Driving Innovation in Biomaterials for Safer, More Sustainable Organic Farming with the European BIO² Project

BRUNO IÑARRA, Researcher in Efficient and Sustainable Processes

As the agriculture sector faces increasing pressure to transition toward more sustainable models, the European project BIO² — Natural Solutions for Organic Farming — stands out as a timely and innovative response. Officially launched in June 2025 in Bologna, Italy, the four-year initiative is funded by Horizon Europe and brings together 20 partners from 8 European countries. Among them, AZTI plays a strategic role in developing and valorizing fish industry by-products, contributing directly to the production of high-value fertilizers and biomaterials for agricultural applications.

BIO²: Natural and Circular Solutions for Organic Farming

BIO² aims to reduce reliance on controversial inputs that, while currently allowed in organic farming, pose significant environmental, health, and ethical concerns. These include copper- and sulfur-based fungicides, antiparasitics in livestock, and fertilizers contaminated with pesticide residues.

To address these challenges, BIO² is developing bio-based, safe, and effective alternatives rooted in scientific research and nature-inspired approaches. These novel inputs will be tested under real farming conditions — including wheat, grape, strawberry, and potato crops — across diverse agroclimatic regions in Europe to ensure scalability and suitability for the organic sector.

AZTI’s Role: Unlocking the Potential of Marine By-products for Next-generation Biofertilizers

AZTI leads the development of innovative biomaterials derived from fishery by-products, repurposing underused marine resources into high-value agronomic fertilizers through advanced biotechnological and green chemistry processes. These solutions deliver several strategic benefits: 

• Lower environmental impact, by eliminating pesticide residues from conventional fertilizers
• Promotion of local and circular resource use, supporting a more resilient, territory-connected economy
• Enhanced soil health and crop nutrient efficiency, thanks to more balanced and bioavailable compositions

AZTI’s long-standing expertise in marine circular economy and by-product valorization allows for the design of processes that are technically and economically scalable across different industrial settings.

Contributing to the European Green Deal

BIO² aligns closely with the EU’s Green Deal objectives, including the “Farm to Fork” strategy, the Zero Pollution Action Plan, and the broader transition toward a circular bioeconomy. Notably, the project supports the ambitious goal of reaching 25% organic agricultural land in Europe by 2030.

At AZTI, we believe the future of agriculture lies in combining technological innovation with environmental responsibility and efficient resource use. BIO² is a strong step in that direction, demonstrating how applied science, international collaboration, and smart valorization of by-products can offer concrete solutions to the current challenges facing the agrifood system.