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The 30th ICABR Conference is Calling You...
Step into the future of bioeconomy at The Bioeconomy Transformation in Transition: Past Successes, Current Challenges, and Future Prospects, hosted in the breathtaking town of Ravello, Italy. Celebrating three decades of pioneering research and global dialogue, the 30th International Consortium on Applied Bioeconomy Research (ICABR) conference brings together leading minds to explore innovation, policy, and progress in biotechnology and agricultural development.
Join us the week of July 6-10, 2026.
📰 Quarterly ICABR News Volume 4, Issue 2
The latest edition of the ICABR Quarterly celebrates the resounding success of the 29th Annual ICABR Conference held in Saskatoon, Canada. With a focus on Circular Bioeconomy and Systems of Sustainability, the event drew global experts to discuss innovations in food systems, climate resilience, and policy reform. Keynotes from Dr. Alison van Eenennaam, Dr. Kathleen Hefferon, and Dr. Kai Purnhagen sparked vibrant dialogue, while attendees praised the conference’s interdisciplinary approach and forward-looking vision.
The newsletter also features an insightful interview with Paul Thiel of Olds College, who advocates for embedding more social science into agricultural tech communication. Plus, ICABR announces open calls for papers in two Special Issues and previews the upcoming 30th ICABR Conference in Ravello, Italy, set for July 2026.
From biotech breakthroughs to macroalgae modernization, this issue captures the pulse of a rapidly evolving bioeconomy.
📰 Call for Papers: ICABR 2025 Special Issues Now Open!
Following the success of the 29th ICABR Conference in Saskatoon, researchers are invited to submit manuscripts to two exciting Special Issues. The International Food and Agribusiness Management Review (IFAMR) is accepting papers on “Bioeconomy and Sustainability” with a submission deadline of October 31, 2025. A second opportunity is available through the Circular and Cleaner Bioeconomy journal, focusing on “Circular Bioeconomy and Systems of Sustainability,” with submissions due by November 30, 2025. Both issues welcome high-impact research exploring innovation, policy, and sustainability strategies within the bioeconomy. Don’t miss your chance to contribute to these influential publications!
ICABR 2025 in Saskatoon: A Resounding Success
The 29th Annual ICABR Conference in Saskatoon brought together global leaders to explore the theme Circular Bioeconomy and Systems of Sustainability. With keynote insights from Dr. Alison van Eenennaam, Dr. Kathleen Hefferon, and Dr. Kai Purnhagen, the event sparked dynamic discussions on sustainable innovation in food systems, climate resilience, and policy reform. Attendees from around the world contributed cutting-edge research and forged new collaborations to advance the bioeconomy. Special Issues tied to the 2025 conference remain open—ICABR participants are encouraged to submit their work and continue shaping the future of sustainable development.
Interview with Prof. Dr. Wesseler
Interview with Prof Wesseler on the German coalition agreement in relation to agriculture
Four Asilomar 50th anniversary articles
Fifty years ago, scientists developed a regulatory framework for the safe use of recombinant DNA that focused on potential biosafety risks associated with the products of genetic engineering (GE). This morphed into an expensive and lengthy premarket risk assessment requirement for GE agricultural biotechnol- ogy products triggered solely by the fact that modern molecular technologies were involved in the development of those products.
Recap of our NGT-Webinar
Please find attached the presentations of our NGT webinar, November 24th, 2024 from Prof. Dr. Justus Wesseler and Claudio Soregaroli as well as the report on the repercussions associated with traceability, labeling, and coexistence requirements for plants obtained by New Genomic Techniques.
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Past Events
28th ANNUAL ICABR CONFERENCE
“Our bioeconomy consortium (ICABR) returned to Ravello after five years of pandemic and meetings in Bologna and Argentina. Ravello is as charming as ever. I still enjoy climbing the steps and taking in the view, but I do it slower. Both the regulars and some new faces participated in this glorious meeting. There was a lot to learn, and here are some highlights. “
By David ZILBERMAN
28th ANNUAL ICABR CONFERENCE
Since 1960, global food production surged by 390%, with only a 10% increase in land use, yet food systems contribute 21-37% of GHG emissions. The OECD emphasizes agriculture’s triple challenge: ensuring ample, affordable, safe, and nutritious food, sustaining livelihoods, and bolstering sustainability while combatting climate change. Achieving this necessitates innovations for enhanced crop productivity and a circular bioeconomy. To meet these goals, policies must promote investment in productivity, implement suitable regulations, and facilitate innovation adoption without excessive regulatory constraints. Farmers need access to technologies that boost yields, income, and soil health while safeguarding the environment.
Read more about the 28th Annual ICABR Conference 2024
The 27th Annual Conference of the International Consortium on Applied Bioeconomy Research (ICABR) convened this year in the vibrant city of Buenos Aires, Argentina. This gathering of leading experts and scholars marked a significant milestone in the ongoing discourse surrounding sustainable transitions within the realm of bioeconomy. In the backdrop of this intellectual exchange, the conference coincided with pivotal elections.
Read more about the 27th ANNUAL ICABR CONFERENCE 2023 – Election Results
On July 5 to 8, the 2022 ICABR Conference was held in Bologna. We are grateful for your participation and contributions to the success of the event. For impressions of the conference use this link to watch the video interviews in our media library.
The 25th anniversary conference, was held in a “hybrid” format, featured more than 140 speakers and 200 participants, focusing on the contribution of the bioeconomy to sustainable development, especially in light of the UN Food System Summit.
