Agricultural, Livestock and Food Processing By-Products Valorisation CSS
Technology Description
The CSSBoost project in Crete focuses on developing three circular value chains that transform agricultural, livestock, and food processing by-products into valuable resources. By implementing these value chains, the project aims to optimize the use of available materials, minimize waste, and enhance sustainability across multiple sectors.
Challenges Encountered
- Need to redefine the second value chain of the process of transforming plants at the end of their lifetime to green manure, due to high cost, for financial and environmental sustainability.
- There is a small delay in the approvals for lamb wool collections and transportation, since a HACCP system was prepared.
- Small delay in the preparation of the system for the production of wool pellets due to the delay in the transportation of the pelletizing machine.
- Need for redefining the final product in the third value chain (instance of flour, dough is produced) for financial and environmental sustainability.
- Need to involve farmers early in the project in co-designing the essential approaches, so that the circular value chains can be strengthened.
Other private sector participants, acting as external stakeholders, support the project, including Super Market Chalkiadakis S.A., Miles of Crete, and the farmer Vassalos Vaggelis. These stakeholders contribute their expertise and practices in the agri-food sector, ensuring the effective achievement of the project’s objectives.
Value Chain 1:
The first value chain focuses on sheep wool, which is currently considered waste and discarded due to a lack of processing infrastructure. CSSBoost is implementing a system where wool is collected, processed, and repurposed into organic soil enhancers and potentially fertilizers. The strategy involves setting up farmer collection points, optimizing logistics for wool transportation, and developing a low-energy processing method to convert it into a product that improves soil water retention and nutrient availability. By doing so, the project eliminates waste while providing farmers with a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers.
Value Chain 2:
The second value chain targets agricultural residues, particularly from fava bean cultivation. These residues are often left in fields or disposed of, missing an opportunity to enhance soil fertility. CSSBoost introduces a system where these residues are processed into green manure and potential development of bio-stimulants. Farmers are encouraged to reintegrate the green manure into their soil to improve organic content, reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizers. Smart farming techniques and optimized residue management practices will further enhance efficiency and sustainability in this process.
Value Chain 3:
The third value chain focuses on food by-products from oat and carob processing. These materials, typically underutilized, have the potential to be repurposed into enriched bakery products with improved nutritional value. The project is developing methods to integrate these by-products into food production in a way that preserves their beneficial properties while ensuring cost-effective processing. By collaborating with bakeries and food processors, CSSBoost is creating a market-driven approach that reduces food waste while introducing healthier and more sustainable products.