The future of the food industry and circular bioeconomy

This workshop brings together science and business to find sustainable solutions to the greatest challenges of our food system.

We will discuss how to:

•  ensure the sustainability of food systems in the context of a growing population;
• apply circular bioeconomy strategies and technologies, including fermentation;
• use synthetic biology, alternative proteins, and fats to create new products;
• valorize food waste, co-products, and by-products for future foods;
• explore European food system trends and uncover the risks of greenwashing;
• get acquainted with Enterpirse Estonia and Agricultural Registries and Information Board support measures.

The workshop provides ample time for inspiring discussions how science and innovation meet practical solutions.

This event is in Estonian.

You can learn more HERE

To register, follow this LINK

AGENDA

9:30–9:55 Registration and Morning Coffee ☕

9:55–10:00 Opening Remarks – Moderator of the Day: Rain Kuldjärv (TFTAK)

10:00–10:30 Challenges in the Food Industry – Petri-Jaan Lahtvee (TalTech)

Consumer expectations, growing population, sustainability of food systems (land use, CO₂ emissions, carbon neutrality), food waste and by-products. 

10:30–11:30 Solutions: Circular Bioeconomy in the Food Industry – Petri-Jaan Lahtvee (TalTech), cases and challenges.

The importance of the circular bioeconomy for the food industry. Strategies for closing resource loops. Technologies. Analyses of real cases and challenges. 

11:30–11:45 Stretch Break

11:45–12:15 Future Perspectives of the European and Estonian Food System – How to Survive in a Changing World? – Kaisa Orgusaar (TalTech)

Technological developments, climate change, economy, as well as ethics and values that influence the Estonian food system. A future outlook towards 2040.

12:15–13:00 Lunch 🍽️

13:00–14:00 Product Development Using Alternative Raw Materials and Fermentation – Examples from TFTAK – Rain Kuldjärv (TFTAK)

What world-improving product developments have been carried out at TFTAK? Experiences in marketing alternative products. 

14:00–14:15 Coffee Break ☕

14:15–14:45 Producer Experience in Closing the Resource Loop – KODAS/LaMuu (TBC)

14:45–15:15 Research Cooperation and Support Measures – EIS and REM Introduction of measures by Ene Viiard (EIS) and Gret-Kristel Mällo (REM).

15:15–16:00 Summary of the Day – Rain Kuldjärv

16:00–16:45 Visit to TFTAK Laboratory (optional, in groups of ten)