Andalusia possesses the necessary resources and capacities for the development of the bioeconomy due to three relevant factors:
- An abundant production of biomass that comes mainly from agriculture and agro-industry. Agriculture generates around 8 million tons of biomass annually in Andalusia, highlighting sectors such as the olive grove (27%), horticulture (15%), wheat straw (14%) and corn straw (10%).
- The presence of a developed industrial sector. Agribusiness is an activity of the first magnitude in the regional productive structure, with more than 5,000 companies, there are also the chemical and biotechnological industries.
- An extensive knowledge network. The 10 public Universities, the Campus of International Excellence and the technological centers allow to support the new economic model.
In addition, Andalusia has up to 3,000 hours of sunny days per year that makes this region an ideal place for the production of biological resources and the development of new economic models, such as the production of microalgae.
On the other hand, the primary sector constitutes an important source of employment and wealth in the territory and is a great link between the population and its environment. 37% of the Andalusian population lives in rural areas and the bioeconomy has the potential to generate wealth in this area.