Fifth annual Bioeconomy Summit will gather 250 delegates as focus shifts to commercial-scale innovation.
Ireland’s emerging bioeconomy sector receive a welcome boost this week with the launch of the fifth annual all-island Bioeconomy Summit by the Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon, TD.
Taking place on 19 May next at the Johnstown Estate in Enfield, Co Meath, organisers are expecting more than 250 delegates to attend. The event is backed by organisations that include Bank of Ireland, Gas Networks Ireland, BiOrbic Research Ireland Centre for Bioeconomy, BioConnect, Irish Bioeconomy Foundation, Biomethane Development Office and Foster Environmental.
“The bioeconomy presents a major opportunity for Ireland’s agriculture, forestry, marine and food sectors”
This reflects the rapid growth in interest in the sector since the event’s beginnings as an online gathering in 2021.
All-island innovation
The event will allow for key stakeholder and networks of the bioeconomy on the island of Ireland to meet and will this year focus on areas such as biomethane, commercial bioeconomy development and replacing fossil fuel products with new biobased products.
“The bioeconomy presents a major opportunity for Ireland’s agriculture, forestry, marine and food sectors,” Minister Heydon said.
“It has the potential to unlock new value streams from crops, grass, timber, food and fish processing and while strengthening the role of primary producers across the value chain.
“Through targeted investment in bioeconomy piloting and demonstration projects since 2024, we are moving innovation out of the laboratory and into real-world application. This is critical to scaling up solutions such as biochar, new food ingredients and protein and fertiliser sources, and ensuring that Ireland is at the forefront of the transition to a climate-neutral and resilient economy,” Minister Heydon added.
The Minister also highlighted the upcoming Global summit to be held later this year in Ireland.=
“Ireland’s role in hosting the Global Bioeconomy Summit in October 2026 as part of our EU Presidency further highlights our ambition to lead internationally on the bioeconomy, building partnerships and showcasing Irish innovation on a global level.”
Top image: Karen Doyle, Gas Networks Ireland; Ajay Sutrakar, Biomethane Development Office; Celia Cremin, Foster Environmental; Stephen Napier, Irish Bioeconomy Foundation; Cathy Keenan, BiOrbic; Colette Shirley, Bank of Ireland); Agriculture Minister Martin Heydon; and Jennifer Savage, BioConnect
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