Rovensa Next Advances Circular Biofertilizer Innovation Through Horizon Europe BIO2 Project

25 June 2026, Spain: Rovensa Next, a global leader in agricultural biosolutions, is playing a key role in the BIO2 initiative, a €6.4 million Horizon Europe-funded project focused on developing next-generation biofertilizers and microbial solutions from renewable and circular resources. The company is contributing its expertise in formulation, testing, screening, and field validation to help transform underutilized biological materials into scalable agricultural innovations.

The four-year project aims to deliver at least two fully circular biofertilizers by 2029, alongside additional solutions for crop protection and animal health. Through BIO2, researchers and industry partners are working to reduce agriculture’s dependence on conventional nitrogen and phosphorus inputs while maintaining productivity and supporting environmental sustainability.

Launched in May 2025 and coordinated by Italy’s National Research Council (CNR), BIO2 brings together 20 partners from eight countries, including universities, research institutions, farming organizations, and industrial companies. The initiative supports the European Union’s transition toward more sustainable and resilient food systems by accelerating the development and commercialization of bio-based agricultural technologies.

Converting Circular Resources into Agricultural Inputs

BIO2 focuses on utilizing renewable and underused resources, including marine byproducts, recycled nutrients, and beneficial microorganisms, to develop innovative crop nutrition solutions. The project also explores applications in plant and animal health, broadening its impact across the agricultural value chain.

“BIO2 contributes directly to sustainable crop production intensification and the global challenge of producing more food with lower environmental impact,” said Dr. Alessio Adamiano, Project Coordinator at CNR. “The project supports healthier soils, agroecological practices, and reduced dependence on synthetic inputs while advancing the goals of the EU Green Deal.”

According to José Nolasco, Head of Global R&D Bionutrition at Rovensa Next, the initiative aligns closely with the European Union’s Farm to Fork strategy and provides an opportunity to translate circular materials and microbial technologies into practical agricultural applications.

From Research to Field Validation

Rovensa Next is leading efforts in biofertilizer characterization, formulation development, and product upscaling. In addition to supporting the development of two specialty biofertilizers, the company is contributing to at least one biocontrol solution and one animal health product undergoing full field evaluation.

To facilitate real-world testing, BIO2 has established farmer networks across Germany, Italy, Latvia, Norway, and Spain. These networks provide opportunities to evaluate biofertilizer and biocontrol technologies under commercial farming conditions and gather feedback from growers.

The company has also initiated greenhouse studies and is planning extensive field trials to assess prototype products developed by consortium partners. Research will examine varying nitrogen and phosphorus application rates, microbial combinations, and soil versus foliar application methods in crops including wheat, potato, strawberry, and table grapes.

Data generated through these trials will support future product development while providing insights into agronomic performance, environmental impact, and economic viability.

Supporting Climate-Smart Agriculture

Beyond technical development, Rovensa Next is contributing to environmental and economic assessments, project coordination, and dissemination activities. The company views BIO2 as part of its broader strategy to expand science-based biosolutions and accelerate the transition toward more sustainable farming systems.

“Through BIO2, we are testing circular bio-based solutions and microbial technologies directly with growers under real agricultural conditions,” said Camila Levy, Global R&D Program Manager at Rovensa Next. “The objective is to help build climate-smart agricultural systems capable of feeding a growing population while protecting natural resources.”

The project is expected to generate valuable technical and regulatory data that could support future product pipelines and facilitate compliance with evolving European Union sustainability requirements.

Funded under the Horizon Europe Innovation Action programme, BIO2 represents a significant step toward commercializing circular, biologically based agricultural inputs that can enhance productivity while reducing environmental pressures across global farming systems.

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