Within the frame of the FACCE SURPLUS project SUSTAg, an international scientific workshop on sustainable intensification metrics will be held in Berlin on Monday May 22. The workshop will be held as a pre-conference meeting to the MACSUR Science Conference 2017.

A new research project will explore the transition processes of European agricultural systems towards a sustainably intensified production.

A holistic scientific approach to global food and energy challenges will provide stakeholders with better and more detailed data, making them choose the most sustainable solutions.

A new research project will develop new barley crops that will increase the amount of straw material which can be used for biomass production, without decreasing grain yield. This will make the barley production more sustainable from both an economical and environmental point of view.

FACCE SURPLUS announces the launch of a second call for transnational research projects on "Small scale Biorefineries". The deadline for the submission of pre-proposals is March 7, 2017.

A new project will develop techniques for biomass production on marginal and contaminated land in Europe thus avoiding conflicting with food production.

The plant called Sida hermaphrodita might for the first time soon enter the European market, thereby contributing to the development of several bio-based products as well as improving biodiversity. In combination with tree production this could be a great stepping stone towards a bio-based economy.

A new research project will reduce chemical input, prepare for climate changes and improve productivity in grapevine production. A development which is highly needed in order to adapt to future challenges.

FACCE-JPI and FACCE SURPLUS pre-announce the upcoming call for joint research projects. The indicative total available budget amounts to 7M€. The call is expected to open on January 5, 2017 with a closing date for pre-proposals on March 7, 2017.

Two hundred researchers and representatives from European companies got together for three days in Denmark to mark the launch of FACCE SURPLUS research projects.