The 15th edition of the Agrospecial e-magazine titled ‘A future beyond fossil, transitioning towards a bioeconomy’ highlights the bioeconomy as a driver of sustainable growth, innovation, and international cooperation. The Netherlands Agricultural Network (LAN) showcases initiatives and perspectives from around the world on how renewable biological resources can replace fossil inputs, strengthen circular agriculture, and create new opportunities for farmers, companies, non-profit organizations and knowledge institutions in the Netherlands and abroad.
The bioeconomy uses renewable biological resources from land and sea to produce food, materials, and energy. It mimics how the natural world works—nothing goes to waste. From crops and forests to fish, animals, and microorganisms, these resources form the foundation of a circular system that delivers better production, better nutrition, a healthier environment, and ultimately, a better life.
Insights from LAN teams worldwide
This edition presents contributions from the Netherlands Agricultural Network (LAN), which plays a key role in advancing the bioeconomy globally. Agricultural counselors and their teams share the development of the bioeconomy in the countries where they are active and the local opportunities, policies, and innovations. The magazine highlights initiatives not only in Europe - such as Denmark and the EU agenda in Brussels - but also in Africa (Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Ghana, South Africa), the Americas (Brazil, Chile, Colombia and Mexico), Asia (China, Kazakhstan, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam) and the Middle East (Egypt).
The Dutch approach
It also includes the current point of view from the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature (LVVN) next to the perspective from a Dutch knowledge institution (Wageningen University and Research) and branch organization (Biobased Nederland). The Netherlands is committed to a circular and sustainable bioeconomy. This includes investing in biobased innovation, stimulating public-private partnerships, and contributing to international frameworks such as the G20 High-Level Principles on Bioeconomy. Dutch expertise focuses on knowledge exchange, collaboration, and the valorization of biomass into high-value products and services.
Call for international collaboration
As the Netherlands works toward a bio-based future, we invite all stakeholders—policymakers, businesses, researchers, and civil-society organizations—to explore this new edition of the Agrospecial and engage in the international dialogue on how the bioeconomy can contribute to climate goals, biodiversity, food security, and sustainable prosperity.