Turning waste into value: Circular bioeconomy in focus at international food security meeting

“Looping into tomorrow’s food systems – Innovative circular bioeconomy as a path to building resilient food systems” brings together policymakers, researchers, and practitioners to explore how bio-based circular approaches can turn organic waste into valuable resources for food, feed, fertilisers, bioenergy, and even fashion.

Date: 21 October 2025
Time: 13:30–14:45 CEST
Venue: Hybrid – Rome (FAO Headquarters) and Online
Register:  CFS53 Side Events (Scroll down to Side Event # 10)

Se the preliminary programme below.

Hosted by SLU, together with the Swedish Government, the Kenyan Government, the Swedish FAO Committee, and several partners, the session showcases how a circular bioeconomy can reduce environmental harm while strengthening local food systems.

Why this matters now

Today, organic waste – from household scraps to agricultural by-products – contributes heavily to pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. At the same time, dependence on imported, fossil fuel-based inputs like synthetic fertilisers and animal feed leaves many nations exposed to price shocks and supply shocks.

By viewing organic waste as a resource rather than a burden, communities can drive local economies, support climate-smart agriculture, and reinforce food system resilience – not the least in urban and peri-urban areas.

The session offers insights into how circular approaches can bridge disconnected systems, foster self-sufficient, climate-smart communities, and promote food sovereignty.

Be part of the loop

Whether you work in policy, research, or development, register for the event to join the conversation and help shape a more resource-efficient and resilient food future.

Register here (scroll down to Side Event #10).

Organised by

Sweden, SLU, the Swedish FAO Committee, Kenya, AxFoundation, WeEffect and SIANI.

Preliminary agenda

• Welcome, Sweden (Head of Delegation, Fredrik Alfer, Ministry of Rural Development and Infrastructure)
• Introduction to theme (Björn Vinnerås, SLU)
• Statement, Kenya (Evelyne Heyi, Head: Multi-lateral Agricultural Relations, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development)
• FAO’s innovation support – fish waste to fashion (Barbara della Rovere, FAO OIN)
• Panel conversation: 
  • Empowering women & youth: Turning waste into impact (Maria Taddesse, WeEffect)
  • Circular innovation - Turning waste into feed without soy or fishmeal (Christian Sjöland, Axfoundation)
  • Tools for practitioners to overcome challenges (Christian Zurbrugg, EAWAG)
  • Joint panel conversation
• Open discussion 
• Closing words Sweden (Head of Delegation, Fredrik Alfer)