06.17.2018

The Revolution in Food and Biomass Production Will See Co2 Used to Make Proteins

What are some significant changes in the bio-based economy since you founded the nova-Institute? The bio-based economy is now an integral part of the circular economy, whereby all waste streams of the food and fuel industry are used to produce other materials such as fatty acids or biofuels or chemicals and materials. Nothing will be lost with the efficient and sustainable use of biomass in a circular economy. This full integration of the food sector with its main and secondary flows is relatively new. One example is the dairy industry, which can use its wastewater for the production of bioplastics that can later be used to package butter and cheese. Even more important are new natural products: with new biotechnological processes, bacteria and fungi can produce high-value natural nutrients, flavours and pharmaceuticals in a very cost-efficient and sustainable way. Until now, such products were mostly made from crude oil or from expensive plant components. Now there is another natural way: biotechnology. For example, bacteria or fungi eat sugar to produce high-quality biomolecules that are 100% identical to those from plants but much cheaper to produce. The interest in these innovations is very high in the food and pharmaceutical industry.

Considering your background in alternative energy and natural resource replacement, what role do you think the agrifood industry can have in reducing carbon emissions and reversing climate change? Is it realistic that farming techniques and the use of technology can have a demonstrable effect on the carbon footprint of the agrifood industry in the next 10 years?
A very important question! The food sector has a lot of catching up to do in terms of sustainability and life cycle assessments. While comprehensive analyses of environmental impacts have been carried out for decades in the field of bio-based products, we know little about the different footprints of foodstuffs. This work is picking up speed at the moment. Numerous new agricultural technologies such as precision farming, digitization, and biostimulants have the same goal: less input, more output with less environmental impact. It will soon be possible to achieve the same yields with 20-30% less use of fertilizer and crop protection, with skilful management. This leads to a significantly lower footprint!
Why did nova-Institut launch the REFAB event?
We see ground breaking innovations in nine areas of food and biomass production. Each of these areas has its own conferences, but it is only in their combination that the synergy effects we call “Revolution in Food and Biomass Production” become clear. And there has never been a conference that brings these areas of innovation together in one place. This will lead to completely new networks and innovation ideas. revolution in food
Which of the technologies set to be discussed at the Revolution in Food and Biomass event excite you the most a physicist?
Oh, there are so many: artificial intelligence will enable direct communication between plants and robots, biostimulants will no longer work against but with nature once we have finally understood the close connection between soils, fungi, bacteria and plants. The simultaneous use of land for agricultural and solar energy is fascinating. And also the fact that today we can produce healthy food in cities, in the desert and even in space through controlled environment agriculture is a revolution in food industry. Controlled environment agriculture can also use the marine environment much more efficiently and sustainably than today.
What do you hope attendees will take away from the conference?
Lots of ideas, inspiration and new contacts and networks. Many developers and pioneers will be fascinated by what happens in neighbouring areas they have so far overlooked. This can lead to completely new innovations. I would be particularly pleased if smallholders and organic farmers could also take up new technologies that make cultivation more efficient and sustainable without having to abandon their principles.   This article appeared on the Farmingportal website at http://www.farmingportal.co.za/index.php/farmingnews/breking-news/item/13221-the-revolution-in-food-and-biomass-production-will-see-co2-used-to-make-proteins]]>

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