A quick look at the project
PRIMARY is a European initiative funded under the Horizon Europe programme, aiming to support the transition towards circular bioeconomy models in rural areas through the valorisation of agricultural and agro-industrial biomass residues.
By developing innovative and locally adapted biomass value chains, the project seeks to reduce underutilised biomass residues, minimise environmental impacts, and create new economic opportunities for local communities.
- The project’s approach is built on a multi-stage and participatory process implemented within the broader European PRIMARY consortium. In Greece, activities are coordinated and supported by the partners CERTH, ELGO-DIMITRA, ESEK, MINOA, NEA ENOSI, and RFF, through close collaboration and direct engagement with farmers, technical stakeholders, cooperatives, and local authorities. This collaborative approach aims to co-design sustainable solutions tailored to the specific needs and realities of the local context.
PRIMARY focuses on transforming biomass that has traditionally remained unexploited into valuable products and energy solutions, while at the same time strengthening cooperation among farmers, businesses, research organisations, and public authorities. The project is being implemented across several pilot regions in Europe, with each region focusing on different biomass streams and local conditions.πιλοτικές περιοχές της Ευρώπης, με κάθε περιοχή να επικεντρώνεται σε διαφορετικά είδη βιομάζας και τοπικές συνθήκες.
Figure 1. Primary logo
The case of Crete
In Crete, the Greek pilot focuses on olive tree prunings, a widely available yet largely underutilised biomass resource. In many cases, pruning residues are still managed through open-field burning, a practice that contributes to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, while at the same time leading to the loss of a potentially valuable energy resource.
Figure 2. Field harvesting
As part of these efforts to develop innovative solutions for the valorisation of agricultural residues into valuable products and sustainable energy solutions, a co-creation workshop was organised in Arkalochori, Crete.
The workshop brought together olive growers, agronomists, machinery operators, engineers, local authority representatives, and other key stakeholders from the agricultural and bioenergy ecosystem, fostering dialogue and collaboration towards identifying practical, locally adapted valorisation pathways for olive tree prunings.
Figure 3. Cretan Workshop
The main objective of the workshop was to explore practical solutions for the sustainable management of olive tree prunings and to identify realistic valorisation pathways. Participants had the opportunity to discuss current practices, operational challenges, and alternative technologies for biomass utilisation.
Particular emphasis was placed on the different biomass value chains that can be developed based on olive tree prunings, such as heat production through direct combustion, electricity generation through gasification, and the utilisation of by-products such as biochar for soil improvement. These alternative pathways were presented and assessed by the participants based on their technical, economic, and operational feasibility within the local context.
Figure 4. Possible Olive Tree Prunings Valorisation Pathways
The workshop made a substantial contribution to the exploration and co-development of these potential value chains, providing participants with the opportunity to exchange practical knowledge, identify operational and organisational challenges, and propose improvements for their future implementation. Through the active involvement of local stakeholders, different approaches and priorities emerged.
A key insight was the strong consensus toward biomass gasification as a circular pathway, capable of generating thermal energy for public district heating while returning high-value biochar back to Cretan fields.
Furthermore, discussions highlighted that success lies beyond immediate financial profit, focusing instead on long-term social value, local energy resilience, and environmental protection.
The outcomes demonstrated the strong interest of the local community in supporting biomass valorisation initiatives, a commitment tangibly proven by participating farmers who volunteered their own fields for upcoming pilot trials.
Ultimately, the workshop confirmed the importance of cooperation, practical testing, and local adaptation for the successful development of sustainable biomass systems in Crete.
Figure 5. Cretan workshop
Figure 6. Field harvesting
Figure 7. Field harvesting
