Part of the BioRural Success Stories Blog Series
Across Europe’s rural landscapes, communities, cooperatives, and innovators are putting bio-based solutions into action—strengthening local economies, protecting the environment, and promoting circularity. As part of this movement, the BioRural project began by documenting eight real-life success stories—from Greece to the Netherlands—demonstrating how small-scale initiatives in agriculture, forestry, aquaculture, bioenergy, and biomaterials are already delivering tangible results.
As the project evolved, more inspiring examples were identified by BioRural partners and added to the BioRural Toolkit, creating a growing repository of replicable and scalable solutions tailored to rural contexts. These success stories serve not only as proof of concept but also as practical roadmaps for stakeholders looking to turn rural areas into sustainable bioeconomy hubs.
This blog post is part of a thematic series spotlighting selected cases by the bioeconomy sector. In this edition, we focus on aquatic and water systems—presenting innovative approaches that harness water-based resources to support food production, restore ecological balance, and close nutrient loops. Whether through aquaponics, spirulina farming, or water reuse for fertigation, these solutions offer promising avenues for sustainable rural development. Let’s explore them below!
Algae Spirulina: a tasty superfood for health and energy
Also in the Bioeconomy theme: food & agriculture
SpirulinaNord is the only producer of spirulina—a highly nutritious tropical microalgae—in Northern Europe, having developed a unique, closed bioreactor system adapted to Latvia’s climate. This innovative cultivation method enables year-round, pesticide-free production in a controlled, eco-friendly environment that ensures product safety and consistent quality. The company also pioneered globally unique fresh spirulina drinks infused with apple juice, quince, or cranberry syrup, alongside fresh frozen spirulina, widely appreciated for its nutritional value and especially suitable for diabetics. SpirulinaNord exemplifies sustainable innovation in food production and efficient resource use through automation and circular practices.
The Fonda fish aquaculture
FONDA is Slovenia’s only marine aquaculture company, cultivating premium sea bass, sea bream, and mussels in the Piran Bay since 2003. Known for its high-quality branded products, the company applies a holistic approach combining sustainable aquaculture with underwater engineering services, including design, inspection, and diving operations. FONDA also offers award-winning educational tourism experiences, certified by the Slovenian Tourist Board for their innovation and authenticity.
Aquaponics Iberia – Small-scale, closed and dynamic systems combining Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) with hydroponics techniques
Also in the Bioeconomy theme: food & agriculture
Aquaponics Iberia has developed SWIMS (Solid Waste Integrated Management System), an innovative aquaponics technology that enhances sustainability, productivity, and ease of maintenance. The system integrates Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) with hydroponics, creating a closed-loop where fish waste feeds plants, and plants purify the water. This eliminates the need for synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or fish medications. Duckweed, grown from residual organic waste, replaces up to 30% of fish feed, reinforcing circularity. Commercial units operate in Portugal and the Caribbean, and two pilot systems are installed in schools via the School Farming project. The Fish n’ Greens initiative aims to scale this model to urban areas, promoting local, fresh, and eco-friendly food production.
Agro Solar – Production of solar dryers for the food industry and air solar systems
Also in the Bioeconomy theme: food & agriculture
Agro Solar specializes in the production, installation, and maintenance of solar dryers and air solar systems. Their solar dryers support small-scale farmers and processors by preserving fruits and vegetables using renewable energy, reducing dependency on electricity and fossil fuels. These systems maintain nutritional value, extend shelf life, and minimize food waste by drying second-class produce. Built with local materials, they are cost-effective and sustainable. Agro Solar’s air solar systems offer efficient, low-emission solutions for residential, commercial, and industrial heating, contributing to energy savings and environmental protection.
Oinosporos
Also in the Bioeconomy theme: food & agriculture
Located in Greece, Oinosporos applies circular economy principles by upcycling grape seeds—a winemaking by-product—into high-value beauty products. This innovative approach reduces environmental impact while promoting sustainability in the cosmetics sector. Through eco-conscious production and continuous innovation, Oinosporos demonstrates how waste can be transformed into premium goods, setting a positive example for the beauty industry and contributing to a more sustainable future.
Design and Manufacturing of Microalgae Cultivation Reactors and Their Use Across Different Fields
Also in the Bioeconomy theme: biomaterials
Tecnoalgae SL, founded in 2024, combines academic research and entrepreneurship to develop advanced microalgae reactor technology. Their patented system improves efficiency by 20–30% through enhanced hydrodynamics without moving parts. Originally for industrial use, it was scaled down to a compact reactor for small farmers to produce algae-based biostimulants for up to 10 hectares. The company also applies this technology in air purification, using closed-column systems indoors and microalgae-integrated urban furniture outdoors. A pilot project is active in Algeciras.