RootLinks · Primary Sector Working Group Support Project

Engaging primary producers (PP) in RDI programs remains a significant challenge across Europe. This challenge is driven by factors such as limited access to information, low awareness of bio-based solutions, and various structural, financial, and regulatory barriers. These obstacles hinder PP integration into emerging circular bio-based value chains, despite the potential to introduce new business models that offer environmental benefits, including energy and nutrient recycling, sustainable production systems, and new revenue streams in rural areas.The CBE JU is committed to enhancing the involvement of primary producers within its funding schemes and the resulting innovative solutions. To this end, a Working Group on Primary Producers (WGPP) will be established, bringing together sector representatives from agriculture, forestry, and the blue economy. This group will develop an Action Plan aimed at strengthening the role of PPs in future CBE JU-funded projects and beyond. RootLinks will support and facilitate the efforts of the WGPP in co-creating and implementing this Action Plan. It includes horizontal and sector-specific actions designed to improve the role of primary producers in CBE JU programming, increase their participation in calls, and enhance their ability to exploit new value chains. The focus will be on to generate direct, tangible, and measurable benefits for PP, empowering them to become strong partners in cross-disciplinary bio-based research and innovation projects across Europe. Furthermore, RootLinks actions will enhance the roles of PP in exploiting innovations and related value chains, fostering improved collaboration between PPs and the bio-based industry. RootLinks offers a unique portfolio of sector expertise and competencies, implementing a comprehensive set of activities at the European, national, and regional levels, including knowledge and awareness-raising, capacity building and training, partnership development, and networking.