BIO2

New, eco-friendly products for organic farming

After filleting, cod backbones need not go to waste. In this project, the scientists will, among other things, investigate whether they can be reused as fertiliser in organic agriculture. Photo: Frank Gregersen, Nofima

In this project, we develop bio-based and circular solutions to replace environmentally harmful inputs in organic farming.

Last update 08.06.2026

Read in Norwegian

Start

01. May 2025

End

30. Apr 2029

Funded by

Cooperation

Istituto di Fisica Applicata - CNR, NORSØK, NIBIO, Università degli Studi di Udine, Università degli Studi di Milano, AREI, NEIKER, Fundación AZTI, acib GmbH, ROMB OOD, Grønn Gjødsel, Fertinagro Biotech, Universität Rostock, Sofia University St Kliment Ohridski, NLR - Norsk Landbruksrådgiving, Innovation Acta SRL, Sanitation360 AB, AVA-ASAJA, Rovensa Next

Project Manager(s):

Runar Gjerp Solstad

Other Participants:

Kamaljit Moirangthem
Tone Aspevik
Kjetil Elvevold
Katerina Kousoulaki

Background

Organic farming is expanding but still relies on inputs such as copper-based fungicides, sulfur and antibiotics, which may negatively impact ecosystems, biodiversity and animal health. Additionally, some fertilisers contain unwanted residues. BIO2 addresses these challenges through circular bioeconomy and biotechnology to develop safer alternatives.

Objectives

The project aims to replace contentious inputs in organic farming with effective, sustainable and circular solutions, making farming systems more resilient, productive and environmentally friendly.

What we do

The project develops and tests bio-based solutions in three main areas:

crop protection
fertilisation
animal health

This includes microbial crop protection based on bacteria, yeasts and microalgae, often stabilised through encapsulation in natural materials to improve effectiveness. It also develops fertilisers from marine side-streams combined with recycled nutrients and microorganisms to enhance nutrient availability. In addition, BIO2 develops natural alternatives to antibiotics and antiparasitic treatments based on biological extracts. All solutions are tested under real farming conditions across Europe to ensure performance, safety and scalability.

Nofima contributes specifically with marine raw materials and bio-based components for product development. This includes supplying alginate, fucoidan and polyphenols for use in encapsulation systems for microorganisms and bioactive compounds. In addition, Nofima provides cod backbones as raw material for the production of fish protein hydrolysates and bone fractions for calcium phosphate (CaP), supporting fertiliser development and formulation technologies.