Every year, vineyards, olive groves, and almond orchards produce tons of by-products that often go to waste. These leftovers, such as grape and olive pomace and almond shells, represent both a challenge and an untapped opportunity.
Last year, the LAN team in Lisbon published a report on agricultural by-products, highlighting the scale of the issue and potential solutions. As a follow-up, an event was organised to bring stakeholders together to explore ways of transforming these by-products into valuable resources and turning waste into sustainable, scalable solutions that benefit communities.
The meeting in Alentejo followed the publication of the LAN report on agricultural by-products. It brought together a wide range of participants. Producers, cooperatives, processors, technology providers, water utilities, universities, research organisations, public authorities, certification bodies, and investors all contributed. This diversity allowed different perspectives — from production and processing to markets, governance, and environmental management — to converge and address the challenge collectively.
Key challenges by sector
In the wine sector, managing grape pomace remains difficult. Limited disposal options, high moisture content, and regulatory restrictions make treatment costly. Composting, particularly aerated composting, has been identified as a promising solution, alongside pilot projects and regulatory review.
Olive production generates very large volumes of pomace, particularly in peak years, but processing capacity is limited. Transport costs, land-use restrictions, and complex waste regulations hinder the implementation of solutions. Local treatment options such as composting, biochar, and biogas could help, but they require regulatory flexibility, faster approvals, and stronger community engagement.
Almond by-products face different barriers, mainly a weak market and high transport costs. Collaboration between producers, downstream users, and research institutions is needed, along with regional strategies, financing support, and initiatives to stimulate demand.
Strategic directions
Participants emphasised the need to simplify regulations, support pilot projects, and develop local solutions adapted to regional conditions. Financing should encourage the early adoption of solutions by large producers and downstream users, while mixed valorisation pathways, such as composting, bioenergy, and biochar, should be explored.
Almond hulls
Shared lessons and opportunities
Across sectors, many by-products remain underused. Although technical solutions exist, they are not yet scalable due to logistical, economic, and regulatory barriers, as well as fragmented governance. Social acceptance is becoming increasingly important, and circular approaches offer a practical way to create value from waste.
Towards a regional circular initiative
By-products do not have to be wasted. Through collaboration, innovation, and clear strategies, the Alentejo region can transform agricultural waste into valuable resources for producers, communities, and the environment. The region has the opportunity to lead by example and demonstrate how circular solutions can create value while respecting both nature and local communities. However, adaptive legislative processes and administrative coordination are needed.