The usual SC2 Info Day on the new SC2 Work Programme for 2018-2020 and a related brokerage day were complemented by two high level dissemination and policy events and a bioeconomy village highlighting SC2 projects and initiatives.

An Info Day on 14. November informed participants about calls for proposals under the H2020 SC2 ‘Food security, sustainable agriculture and forestry, marine and maritime and inland water research and the bioeconomy’.

The Brokerage Day on 15. November brought potential applicants together with potential partners for the upcoming calls.

On 16. November, the European Commission organised a plenary session to present its review of the European Bioeconomy Strategy and Action Plan, documented as a Staff Working Document and discussed its findings with stakeholders and policy makers. The Bioeconomy Manifesto (PDF), signed by the European Bioeconomy Stakeholders Panel and other key organisations, was also presented to participants.

Separate parallel sessions followed immediately after the plenary session chaired by relevant other DGs who are co-signatories of the Bioeconomy Strategy. REFRESH researcher Dr. Erica van Herpen presented insights from REFRESH's research into consumer behaviour, and participated in a discussion along with REFRESH Coordinator Toine Timmermans and other food waste experts.

On 17. November, there was a session on Digitisation which discussed different EU policy initiatives on digitisation of farming and food sectors and of research and innovation activities contributing to these areas as well as a parallel session on H2020 Blue Growth which will highlight achievements and projects in marine and maritime research for Blue Growth.

EU Commissioners Moedas and Hogan will participate in the high-level event. Information about the programme is available online.

REFRESH was featured with a stand at the Bioeconomy Village.