Today, on the International Day of Climate Action, we reflect on the pressing challenges posed by climate change and resource scarcity, and the innovative ways in which rural communities are stepping up to meet these challenges.

In Europe, rural areas cover approximately 80% of the territory and are home to 137 million people, representing 30% of the population. These regions are crucial for driving sustainable development, biodiversity conservation, and climate-neutral practices. 

The BRILIAN project stands at the forefront of this transformation by developing sustainable, cooperative business models that allow rural communities to valorize agricultural residues, by-products, and waste as renewable feedstocks. These bio-based solutions are paving the way for a more sustainable and circular economy, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and promoting climate-friendly practices in rural regions across Europe. 

Transforming Agricultural Waste into Value 

Agriculture plays a central role in rural economies, yet the potential of agricultural waste is often underutilized. By turning this waste into valuable bio-based products, BRILIAN helps farmers and regional stakeholders overcome the barriers they face in accessing bioeconomy markets. The project addresses the challenges of: 

• High capital requirements for processing facilities, 

• Limited technological knowledge needed for bio-based feedstock processing, 

• Establishing sustainable logistics, and 

• Navigating new sales channels for bioproducts. 

To tackle these hurdles, BRILIAN fosters collaboration between farmers, technology providers, and regional stakeholders, ensuring that cooperative business models not only support rural development but also reduce pollution and promote biodiversity. 

A Circular and Sustainable Future

The heart of BRILIAN’s work lies in its multi-actor approach, which ensures that all key players in the bioeconomy work together to implement innovative solutions. The project is focused on four key pillars: 

• Forging robust rural bio-communities that are resilient to economic and environmental changes. 

• Achieving circularity and sustainability in bio-based value chains. 

• Integrating short supply chains to enhance efficiency and reduce environmental impact. 

• Producing value-added bioproducts that diversify incomes for farmers and reduce economic risk. 

Through pilot projects in Italy, Spain, and Denmark, BRILIAN is validating ten bio-based value chains, including those based on raw materials like cardoon, sunflower, and potato. The project’s goal is to make bio-based products such as bioplastics, biolubricants, bioherbicides, and proteins accessible, profitable, and environmentally friendly for rural communities. 

Towards Climate Neutrality 

As Europe strives towards climate neutrality by 2050, projects like BRILIAN are critical in ensuring that rural regions are not left behind in this transition. By turning agricultural waste into opportunity, BRILIAN empowers rural areas to be leaders in climate action while ensuring economic development and biodiversity preservation. 

On this International Day of Climate Action, we celebrate the dedication of the farmers, innovators, and communities that are part of the BRILIAN project. Together, we are transforming agricultural residues into sustainable solutions, driving climate action, and building a better future for rural regions across Europe. 

For more information on BRILIAN and our work to support rural communities in the fight against climate change, you can see our video, and check out our socials (LinkedIn, Twitter & Facebook) and previous articles.