Agriculture & Bioeconomy
Turning Agricultural Waste into Value
Updated 2026-07-04 · 5 min read
On a farm, 'waste' is often a resource in the wrong place. Residues, manure and by-products can be turned into soil health, energy and new income streams instead of a disposal cost.
Common on-farm streams and uses
- Crop residues → compost, mulch, animal bedding or biochar
- Manure → composting or biogas (anaerobic digestion)
- Processing by-products → animal feed or bio-based inputs
- Prunings & woody waste → chipping and mulch
Where to start
- Audit what leaves the farm as waste and its cost
- Match each stream to a higher-value use
- Start small with composting or mulching
- Partner with a bioeconomy provider for biogas or biochar
Find partners
The Agriculture & Bioeconomy stream connects you with composters, feed and bio-processing providers. Verified listings show their claims have been checked.
Frequently asked questions
What is biochar?
Biochar is a stable, charcoal-like material made by heating biomass with little oxygen. Added to soil it improves fertility and locks away carbon for the long term.
Can manure really produce energy?
Yes — anaerobic digestion turns manure and organic waste into biogas for heat or electricity, and leaves a nutrient-rich digestate you can use as fertiliser.