EC consultation on Bioeconomy in Europe, EC 22.2.2011, deadline 2 May 2011

“Directorate-General for Research and Innovation launched public consultation "Bio-based economy for Europe: state of play and future potential", 22.2.2011, deadline 2 May 2011

Your opinion matters! A European Commission consultation on the European bio-based economy Directorate-General for Research and Innovation has launched a public consultation entitled "Bio-based economy for Europe: state of play and future potential". Please access it via this link: http://ec.europa.eu/research/consultations/bioeconomy/consultation_en.htm   The online consultation asks for your informed opinion through 12 questions in three areas: potential benefits and risks of fostering a bio-based economy in the future the current achievements and existing obstacles that hinder the functioning of the bio-based economy today future actions that will be necessary Your suggestions will help shaping a "European Strategy and Action Plan towards a sustainable bio-based economy by 2020" to be adopted at the end of 2011.   The bio-based economy aims to create an overarching framework for policies which help to ensure clear focus on Food security and Sustainable management of Bio-resources.   Food security, climate change, healthy living and energy efficiency are the specific grand societal challenges addressed by this framework. The consultation closes on 2 May 2011. Its outcomes will be made public through a report.   We would also like to draw your attention to a complementary consultation which is being conducted by the Directorate-General for Environment on the preparation of a"Roadmap for a resource-efficient Europe". This consultation asks for general views on resource use, scarcities, current obstacles and major areas of concern; policy areas that could be included in the roadmap; and options for encouraging individual shifts of behaviour.   We encourage you to also reply to this complementary consultation which can be accessed via this link: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/consultations/roadmap_re_en.htm   Another public consultation on the key issues to be taken into account for future EU Research and Innovation funding programmes has been launched through theGreen Paper "From Challenges to Opportunities: Towards a Common Strategic Framework for EU research and innovation funding" (COM(2011)48) adopted on 9 February. . Submissions can be made until 20 May 2011.   The outcome of the consultation will subsequently feed into the preparation of the Commission's formal proposals for these programmes, which are due to be adopted before the end of 2011. The consultation website is available at: http://ec.europa.eu/research/csfri/index_en.cfm   All consultations can be found on the Commission’s website http://ec.europa.eu/yourvoice/ We are looking forward to hearing from you!   Maive Rute, Director Biotechnologies, Agriculture, Food Research DG Research & Innovation