RUSTICA project – 1st Newsletter
An overview representing the performance of the last 12 months working on the project
HORIZON 2020 RUSTICA project aims to provide a technical solution to convert organic residues from the fruit and vegetable sector into novel, high-quality, bio-based fertiliser (BBF) products, a solution that addresses the needs of modern (organic) agriculture. The project’s ambition goes beyond the simple recovery of nutrients. It also includes the developments of economically viable and environmentally sustainable alternatives to mineral fertilisers with the same or improved agronomic value.
The technical solution consists of 5 conversion processes (carboxylic acid platform, microbial biomass production, electrodialysis, insect breeding and biochar production), which can be combined, depending on the available waste streams, and integrated with state-of-the-art technologies such as composting. Synergies between the individual conversion processes will be sought and optimised to maximise economic and environmental benefits. The processes will be demonstrated at TRl7. The resulting ingredients (microbial biomass, mineral nutrient concentrates, insect biomass, insect frass, insect chitin, biochar) will be combined to obtain tailormade fertiliser products adapted to specific crop needs.
If you are interested in participating in this project as one of our stakeholders, get in touch with us through our website. Together we can pave the way towards a more sustainable agriculture. Learn more about the RUSTICA project in the ful pdf newsletter document and watching our official video presentation.