The researchers combine marine residual raw materials such as fish waste and seaweed, microorganisms and nutrients recovered from treated wastewater. The goal is tailor-made fertilisers that meet crop needs in organic cultivation with a low environmental footprint.

The project explores a technology in which beneficial yeast and bacterial strains are “packaged” in natural, biobased materials. Encapsulation shields the microorganisms from external stress and makes them more effective at combating crop diseases.

Bio² will test crop-protection products derived from microalgae that naturally produce antifungal substances. This will allow farmers to reduce—or even avoid—the use of copper and sulphur preparations, which often have negative side-effects for soil and water environments.

By extracting active compounds from bark, the project develops products that strengthen animal immune systems and fight parasites—offering a potential alternative to current medicines that face resistance problems.

From the very outset, production processes run at pilot scale so that enough material is available for field and animal trials. The new solutions are tested side by side with current methods. At the same time, the team assesses environmental impact, raw-material availability, costs and regulations, and involves farmers, industry and consumers to ensure practical acceptance.

By the end of the project, Bio² aims to deliver at least one commercial plant-protection product, two circular fertilisers and one antiparasitic treatment for livestock. Together, these will lower environmental pressures, improve resource use and advance a circular bio-economy in agriculture.

Bio² links marine residues, microbiology and advanced processing to provide organic farmers with safer, greener tools—helping them produce safe food and healthy livestock with lower emissions and less environmental impact.