Additional information

A 40% increase in usable protein per hectare is expected by optimising grass protein usage, creating a fibre press-cake fodder which improves nitrogen to milk conversion efficiency in cattle, whilst creating a second protein concentrate feed product suitable for monogastrics who would otherwise not be able to access grass protein. An expected benefit of this approach includes a reduction in nitrogen and phosphorous losses (by 25%) and related emissions for the dairy sector by improving nitrogen use efficiency in dairy, whilst simultaneously reducing indirect GHG emissions through substitution of soybean imports for use in monogastric feed.

The project will demonstrate the production and validation of the value-added co-products produced by the grass biorefinery. The new business model will be assessed to determine it’s potential for farmer diversification into the bioeconomy.The project will demonstrate a future route to market for farmers using the local cooperative structures. The project will also demonstrate farm-to-farm bioeconomy symbiosis, in which improved protein efficiency on dairy farms, can create a new indigenous feed product for pig farmers in the region.

Biorefinery Glas is a first step towards moving farmers further up the bioeconomy value chain, as processors and producers of products rather than biomass suppliers. The Biorefinery Glas project will demonstrate a small-scale, low-CAPEX, farmer-operable biorefinery model which will enable farmers to position themselves closer to the market and secure a larger share of the high value returns within the bioeconomy value chain. As the model allows farmers to produce high quality cattle fodder press-cake, it integrates easily within traditional livestock farming.