To support farmers / foresters and other industry stakeholders as well as RTDs to become biobased entrepreneurs a suite of training materials providing learning materials, case studies and work sheets to be used as part of e-learning, mentoring or within AGRIFORVALOR training workshops were developped.

Focus is laid on lean business training with specific focus on bio-enterprise, looking at new business models, strategy and organization, social enterprise, finance and marketing as well as mentor/mentees guidelines for mentoring & coaching support offered to the Innovation partnership Groups.



The training package encloses 6 modules:

1. Strategy and Organization

2. Social Enterprise Development

3. Business Planning and Business Models

4. Commercialization and Intellectual Property

5. Finance and Marketing

6. Networking and Negotiation



The training materials are downloadable from the AGRIFORVALOR website.



The mentor/mentee guidelines are published under www.agriforvalor.eu/downloads

The sidestream value tool was developed within the project with the aim to offer a unique market place to show good practice achievements and research results in a practical and easy structured way. Like this, practitioners can easily filter for sidestreams, outcomes, appllication fields, TRL, country and processes.



The tool was awarded as best innovation tool in 2017 by CommBeBiz.



Its interactive feature allows to upload own biomass sidestream profiles either as Good practice or as RTD result and to communicate with other registered users. It is a brilliant marketing and exploitation tool.

In addition to existing good practices and RTD results it offers as well the opportunity to enter "grass root" ideas in order to build up new value chains and business models.





For RTD and good practice results see: www.agriforvalor.eu/sidestreams

For ideas see: www.agriforvalor.eu/innovations

Biomass sidestreams have large potentials to contribute to Europe’s policy on renewable energy and bio-based economy. Many new innovations are ongoing. This comprises research as well as building up experiences at pilot scale, market implementation and business development. A sustainable circular bio-based future is needed, integrating the circular economy and bioeconomy models!

Piloted in three hubs AGRIFORVALOR identified huge potential for valorization of biomass sidestreams.



All these are examples of valorization potential of biomass sidestreams with higher value using existing technics offering as well potential for circularity of used biomass and new business models.

Andalusia, being the world’s largest olive producing region, has vast amounts of olive sidestreams which have potential for energy production (e.g. biogas through fermentation) and high value applications such as constituents for cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, food additives, leather tanning products and bio-plastics.



A potential business case in Ireland can be built around grass biorefinery. The surplus of grass, not needed as feed, can be used in biorefineries to produce biogas for energy, fertilizers, fibres for paper and packing materials, (high protein) feed, and platform bio-chemicals (e.g. lactic acid, bio-ethanol etc.) for bio-plastics.



The large available amounts of whey, as a sidestream from cheese production, offers opportunities for different valorisation techniques in Hungary. Through fermentation, ethanol or biogas can be produced. The ethanol can be used for food, pharmaceuticals, bio-plastics or fuel. The same accounts for straw which has huge valorization potential as functional material like isolation material, as fertilizer or as bio-oil through pyroylisis.

AGRIFORVALOR produced a compendium of research results stemming from research projects and publications. In literature and on the web, a vast number of research techniques can be found. An overview of techniques will be helpful to stakeholders dealing with biomass side-streams such as foresters, farmers, the biomass processing industries and the bio-energy sector. The research results are structured into used sidestreams, valorization technic, TRL level, output and application according to 5 Fs (food, feed, fertilizer, functinal material/fine chemicals, fuel)





So far, AGRIFORVALOR identified 30 research techniques applicable to agricultural related biomass side-streams, 10 research techniques applicable for combined agricultural and forestry related biomass side-streams and 8 research techniques applicable for forestry related biomass side-streams.



For forestry related biomass sidestreams, extraction, gasification, low NOx combustion, pyrolysis, organosolv fractionation, and torrefaction, in combination with pelletisation are techniques found to valorise woody side-streams into marketable products for food, (fine) chemicals, functional materials and fuel applications.



For agriculture related biomass sidestreams main used techniques are extraction, enzymatic fractionation and organosolv fractionation as well as gasification and pyrolysis mainly to produce products for food applications followed by functional material and fine chemicals and energy.





Almost all biomass-side streams, both from agriculture and from forestry, can be used for energy production. However, in research, there is an increasing focus on techniques with a higher valorisation potential.

AGRIFORVALOR formulated Research and Innovation agendas on biomass sidestreams at hub and at EU level. In this summary only the EU recommendations which base on common findings from the hubs and which or under certain preconditions transferable to other regions are mentioned:



1. Shift from energy production towards higher value products and multiple use of biomass resources: multi-cascading use of biomass



2. Small-scale bioenergy and biorefinery technologies built in new local value chains applying circular bioeconomy business models achieving sustainability - involving the primary sector as active player in the value chain -



3. Expert support, training and multi-actor networks for

 introducing innovative biomass valorisation technologies,

 identifying new approaches, business models and partners,

 mapping the related business opportunities and selecting the most appropriate technology

 Awareness programs on the bioeconomy

 Governmental support of multi-actor platforms contributing on knowledge exchange can facilitate credibility and functioning of bioeconomy initiatives.



4. Developing effective, coherent and supportive bioeconomy policy incentives and strategies

On the basis of altogether 68 answers (Spanish hub received 21 responses, the Hungarian 22, and the Irish hub 25 responses), AGRIFORVALOR can provide a good analysis of the barriers related to exploitation of biomass and the actual needs of the Innovation Partnerships groups that was created within the framework of the project. The needs and barriers identified in the 3 hubs show some common characteristics.

The popularity of learning about new valorisation possibilities shows that companies (incl. farming/forest sector) now focus mostly on energy or fertiliser production (in different proportions in the different hubs), and would like to know what else can be produced using biomass and what are the existing technologies they can use for this end.

The knowledge about zero waste technologies and bioeconomy in general would also be welcome by the respondents. This, we can take as a curiosity towards the latest developments in the field, also on the policy and general professional trends side.



This, taken together with a barrier perceived by many (lack of support and not enough support from policy towards biomass valorisation) means that the training participants should include decision makers or experts working on policy development. Appropriate means should be chosen to reach and persuade this target group.



Taken all the responses together, the most popular themes for training and coaching are:

 valorisation possibilities of different biomass sidestreams,

 good practices in the field of biomass sidestream valorisation

 “zero waste” concept, circular economy, bioeconomy

 Project management

 Innovation management

This analysis reflects the feedback of industry but also RTDs and farmers and foresters on the need and barriers for bio industry start-up development and the actual needs of the Innovation Partnerships groups in the respective hubs.



Financial and business supports were key needs identified. These include business plan formulation (Spain and Ireland), mapping of related market and business opportunities (Spain and Hungary) and access to finance (Spain and Ireland).



Participants highlighted concerns around access to internal (Spain, Hungary) and external funding (Spain) as well as uncertainty of economic viability (Spain, Ireland) of the operation. In all three hubs, lack of policy incentives was considered one of the key barriers to establishment of biobased SMEs, with two thirds of Irish and Hungarians and 47% of Spanish Stakeholders identifying this as the main barrier.



The majority of stakeholders in three hubs indicated that the level of biomass available for valorisation in their hub is high, with the majority also feeling that private and public-private initiatives were the main driver of biobased initiatives in the hubs.



Clearly this analysis highlights the importance of business supports in the commercialization of the biobased sector, both in terms of showing the economic viability and allowing access to funding. It also highlights the need for strong policy supports and incentives to encourage more entrepreneurs into the sector.

The project tested a set of innovation tools dedicated to facilitate the knowldege transfer and capacity building enabling multi-actor network building - including the primary sector - around biomass sidestreams.



In total 10 innovation methods and respective tools are described:

1. Motivation creation

2. Thematic focus groups

3. Identifying needs

4. Matching needs

5. Identifying ideas

6. Validating ideas

7. Exploitation support

8. Business model development support

9. Innovation competition

10. International site visits



264 feedback questionnaires on innovation tools used in divers projects’ activities were assessed with some common findings:



Innovation tools used in the project have been a valuable vehicle to promote network building, motivation creation, knowledge sharing and gaining by e.g. through thematic focus groups and international site vistis, which were very much approved by practitioners.

Moreover, it has been found out that face-to-face meetings supported by online tools (webinars, sidestream value tool) were most preferred as networking tool including b2b meetings.

The sidestream value tool was well appreciated for motivation creation, partly for enabling networking, so experts should use it as complementary tool.

In addition, individual mentoring and coaching was very much appreciated.when it comes to business model developments.

But, in addition to that it has been found out that the acceptance and validation of innovation tools depends on regional perceptions and context. Another common finding was that an experienced and “neutral” moderator or coach is needed for trust building between multi-actors as well as to facilitate and enable knowledge sharing and capacity building.

This guide provides a four-step methodology in order to set up multi-actor Innovation Partnership Groups (IPGs) on biomass sidestreams:



1. Multi-stakeholder database

2. Awareness rising event

3. RDI and exploitation prioritization workshops

4. Innovation Design Workshops and Multi-Criteria Analysis (MCA) for Idea validation



The methodology has been successfully experienced under AGRIFORVALOR project leading to effective networking between multi-actors as well as the creation of IPGs along new and innovative biomass valorization value chains:



- Over 700 stakeholders participated at the events aimed at forming multi-actor networks organized in WP 2 of the project.

- 16 IPGs on specific exploitation topics have been installed at the three hubs, which received 95 expressions of interest (EOI) from organizations interested in joining them over all hubs.

- 15 IPGs have also been set up on the development of ideas towards business models. These innovation partnership groups received 78 expressions of interest (EOI) over all hubs.

- 10 multi-actor innovative projects have been set up leading to 6 applications as Operational Groups under EIP AGRI, resulting into 3 successful fundings.



The use of proper innovation tools and methodologies has proved to be a key factor on each activity. Different motivation creation tools such as invited external experts presenting good practices and projects, as well as thematic group methodologies, such as, moderated round tables, brainstorming sessions and design thinking approaches were implemented and well perceived by the attendees.

In Ireland large volumes of grass, forestry residues and sawmill residues and animal slurries are offering diverse valorization opportunities:



- Anaerobic digestion of animal slurry/manure and food waste or crop residues can be used to produce biogas, fertilizer and soil conditioner. Biogas can be used for heating purposes or generation of electricity. Installations can be built on farm scale, minimizing transport costs.

- Small scale grass biorefineries can be installed producing biogas, fibres, feed, proteinaceous products and eventually also lactic acids.

- Valorization of sawmill residues through pyrolysis, producing bio-oil, syngas and biochar. The bio-oil can be used as bio-fuel in the automotive sector (and marine sector) or for the production of biochemicals, the syngas can be used for heating purposes or in the generation of electricity through CHP. In case of fragmented supply, small scale installations (e.g. mobile pyrolysis installation or torrefaction) are viable options processing feedstocks at the mill.

- Although there is a clear policy support for production of renewable energy and biobased materials, clear incentives have to be put in place to stimulate a long term viable market for a green economy.

Business case opportunities for the Hungarian hub:



- Large volumes of straw and whey offer opportunities for biomass sidestreams valorization.

- Straw potential: Next to using biomass sidestreams for heat generation for dwelling houses, other heat applications for locations in the surroundings of the power plant can be looked for.

- Production of bio-oil from straw using small scale pyrolysis technic: The bio-oil can be used for the automotive sector or for heating. In the pyrolysis process also heat, syngas and biochar are produced. The energy (heat and syngas) can be used for the required process heat, and the surplus can be sold, eventually as electricity to the grid.

- Elaborating alternative methods (besides burning) for producing fertilizer from straw and so improving the quality of the soil provide innovative business opportunities, too.

- Whey potential: Through fermentation whey can be valorized to bio-ethanol which can be used as bio-fuel or as chemical building block for food, pharmaceuticals or functional materials. Both the production of bio-oil and ethanol are supported by policy. Further incentives have to be put in place.

The large volumes of olive sidestreams are offering multiple valorization opportunities:



- Extraction of valuable compounds from the olive mill sidestreams for ingredients for food, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.

- After extraction of valuable compounds, anaerobic co-digestion of olive mill sidestreams (mixed with pig or cow slurry and other crop residues e.g. straw) can be applied to produce biogas.

- Techniques using fermentation of olive mile sidestreams to produce biopolymers, enzymes and biofuels are promising but have to be further developed and economically validated.

- Processing olive mill sidestreams towards bioproducts has huge environmental benefits

- Partnerships of small olive mills may increase funding opportunities for investments in technical facilities. Large olive oil producing companies may invest private funding in research and techniques as this reduces the environmental impact of their operations.

This brochure summarizes the information relating to the business model and awarding process. Out of 10 innovation partnership groups receiving support in entrepreneurial trainings and business modelling in the frame of the project, three best business models were selected and awarded:



- Organic compost from olive mill residues (Andalucia):

The Business model refers to launching a composting plant using sludge from olive mills and olive leaves. By means of innovative techniques of composting and vermicomposting, a high quality, economical organic fertilizer that can be obtained and used in all types of agriculture.



- Bark-based Insulation Material (Hungary):

The Business model refers to the production of the most environment friendly thermal insulation material similar to what has been used by trees for thousands of years. This is the insulation of the nature combined with high technology.



- Small-scale Grass Biorefineries (Ireland):

The Business model refers to a fresh grass biorefinery model that attempts to improve the usable protein per hectare of grass whilst helping farmers to diversify their product base. As a result, monogastric animal feed is produced, in addition to an optimized cattle feed which each animal receiving the grass protein fraction that they utilise most effectively.

This report summarizes the characterisation of Good Practices that valorise agricultural and forestry biomass sidestreams in the three project hubs (Andalusia - Spain, Hungary and Ireland) and for the wider EU. The findings are based on 29 Good Practices identified until October 2016 that valorise biomass sidestreams.



The Good Practices are in the following fields of application:

- feed

- fertilizers

- food

- functional materials/fine chemicals

- fuel



The identification of good practices was not the result of a systematic review, so it cannot be considered as representative for the number of good practices in the hub regions or the EU. However, the outcomes may indicate some directions of development.



In addition during the course of the project additional good practice examples have been gathered and all are displayed via the online Sidestream value tool, resulting in a total of 33 good practice cases.

Moreover, the tool offers as well to show "grass" root ideas on biomass sidestreams in order to set up new value chains and to form business models.



For good practice and RTD results see: www.agriforvalor.eu/sidestreams

For ideas see: www.agriforvalor.eu/innovations