Besides of the large potentials and opportunities, the establishment and cultivation of short rotation coppice (SRC) is connected with several constraints and barriers – especially in the economics of the plantations. The ERA-Net project CREFF (Cost Reduction and Efficiency Improvement of Short Rotation Coppice) aims to implement cost-efficient and consumer-oriented SRC-value-chains in regions with unfavorable conditions. This objective shall be achieved by initializing intensive and long-term pilot-cooperation between SRC producers and consumers. UNIQUE contributed by analyzing and optimizing process steps along the SRC supply- and value-chains.

• Analysis and set-up of a regional framework for optimized product-oriented SRC supply- and value-chains.
• Initialization and establishment of SRC pilot co-operations between producers and consumers.
• Development of improved business concepts.
• Definition of reasons for the farmers’ hesitations to invest in SRC production.
• Project coordination assistance.