From research to policy and practice – Green Valleys ties together the project years
The conference highlighted the results of several years of work within Green Valleys – from grass cultivation and biorefining to climate benefits, protein production and regional development.
Presentations and panel discussions explored how research can be translated into practice and what policy instruments are needed to enable the transition in both Sweden and Denmark.
You are welcome to view the recordings and presentations from the day.
Introductory presentations – project results and climate perspectives
The day began with an overview of the project’s results, ranging from feed trials and process development to the world’s first thread produced from grass, presented by Morten Ambye-Jensen (Aarhus University) and Christel Cederberg (Chalmers University of Technology). With their knowledge and passion for the subject, they inspired participants about how green biorefining can be further developed and what steps are needed for the technology to become an established part of the food system of the future.
Two subsequent climate perspectives broadened the picture further:
- Prof. Henrik Smith (Lund University) described the role of agriculture in climate change and the potential for increased climate benefits through changed systems.
- Prof. Filip Johnsson (Chalmers University of Technology), member of the Climate Policy Council, outlined the climate policy and instruments needed to reduce emissions in the energy and industrial sectors.
Afternoon focus – politics, policy instruments and practical examples
After lunch, the discussion deepened around climate policy, financing and implementation:
- Astrid Burhöi (Brussels Office, Västra Götaland Region) gave a topical report from Brussels on the EU’s climate and agricultural policy processes.
- Fredrik Fredrikson (Västra Götaland County Administrative Board) presented what Klimatklivet means for agricultural investments and opportunities for transition.
- Emil Egerod Hubbard (Skive Municipality) described the Danish green tripartite agreement and its significance at regional and municipal level.
This was followed by concrete experiences from actors close to the business:
- Steen Bitsch, (CEO of Vestjyllands Andel), highlighted the political and economic conditions needed to implement green biorefining in practice.
- Johan Christensson from Klevs Gård shared insights into practical challenges and opportunities from a farmer’s perspective.
The day ended with discussions on how the project’s results can form the basis for new initiatives, policy development and continued cross-border collaboration.
“Bringing together committed researchers, farmers, businesses and authorities from both Sweden and Denmark shows the power that lies in our shared ambition to develop a more circular and climate-smart food system. The conference made it clear that it is precisely the interaction between research, politics and practice that is driving us forward.
Many of us want the same thing: to build strong and sustainable value chains that benefit both the climate and agriculture,” concludes Malin Komaiszko, project manager for Green Valleys 2.0.
A common path forward – when grass becomes the resource of the future
The final conference clearly showed that green biorefining is on the verge of a breakthrough – technically, politically and practically. At the same time, the importance of continued cooperation between researchers, advisors, farmers, companies and decision-makers was emphasised in order to create sustainable value chains and strengthen the regional bioeconomy.
During the day, the project partners also presented their organisations and contributions to the project. This led to many interesting discussions and conversations during the breaks.
A warm thank you goes to all the speakers, participants and partner organisations who contributed to a day filled with important perspectives, knowledge exchange and optimism for the future.
Photo: Josefin Lantz, Natubruksförvaltningen and Charlotta Wångdahl, Agroväst
