About - LIFE DIMITRA Knowledge Exchange Support Platform

Introduction

The LIFE DIMITRA project aims to enhance the sustainability of European agriculture by promoting the adoption of low-carbon technologies for biogas digestate management. The overarching objective is to achieve significant greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions, improve nutrient recycling, and increase farm profitability through the production of high-quality bio-based fertilisers. This will be accomplished through the following specific objectives:

Demonstrate Scalable Digestate Valorisation Systems

Implement and operate decentralised, cost-effective treatment systems that convert biogas digestate into valuable fertilisers and soil amendments, while recovering clean water. Demonstration plants in Greece and Italy will showcase these technologies under real operational conditions, targeting TRL 7.

Develop Enhanced Fertilising Products

Produce and validate new bio-based fertiliser formulations that address current limitations of raw digestate, offering improved agronomic performance, easier handling, and environmental benefits. These products will be field-tested and assessed for efficiency, environmental impact, and socio-economic value.

Foster New Business Models and Market Uptake

Create viable business and marketing models that enable the commercialisation of digestate-based products. This includes promoting carbon farming schemes, developing green business models, and fostering synergies among agro-food stakeholders to enhance rural development and market integration.

Enable Replication and Knowledge Dissemination

Promote replication of successful solutions across Europe and beyond the agricultural sector, supported by feasibility studies, business cases, and an open Knowledge Exchange Multi-Stakeholders’ Platform (KESP) to ensure effective stakeholder engagement and dissemination of results.

Support Policy Integration and Innovation Alignment

Provide actionable recommendations and guidance for aligning digestate valorisation practices with EU and national policies. This includes contributing to policy development, revising regulatory documents, and supporting the integration of innovative fertiliser use practices into existing frameworks.