Biomass

Biomass from agriculture and forestry underpins a wide range of products, industries and value chains that sustain modern economies, including food, fibre, bio-based materials, chemicals and renewable energy. As countries seek to decarbonize and reduce dependence on fossil fuels, demand for biomass across these sectors is expected to grow significantly. Without sustainable production and responsible resource use, however, increasing pressure on land, forests and ecosystems could undermine biodiversity, climate resilience and the long-term stability of global supply chains.

Despite its growing strategic importance, the role of biomass in global trade and economic development is not always reflected in policy frameworks, market incentives or corporate supply-chain decisions. The environmental impacts and resource dependencies associated with biomass production often remain disconnected from the products and markets they support, limiting incentives for sustainable practices. Advancing a sustainable bioeconomy will require integrated policies, transparent supply chains and investment in production systems that balance economic growth with the protection and restoration of natural ecosystems.