DEMOEXTRACT Operational Group: Multisectoral demonstration of the applicability of bioingredients based on extraction and bioconversion processes for the revaluation of by-products from Andalusia, Extremadura and Murcia
- Type Operational group
- Status In progress
- Execution 2024 -2027
- Assigned Budget 600.043,00 €
- Scope Supraautonómico
- Autonomous community Andalucía; Extremadura; Murcia, Región de
- Main source of financing PEPAC 2023-2027
- Project website GO DEMOEXTRACT
GO DEMOEXTRACT is presented as an innovative and integrative proposal for the evaluation and demonstration of the obtaining of new agricultural inputs and food ingredients through extractive technologies and highly efficient and effective bioconversion processes in the field of the revalorization of by-products from the citrus, olive and fruit and vegetable industries. It is a consortium of 3 technological centres (CT TECNOVA, CTAEX and CTNC) and 3 companies (TROIL VEGAS ALTAS, CÍTRICOS DE MURCIA and DOMCA) located in the three regions of action: Andalusia, Extremadura and Murcia, with a solid scientific base within the framework of the project and a demonstrated complementarity.
The GO DEMOEXTRACT project arises as a second phase of the “INNOEXTRACT" project in order to continue the field of research previously opened by the same consortium to achieve two main lines of action; the optimization and extension of the knowledge of the results of greatest impact obtained from the first phase (extracts with high potential for human consumption and agronomy); and the expansion of the logical framework with the inclusion of new by-products from the fruit and vegetable industry, the incorporation of new extractive technologies and processes aimed at the bioconversion of by-products with the potential to be implemented and demonstrated on a real scale and the extension of the sectors of action with the search for new ingredients with improved functionality in animal feed.
GO DEMOEXTRACT is a project focused on the evaluation and demonstration of the production of new agricultural inputs and food ingredients through highly efficient and effective extractive technologies and bioconversion processes in the citrus, olive, and horticultural industries. It is supported by the establishment of integrative collaborative dynamics involving key players in the different stages of the agri-food value chain. Ultimately, it proposes a global vision in the field of the circular economy, resource efficiency, and the search for more sustainable alternatives for obtaining potential inputs aligned with the new agricultural model, as well as natural ingredients that improve sustainability while ensuring food safety and security for humans and animals.
The DEMOEXTRACT project work plan is structured into eight work packages based on the eight main results to be achieved:
- Outcome 1. Development of sustainable agro-processing processes based on bioconversion technologies and extractive processes for the revaluation of agro-industrial by-products.
- Outcome 2. Implementation of extractive technologies and easily reproducible bioconversion processes to obtain compounds of interest.
- Result 3. Generation on a laboratory scale of natural extracts composed of biomolecules with agronomic potential: biofertilizers and biopesticides.
- Outcome 4. Development of functional ingredients (immunomodulators, anticancer agents and antimicrobials) from sustainable extraction technologies with application in human food.
- Outcome 5. Pilot-scale production of natural extracts for animal nutrition.
- Result 6. Identification of extracts with demonstrated agronomic efficacy at different evaluation scales.
- Result 7. Selection of food ingredients for human and animal nutrition based on their bioactive capacity.
- Outcome 8. Promotion of the technical development and enrichment of the target group through new competitive business models based on new processes and products under a bioeconomy approach.
Growing citizen demand is leading to an increase in resource consumption, which translates into an accelerated increase in the generation of agri-food waste. Specifically, 47% of agri-food waste is produced in food processing plants. These figures are compounded by the fact that food waste, quantified by the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations) per inhabitant of the European Union, represents, on average, 179 kilos of food discarded per year (half a kilo of food per day).
This global problem requires action at all levels, and reducing food loss and waste is essential to creating a Zero Hunger world and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 12 (Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns).
In this sense, the sustainable recovery of agri-food by-products has become one of the European Commission's priorities, as part of the European Circular Economy Plan. To give greater importance to the recovery process, it has been proven that certain by-products from the agri-food industry have antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antifungal properties, and that the extraction of active compounds and their incorporation into food matrices and packaging can be a viable economic and environmental alternative. As established by the European Council in its Resolution of February 24, 1997, if the generation of by-products is unavoidable, their reuse or recycling should take precedence over energy recovery, as these are considered more ecologically sustainable options.
Optimize and demonstrate the viability of extractive revaluation and bioconversion processes for agri-food byproducts, for the development of high-value-added ingredients aimed at a competitive and sustainable agro-industry model.
Development of sustainable agro-processing processes based on bioconversion technologies and extractive processes for the revaluation of agro-industrial by-products. Implementation of easily reproducible extractive technologies and bioconversion processes for obtaining compounds of interest. Laboratory-scale generation of natural extracts composed of biomolecules with agronomic potential: biofertilizers and biopesticides. Development of functional ingredients (immunomodulators, anticancer agents, and antimicrobials) from sustainable extraction technologies for application in human nutrition. Identification of extracts with proven agronomic efficacy at different evaluation scales. Selection of food ingredients for human and animal nutrition based on their bioactive potential. Promotion of technological development and enrichment of the target group through new competitive business models based on novel processes and products under a bioeconomy approach.
- Coordinator/entity name: Foundation for Auxiliary Technologies in Agriculture (TECNOVA)
- Postal address: Almería Technology Park (PITA). 23 De la Innovación Avenue, 04131 El Alquián, Almería, Spain.
- Coordinator/entity email: MCGALERA@FUNDACIONTECNOVA.COM
- Telephone: 950290822
In order to ensure the transfer of results to these identified target groups (agri-food and livestock sectors, farmers and agricultural input producers, and the general public), within the framework of GO DEMOEXTRACT, integrative collaborative dynamics will be promoted involving key actors at the various stages of the agri-food value chain. This initiative has the dual objective of providing feedback on specific needs and more tailored solutions, as well as enhancing impact and large-scale adoption in the region. The interest already shown in the Innovative Project in the three regions involved is supported by 20 letters of support obtained at these eight competency levels.
- Fundación para las Tecnologías Auxiliares de la Agricultura (TECNOVA)
- Fundación para las Tecnologías Auxiliares de la Agricultura (TECNOVA)
- DOMCA S.A.U.
- ASOCIACIÓN EMPRESARIAL DE INVESTIGACIÓNCENTRO TECNOLÓGICO NACIONAL AGROALIMENTARIO (CTAEX)
- TROIL VEGAS ALTAS, SOCIEDAD COOPERATIVA
- CITRICOS DE MURCIA S.A.
- ASOCIACIÓN EMPRESARIAL DE INVESTIGACIÓNCENTRO TECNOLÓGICO NACIONAL DE LA CONSERVA (CTNC)
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