On 25–26 September 2025, partners of the INTERREG Europe BIOPRO Regions project met in Falun, Sweden, for a two-day event dedicated to advancing agri-food innovation, valorisation of agricultural by-products and sustainable rural development. Hosted by the County Administrative Board of Dalarna, the meeting fostered collaboration among European regions committed to accelerating the bioeconomy transition and promoting rural resilience.

The event began with a Steering Committee Meeting, where project partners reviewed the progress and strategic direction of the project. Key topics included project management, communication activities coordinated by the Dordogne Chamber of Agriculture and the implementation of exchange and training initiatives. The session concluded with partners outlining the next steps for collecting and sharing good practices across regions.

A series of study visits offered participants valuable insights into Swedish rural innovation. At Stiernhööksgymnasiet, an exemplary agricultural school, BIOPRO Regions partners explored how food production is integrated into education. The visit to ICA Maxi Falun coincided with an autumn market showcasing local food companies, where participants met Anders Heimer from Organic Sweden to learn about the Eco-September campaign promoting organic, locally produced food. The tour also included Skedvi Bröd, a pioneering crispbread company known for combining traditional production with strong regional branding.

The programme continued with hybrid seminars led by Dalarna Science Park, focusing on innovation in food systems and by-product valorisation. At MurboAnnas Dairy, participants discovered how whey can be transformed into innovative products such as refreshing drinks and artisanal ice creams, illustrating the potential of circular food production.

The Falun meeting brought together dedicated partners, who share a common goal: to strengthen Europe’s territorial bioeconomy through collaboration, innovation and sustainable development.