On 30 January, the Minister of Regional Affairs and Agriculture, Hendrik Johannes Terras, visited Metrosert to gain an overview of developments in the field of biorefining, its objectives, and its role in the future of Estonia’s economy and food innovation.
The minister’s visit was part of a broader tour of the Tehnopol and TalTech campus, during which he became acquainted with the activities of development companies and research institutions working in the field of food innovation. In addition to Metrosert, the minister visited ÄioTech, TFTAK, and the Department of Food and Biotechnology of the Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology at TalTech.
At Metrosert, discussions focused on the potential of biorefining and synthetic biology to address several global challenges, including feeding a growing world population in a context of declining arable land, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and transitioning to renewable natural resources in materials production.
According to Kaupo Reede, Head of the Biorefining Unit at Metrosert and Acting Head of the Applied Research Center, Metrosert works in close cooperation with companies and researchers to develop novel technologies capable of addressing these global challenges. “Biorefining makes it possible to move from exporting raw materials to knowledge-based products with higher added value,” Reede explained.
During the meeting, Terras emphasised that adding higher value to biomass grown in Estonia is strategically important. While Estonia currently earns approximately 250–270 euros per cubic metre from timber exports, the corresponding figure in Finland and Sweden is around 1,000 euros. The difference is primarily due to more advanced biorefining capabilities. Increasing the export price of timber by just 100 euros per cubic metre would bring an estimated additional 1.1 billion euros to the Estonian economy.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Reede expressed his appreciation to the ministry for the positive decision by PRIA regarding Metrosert’s investment application, and the parties discussed ways in which the state could further support the development of the biorefining sector. The minister noted that food innovation and strategic independence from food imports are becoming increasingly important for Estonia and confirmed the ministry’s interest in continuing cooperation with Metrosert.
