jensen Biosystems and Technology LTJ Faculty

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1 Multifunctional production of biomass for the bio-based economy Erik Steen Jensen Biosystems and Technology LTJ Faculty

2 Challenges for the global society Global population growth and food security Climate change adaption and mitigation Scarcity of natural resources: fertile land, water, phosphorus, Healthy diets and safe food Future energy supply Reduced use of pesticides Biodiversity Changing markets free trade Rural development

3 The new competition for land Harvey M, Pilgrim S The new competition for land: Food energy and climate change. Food Policy 36, s40-s51

4 Maintain/enhance productivity while enhancing environmental sustainability via: Increased diversity of farming systems Multifunctionality of crops and systems Improved nutrient, energy and water use efficiency Supporting agroecological systems Agriculture at a Crossroads. Key recommendations from the International Assessment of Agricultural Knowledge, Science and Technology for Development Johannesburg, April 2009

5 The interconnectedness of agricultures different roles and functions Agriculture at a Crossroads. Key recommendations from the International Assessment of Agricultural Knowledge, Science and Technology for Development Johannesburg, April 2009 Agriculture at Crossroads, 2009

6 A multifunctional agriculture Beyond its primary function of producing food and fiber, agricultural activities can also: shape the landscape, provide environmental benefits, such as land conservation, contribute to sustainable management of renewable natural resources and the preservation of biodiversity, and contribute to the socio-economic viability of many rural areas. Agriculture is multifunctional when it has one or several functions in addition to its primary role of producing food and fiber. Van Huylenbroeck et al Multifunctionality of Agriculture. A review of definitions, Evidence and Instruments.Living Rev. Landscape Research, 1, 3-43 Van Huylenbroeck et al. 2007

7 Solar CO 2 H 2 O energy N,P,K, The Bio-based Economy Biorefinery Products Industrial chemicals Biofuels Electricity Heat Polymers Materials Fertilizers Food ingredients Feed Sustainable acquisition of bioresources Biochemical Thermochemical Extraction

8 The bio-based economy Rute, M. EU policy and initiatives for the bio-based knowledge economy. Nordic Ministers meeting, Finland 2011.

9 The Bio-based Economy A sustainable production of biomass to enable increased use within a number of different sectors of society. The objective is to reduce climate effects and the use of fossil based raw materials. An increased added value for biomass materials, concomitant with a reduction in energy consumption and recovery of nutrients and energy as additional end products. The objective is to optimize the value and contribution of ecosystem services to the economy. Formas Swedish Research and Innovation Strategy for a Bio-based Economy. Formas 33 p.

10 The bio-based based economy The mature bio-based economy will help deliver global food security, improve nutrition and health, create smart bio-based products and biofuels, and help agriculture, forestry, aquaculture and other ecosystems to adapt to climate change. (BECOTEPS White Paper, March 2011) In Europe: - Estimated EUR 2 Trillion of annual turnover - Provides over 20 million jobs Rute, M. EU policy and initiatives for the bio-based knowledge economy. Nordic Ministers meeting, Finland 2011.

11 EU - Biomass potential for bioenergy European Environmental Agency, EEA, 2006

12 The food-energy-environment trilemma In a world seeking solutions to its energy, environmental, and food challenges, society cannot afford to miss out on the global greenhouse-gas emission reductions and the local environmental and societal benefits when biofuels are done right. Biofuels must be derived from feedstocks produced with much lower life-cycle greenhouse-gas emissions than traditional fossil fuels and with little or no competition with food production. Feedstock in this category: perennial crops on marginal lands, sustainably harvested crop and forest residues, double and mixed crops, municipal and industrial waste. Tilman D et al Benificial biofuels. The food, energy and environment trilemma. Science 323,

13 Perennial crops for bioenergy

14 Perennial grass mixtures Can be grown on marginal land or diversify conventional crop rotations (flexibility for farmer) Reduced need for soil tillage and fossil energy use Grass-legumes mixture requires no or low supply of N fertilizer, May be resilient to drought stress and may better use of available resources than sole crops No need for pesticides Reduced leaching of N, losses of P and soil erosion > 2 years significant C sequestration and improved soil fertility if managed correctly Maintain an open landscape Promotes biodiversity incl wildlife Can be harvested several times within a year and stored

15 ! but is it economically viable?

16 A role for a bio-based economy in sustainable development of food systems? Biomass crops are important tools for enhancing diversification of cropping systems, and thereby increase sustainability, multifunctionality and resilience of food systems. Biomass crops should have the primary aim of supply feedstock for on-farm or local production of renewable energy, while considering the recycling of nutrients and recalcitrant carbon from biomass Second aim may be sustainably to supply energy and biomass for industry and society Perennial crops such as grass-legume mixtures, Miscanthus, short rotation coppice (Salix, poplar) are most relevant crops for multifunctionality Coordination of sector policies and new policy instruments required.

17 Tack