Norway's Bioeconomy Strategy.

The present Bioeconomy Strategy outlines Norways' national efforts to transition towards an economy based on sustainable use of renewable biological resources. It aims at creating a common understanding of national opportunities and challenges related to bioeconomy, and establishes long-term goals in the field. The objective of the Strategy is three-fold: increasing value creation and employment; reducing emission of climate gasses; and more efficient profitable and sustainable use of renewable biological resources. Efforts are framed in four priority areas: i) Cooperation across sectors, industries and thematic areas; ii) Markets for renewable bio-based products; iii) Efficient use and profitable processing of renewable, biological resources; and iv) Sustainable production and extraction of renewable biological resources. Underlying principles for a transition toward a bio economy are: 1) The population's need for food is of paramount concern; 2) Resources should be used and re-used in an efficient manner; 3) Use of resources should be profitable.
Among the measures included across the four priority areas are: Ensuring that public support to networking and clustering activities advance the development of new and cross-sectorial value chains; Considering the use of standards, labelling and certification for renewable bio-based products; Developing know-how on climate effects from increased use of bio-based alternatives to fossil-based materials and chemicals; Placing new bioproducts in adequate categories in customs tariffs and trade agreements; Developing a White Paper on waste policy and the circular economy; Developing a strategy for landing and use of residual waste from the fisheries; Revising fertilizer regulations and ensuring increased use of organic fertilisers/waste; Stimulating the preservation and development of forest resources through active reforestation and plant breeding; etc.
The Research Council of Norway, Innovation Norway and Siva shall draw up a common action plan for the implementation of recommendations and instructions in this strategy. A revision of the Strategy will be considered after five years.