The Bioeconomy and Food System Transformation

Abstract This chapter identifies opportunities around bioeconomic concepts for the transformation of food systems. Bioeconomy is a multi-dimensional concept and blends well with the food systems concept. Its goals include the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions; the efficient use of energy and material; responsible consumption; and social inclusion through innovation, with a focus on the transformation of the structure of production. Bioeconomy makes important contributions to sustainable economic growth from the environmental and social points of view, offering direct jobs and employment and higher value addition. Bioeconomy offers support for the transformation of food systems by increasing crop and livestock yields through sustainable intensification activities. It can strengthen local value chains, promoting the reuse and recycling of food resources. These strategies at the local level contribute to poverty reduction through the creation of new rural jobs. Food system resilience can be strengthened based on the diversification of agricultural commodity production, the increased use of bio-based inputs in agriculture and the diversification of rural incomes through the rural production of bioenergy, bio-based industry and environmental services. Bioeconomy can be effectively used for the upscaling of biotechnology innovations, improved environmental sustainability and climate resilience, and improved nutrition and health. Links between the bioeconomy and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development are demonstrated by using the indicators of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for monitoring and evaluating the bioeconomy.