Expected Outcome:
The successful proposals will facilitate the large-scale deployment of oil crops for biorefining applications in line with the EU Bioeconomy Strategy[1] the Long-term vision for the EU rural areas[2], and the updated EU Industrial Strategy[3] and will allow reaching the objectives of the Circular Economy[4] and Zero Pollution Action Plan[5], the Biodiversity Strategy[6], and the objectives of R&I Mission 'A Soil Deal for Europe'.
Project results should contribute to the following expected outcomes:
- Establishment of oil crop production systems at large scale not interfering with (and where applicable establishing synergies with) food value chains through sustainable cultivation practices[7] compatible with the objectives of biodiversity protection and restoration.
- Preservation or enhancement of soil health, soil carbon sequestration potential, soil regeneration, contributing to environmental benefits[8].
- Oil yield, quality and purity meeting biorefinery processing requirements (if a benchmark is available: significant increase in oil yield, quality and purity), while maximising land use efficiency, and minimising ILUC, and ensuring - at the minimum - no negative impact on the environment.
- Availability of bio-based products from targeted oil crops meeting market requirements, including via application testing.
- Significantly improved sustainability, strategic autonomy, resilience and competitiveness of the European bio-based industry while reducing the dependence on imported feedstock.
- Contribution to revitalization of European
