Objective: Dairy farms often rely on traditional bedding materials such as straw, wood chips, or sawdust, which can be costly, while effective manure storage is often challenging with larger herds. In the EIP-AGRI Operational Group project, titled "Stabilized litter for dairy cows: optimization of the use of litter derived from the solid fraction separated from manure", dairy cattle slurry is processed in a rotating drum separator with increased temperature to reduce the pathogens to stabilise the resulting solid fraction. This is used as alternative bedding material. The project evaluated the relevant cost of the purchase and stocking of other litter material such as straw, wood chips or sawdust. The goal is to assess if this solution can be implemented in Parmigiano Reggiano dairy farms without negatively impacting cow housing conditions, animal welfare and cleanliness milk quality, or cheese production.

Result: 

· Feasibility & Scalability: Large herds (>400 cows) generate significant manure, making this technology viable for sustainable bedding.
· Low carbon sink potential, moderate economic benefits (cost savings from bedding and manure management), and high technical complexity pose challenges for smaller farms.
· Sustainability: Moderate social impact (reduced dust, rural economic support) and environmental benefits (waste recycling, resource efficiency).
· Added Value: Promotes circular economy principles by repurposing waste.
· The approach aligns moderately with agricultural sustainability & bioeconomy initiatives, but requires further integration efforts to maximise impact.
Practical Implications:

·    Best suited for larger dairy farms due to required investment in separation and stabilisation technology.
·    Lowers bedding costs and improves sustainability.
·    Requires technical planning and support to manage initial investment and operational complexity.
·    Reduces reliance on external bedding sources.

Objective: A key challenge in Spain's biomass sector is managing agricultural waste, which creates difficulties for farmers. Huge volumes of residues are often underutilized or sent to landfills due to limited processing technologies and logistical constraints. Converting agricultural waste into activated carbon provides a sustainable solution, transforming materials like almond shells and rice husks into a high-value adsorbent for pollutant removal. This approach aligns with Circular Economy principles, reducing environmental impact and offering cost-effective solutions for water treatment and industrial applications.

Result: Agricultural waste is collected and processed to produce activated carbon. The raw materials undergo pyrolysis, a thermal decomposition process in an oxygen-limited environment, yielding biochar with a high surface area. This biochar is then chemically or physically activated to enhance its adsorption properties, making it suitable for pollutant removal in water treatment and industrial applications. Laboratory and pilot-scale tests confirm their efficiency in capturing contaminants, supporting its potential as a sustainable alternative to conventionally activated carbon. These findings align with existing research (Rodríguez-Reinoso et al., 1982), confirming the feasibility of converting agricultural waste into a high-value, eco-friendly material.

Practical Implications: Bio-based activated carbon can be applied in water treatment, industrial filtration, and environmental remediation as a cost-effective sustainable alternative to conventional materials. Utilizing low-cost agricultural residues reduces operational expenses while minimizing waste. End-users benefit from improved water quality and a lower environmental footprint. Integrating this technology into Circular Economy models enhances resource efficiency, while policy incentives and regional collaborations can further drive adoption and scalability.

Objective: The project tackles biomass management challenges in Spain's agriculture and forestry, aiming to improve sustainability, cost efficiency, and resource use. High processing costs and limited access to technology and funding hinder bioeconomy adoption. Raising awareness and implementing innovative solutions can enhance sustainability, reduce waste, and boost rural economies.

Result: The project promotes innovative biomass management solutions, including on-site processing models for cost-effective use and raffia separation in greenhouses to improve waste processing. Drying and separation technologies reduce moisture, cutting transport costs and increasing market value. Biomass management plants in forestry areas support circular bioeconomy and local jobs. Using agricultural residues for biogas and compost reduces waste and boosts renewable energy. The project also tailors bio-based technologies to each region´s needs for sustainable biomass use.

Practical Implications: To implement these solutions, farmers and foresters should invest in drying and separation technologies to improve processing efficiency and reduce transport costs. Accessing available funding and incentives will be essential for adopting these innovations and scaling up pilot technologies. Engaging in local biomass management initiatives can support the creation of circular bioeconomy microclimates, improving resource efficiency and employment opportunities. Collaboration with cooperatives, research institutions, and technology providers will facilitate knowledge transfer and access to new market opportunities. Raising awareness and providing training programs, particularly for youth, unemployed individuals, and women, will help develop the necessary green skills to support the transition to a sustainable bioeconomy. By integrating these approaches, practitioners can increase productivity, enhance environmental sustainability, and improve the economic viability of biomass resources.