Biotech4Food partners have sought to understand the state of the art of biotechnology use in the agri-food industry of their respective regions. Agri-food industrials, biotechnology solution providers, researchers, research and technology centres were surveyed and interviewed to gain insights into the main advantages, weaknesses, strengths and opportunities of biotechnology use in the agri-food sector. Following these surveys and interviews, brainstorm sessions were organised by each Biotech4Food partner to gain further insights into the main barriers, and possible solutions addressing these.
Brainstorm for the agri-food sector of the French South-East
Innov’Alliance, representing the French regions of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, organised a discussion roundtable at the end of May which grouped together representatives of agri-food companies, ingredient developers, biotechnology solution providers, research, and representatives for project regions Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur.
Participants found that significant barriers in the use of biotechnology in the agri-food industry of the French South-East were current legislation, consumer perception, and the lack of adequate infrastructure at regional level.
What potential solutions?
Following the identification of the major barriers, participants were questioned on the actions/solutions available/possible to alleviate said barriers, notably by asking the question: “what does a world without barriers look like for you?”. Participants were encouraged to focus on possible solutions, rather than hurdles. To assist in this reflection, an example of an innovative solution in infrastructure was presented: the Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant, a pilot facility for the process development, scaling-up and tailored manufacturing of bio-procedures and innovative bio-products.
Concrete ideas emerging from the discussion included: to maximise collaboration and work in collective effort, to map the regional ecosystem of agri-food biotechnology actors, to build a regional strategy around agri-food biotechnology, and to set up pilot plants in our territories, reflecting on the model of public-private partnerships. Efforts are underway by Innov’Alliance to continue building on these ideas, both with the actors of the agri-food industry, as well as the relevant regional political actors.
A new opportunity on the horizon
Whilst Innov’Alliance and various biotechnology agri-food actors were brainstorming on potential solutions to address industrial challenges and barriers – including building pilot plants within the territories – major industrial actors Danone and Michelin announced, in partnership with the American company DMC Biotechnologies, and Crédit Agricole Centre France, the creation of the Biotech Open Platform. With an initial investment of 16 million euros, this platform aiming to develop advanced fermentation processes will be located in Clermont-Ferrand, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. It is supported by both private and public actors, including the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, Clermont Auvergne Métropole, the French company Greentech, and the University of Clermont Auvergne. Initially open to its founders, the platform will gradually open to other companies. Perhaps a solution to the need for local infrastructure can be found here?
These are the conclusions of one of the brainstorming sessions we are holding as part of the Biotech4Food project. What do you think? Leave a comment to start the conversation. You can also follow us on LinkedIn for more industry news.
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