FORWARDS is a project funded by the European Union that will prototype the Forest-Ward Observatory, a pan-European monitoring and evaluation system that will help assess how European forests respond to the impacts of climate change. It will document current restoration activities concerning forests, biodiversity, carbon, and soils, and explore various restoration options to guide decision-making processes towards climate-smart forest management. One of the aims of the FORWARDS project is to engage and empower citizens and stakeholders in the co-creation of solutions that will support the future of forests amidst climate change challenges.
100 results found
Strategic Nature Projects
Opened
Code: 40107 | Identifier Code: LIFE-2026-STRAT-NAT-SNAP-two-stage | Programme name: LIFE: Environment & Climate Action | Start submission calls: 21/04/2026 | End submission calls: 03/09/2026
A SNAP will not have to cover all actions foreseen in the strategy/plan or ensure that the strategy/plan will be fully implemented during the lifetime of the SNAP. However, the SNAP shall include strategic actions to catalyse a process and mobilise supplementary commitments and funding that will lead, in due time, to the full implementation of the plan or strategy.
SNAPs should:
- promote the coordination with and mobilisation of other relevant Union, national or private funding sources for the implementation of the complementary measures or actions outside of the SNAP in the framework of the targeted plan or strategy, giving preference to Union funding. Within the SNAP itself, however, co-funding may not come from other Union funding sources.
- actively involve the main stakeholders necessary for the implementation of the targeted plan or strategy. They should be involved in both the design and implementation of the given project. This involvement is expected to be achieved by including them – where possible and reasonable – as associated beneficiaries of the SNAP, or through their active participation in the implementation of the SNAP itself and/or of the complementary actions.
- facilitate and result in the building up of strategic capacities among the competent authorities and stakeholders to ensure a long-term sustainability of project results and actions, and to ensure that they will be able to function as co-deliverers of the targeted plan or strategy after the end of the SNAP.
Nature and Biodiversity
Opened
Code: 40102 | Identifier Code: LIFE-2026-SAP-NAT-NATURE | Programme name: LIFE: Environment & Climate Action | Start submission calls: 21/04/2026 | End submission calls: 22/09/2026
Under this topic, projects shall lead to a smart and outcome-based implementation of the EU nature and biodiversity legislation and the EU biodiversity strategy for 203015. Only wild flora and fauna and natural and semi-natural habitats may be targeted. They shall fall under at least one of the two following areas of intervention:
- Intervention area: “Space for Nature”
- Intervention area: “Safeguarding our species”
Projects on Legislative and Policy Priorities in the fields of Nature & Biodiversity and Circular Economy & Quality of Life
Opened
Code: 40053 | Identifier Code: LIFE-2026-PLP-NAT-ENV | Programme name: LIFE: Environment & Climate Action | Start submission calls: 21/04/2026 | End submission calls: 22/09/2026
Point 4.1.4 of the LIFE 2025-2027 Multi Annual Work Programme indicates that under “Other Actions”, additional projects responding to the Union legislative and policy priorities could be determined on annual basis, following a consultation with Member States.
The list of specific priorities to be addressed in this call is provided below. The Section 2 of the Call document further spells out for each priority the specific needs to be addressed, the activities that can be funded, the expected impacts and any other requirement.
The lists of LIFE-2026-PLP-NAT-ENV specific priorities are:
- Digitising Environmental Impact Assessments and permitting procedures
- Preserving primary and old-growth forest in critical regions of Europe through mapping and awareness raising
- Development and implementation of analytical methodology to distinguish between virgin and recycled polymers at custom controls
- Support for reducing discharges into marine waters from exhaust gas cleaning systems (scrubbers) installed onboard ships
- Capacity-building of authorities in Montenegro and North Macedonia
PRIMA Section 2 Multitopics 2026
Closed
Code: 39878 | Programme name: PRIMA – Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (2018 – 2028) | Start submission calls: 20/03/2026 | End submission calls: 15/05/2026
The topics that have opened under the present call are the following:
- Thematic Area 1 – Water management in the Nexus: Topic 2.1.1-2026 (RIA) Leveraging Ecosystem Functions and Enhancing Water Allocation for the Protection and Restoration of Non-Perennial Watercourses in the Mediterranean.
- Thematic Area 2 – Farming systems in the Nexus: Topic 2.2.1-2026 (RIA) Novel remote and non-invasive ICT monitoring and control systems against disease and pest infestation.
- Thematic Area 3 – Agri-food Value chain in the Nexus: Topic 2.3.1 – 2026 (RIA) Empowering Mediterranean Food Value Chains through Context-Aware Digital Traceability.
PRIMA – Section 1 – Thematic Area 3 Food value chain in the Nexus – 1.3.1-2026 (IA): Sustainable on-site transformation of perishable Mediterranean agri-products
Closed
Code: 39871 | Identifier Code: 1.3.1-2026 | Programme name: PRIMA – Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (2018 – 2028) | Start submission calls: 20/03/2026 | End submission calls: 15/05/2026
Proposals should support the co-design, development, demonstration, and validation of compact, modular, and cost-efficient processing solutions enabling the on-site or near-site transformation of perishable Mediterranean the on-site or near-site transformation of perishable Mediterranean plant agricultural products (e.g., onions, tomatoes, peppers, grapes, olives, citrus fruits, figs, etc.) into higher-value food products (such as dried fruits, pastes, spreads, fermented products, preserved vegetables, herbal extracts etc.).
Solutions should be adapted to typical Mediterranean agro-climatic conditions and socio-economic contexts, including areas with limited water availability and weak infrastructure. Technologies should be simple to operate, maintain, repair, and replicate locally, ensuring long-term adoption and sustainability.
PRIMA – Section 1 – Thematic Area 2-Farming systems in the Nexus – 1.2.1-2026 (IA): Next Generation of Sustainable and Alternative Animal Feeds for Circular and Resilient Mediterranean Farming Systems
Closed
Code: 39867 | Identifier Code: 1.2.1-2026 | Programme name: PRIMA – Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (2018 – 2028) | Start submission calls: 20/03/2026 | End submission calls: 15/05/2026
The action aims to develop and validate sustainable, economically viable, and regionally adapted alternative feed solutions derived from locally available biomass, including agri-food waste streams.
Proposed innovations should build on and advance existing knowledge and solutions from previous projects, including those supported under EU and PRIMA programmes, where relevant.
Open Call for Financial Support to Third parties as a mechanism to test, promote, validate, replicate PRIMARY business model blueprints and develop new value chains
Opened
Code: 39812 | Identifier Code: PRIMARY | Programme name: Funding under projects | Start submission calls: 09/03/2026 | End submission calls: 08/06/2026
The main objective of the PRIMARY Open Call is to validate the replicability and promote the adaptation of PRIMARY solutions in Europe.
The overall aim of PRIMARY is to enable the sustainable and economically viable valorisation of underutilised agricultural residues in rural European regions by demonstrating technological and business solutions that can be replicated and scaled across different contexts.
The European Forest Institute (EFI) – Knowledge to Practice: Develop applications and AI solutions utilizing the ForestWard Observatory
Closed
Code: 39628 | Identifier Code: G-01-2026 | Programme name: Funding under projects | Start submission calls: 04/02/2026 | End submission calls: 03/04/2026
FORWARDS is a Horizon Europe project that will prototype the ForestWard Observatory, a pan-European monitoring and evaluation tool that will help demonstrate the impact of climate change on forests and guide decision-making for practical forest management.
Within the FORWARDS Horizon Europe project, forest data from different programs, projects and other initiatives are collected, with a focus on quantifying the impacts of climate change on forests. These datasets are collected by the forthcoming ForestWard Observatory, a pan-European monitoring and evaluation tool that will help demonstrate the impacts of climate change on forests and guide decisionmaking for practical forest management.
Living labs to enhance soil health in managed forests and in natural/semi-natural lands
Closed
Code: 39472 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-MISS-2026-05-SOIL-02-two-stage | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Missions | Start submission calls: 12/02/2026 | End submission calls: 14/04/2026
Forests soils play a fundamental role in global environmental protection, by supporting rich biodiversity, preventing soil erosion, regulating floodings, and mitigating climate change by sequestering carbon from the atmosphere.
In Europe, forests cover nearly 40% of the total land area, with over 90% classified as managed forests, where human activities such as timber production, habitat management, recreation, etc. take place.
Maintaining and enhancing soil functions in managed forests is essential for ensuring both their productivity and long-term resilience. In this context, developing a sustainable forest bioeconomy is strategically important for Europe’s green transition.
Joint demonstration of solutions to build soil resilience to extreme weather events and support food security
Opened
Code: 39391 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-MISS-2026-06-CLIMA-SOIL | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Missions | Start submission calls: 04/02/2026 | End submission calls: 23/09/2026
Developing and scaling practical solutions to enhance soils’ resilience to extreme weather events is crucial for climate change adaptation. As extreme weather events like droughts, heavy rainfall and flooding, heatwaves and other temperature anomalies (e.g. unseasonal frosts) become more frequent, widespread and severe, they pose significant threats to soil health, agricultural productivity, and food security at large.
This is due to, inter alia, soil erosion, nutrient leaching, increased salinisation, loss of soil organic carbon, reduction or loss of microbial activity, waterlogging and oxygen depletion, depending on the type of extreme weather event considered. Strengthening soils’ resilience at farm and landscape levels, considering also the context, e.g., in terms of governance (rules and institutions), is vital to cope with these challenges.
Creating a framework that suits different pedoclimatic conditions and regions should help ensure that the best approaches are put in place to maintain food security and promote sustainable farming practices, and that overall landscape resilience to these events is enhanced.
Leveraging long-term field experiments and other datasets to develop AI-ready decision support systems for sustainable soil management
Opened
Code: 39379 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-MISS-2026-05-SOIL-04 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Missions | Start submission calls: 04/02/2026 | End submission calls: 23/09/2026
Long-term field experiments (LTEs) can be defined as “agricultural experiments for monitoring soil and crop properties under changing climate conditions and different management with a minimum duration of 20 years”. LTEs are typically owned or managed by public research institutions.
Enabling user-centred and open innovation initiatives to enhance soil health in Ukraine
Opened
Code: 39376 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-MISS-2026-05-SOIL-03 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Missions | Start submission calls: 04/02/2026 | End submission calls: 23/09/2026
In Ukraine, soils are exposed to degradation due to nutrient mismanagement, acidification, erosion, compaction, salinisation, and contamination, with the war further contributing to devastation by releasing toxic elements, causing long-term damage to both ecosystems and human health
During military activities, soils are among the most heavily affected components of the environment, undergoing mechanical, chemical, and physical degradationThe war has also disrupted research and innovation activities, which further hinder the country’s ability to address soil degradation issues.
Particularly, as before the war, the innovation landscape in Ukraine was already in a need for more supportive political, regulatory and legislative frameworks, and more developed and improved innovation.
Antimicrobial resistance and antibiotic biosynthesis in soils: developing key understanding and counteractive strategies using a One-Health approach
Opened
Code: 39373 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-MISS-2026-05-SOIL-02 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Missions | Start submission calls: 04/02/2026 | End submission calls: 23/09/2026
Soil biodiversity plays a major role in human, animal and ecosystem health. Soil microorganisms (bacteria and fungi) have been crucial in the discovery of antibiotics used in human and veterinary medicine.
However, soils can also be a hotspot for antimicrobial resistance development and can play a key role in the transfer of antimicrobial resistance genes between organisms and environmental compartments.
Antibiotic use is expected to increase globally due to the rising demand for food-producing animals, which may further exacerbate the development of antimicrobial resistance in soils.
According to the World Health Organization, antimicrobial resistance is one of the greatest threats to public health.
The driving forces for antimicrobial resistance development in soils are however understudied, as well as the role of soils in the exposure of humans and animals to antimicrobial resistance determinants. Moreover, our knowledge of antibiotics-related genes is currently limited, making it challenging to identify new compounds of interest. To better understand and combat antimicrobial resistance development in soils, a One-Health approach is needed.
Monitoring soil health in practice: equipping stakeholders to sample, analyse, and interpret soil health indicators
Opened
Code: 39370 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-MISS-2026-05-SOIL-01 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Missions | Start submission calls: 04/02/2026 | End submission calls: 23/09/2026
Soil health assessments will be key in the EU, especially with initiatives like the upcoming Soil Monitoring and Resilience Directive. Assessments will provide critical data to support adaptive management practices that optimise soil health enhancing competitiveness and resilience.
AGRIP-MULTI-2026-TC-ORG-SUST
Closed
Code: 39318 | Identifier Code: AGRIP-MULTI-2026-TC-ORG-SUST | Programme name: Promotion of agricultural products | Start submission calls: 22/01/2026 | End submission calls: 23/04/2026
- The objective is to increase the awareness and recognition of the Union quality scheme on organic production.
Information and promotion programmes on the Union quality scheme on organic production method should be a key priority since this scheme provides consumers with assurances on the sustainability, quality and characteristics of the product and the production process used and the environmental benefits they generate, thereby achieving added value for the products concerned and enhancing their market opportunities.
- The objective is to highlight the sustainability of Union agriculture, stressing its beneficial role for the climate, the environment and animal welfare. The production method(s) of the promoted product(s) shall cover at least two of the areas of actions listed in Article 31(4) of Regulation (EU) 2021/2115 while respecting the conditions laid down in paragraph 5 of that Article.
AGRIP-MULTI-2026-IM-SUST
Closed
Code: 39310 | Identifier Code: AGRIP-MULTI-2026-IM-SUST | Programme name: Promotion of agricultural products | Start submission calls: 22/01/2026 | End submission calls: 23/04/2026
The objective is to highlight the sustainability of Union agriculture, stressing its beneficial role for the climate, the environment and animal welfare.
The production method(s) of the promoted product(s) shall cover at least two of the areas of actions listed in Article 31(4) of Regulation (EU) 2021/2115 while respecting the conditions laid down in paragraph 5 of that Article
AGRIP-SIMPLE-2026-IM-SUSTAINABLE
Closed
Code: 39304 | Identifier Code: AGRIP-SIMPLE-2026-IM-SUSTAINABLE | Programme name: Promotion of agricultural products | Start submission calls: 22/01/2026 | End submission calls: 23/04/2026
The objective is to highlight the sustainability of Union agriculture, stressing its beneficial role for the climate, the environment and animal welfare.
The production method(s) of the promoted product(s) shall cover at least two of the areas of actions listed in Article 31(4) of Regulation (EU) 2021/2115 while respecting the conditions laid down in paragraph 5 of that Article.
AGRIP-SIMPLE-2026-TC-ORG-SUST
Closed
Code: 39290 | Identifier Code: AGRIP-SIMPLE-2026-TC-ORG-SUST | Programme name: Promotion of agricultural products | Start submission calls: 22/01/2026 | End submission calls: 23/04/2026
The objective is to increase the awareness and recognition of the Union quality scheme on organic production.
Information and promotion programmes on the Union quality scheme on organic production method should be a key priority since this scheme provides consumers with assurances on the sustainability, quality and characteristics of the product and the production process used and the environmental benefits they generate, thereby achieving added value for the products concerned and enhancing their market opportunities.
The objective is to highlight the sustainability of Union agriculture, stressing its beneficial role for the climate, the environment and animal welfare.
Boosting the competitiveness of protein crops in Europe
Closed
Code: 39282 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2026-02-FARM2FORK-03 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 14/01/2026 | End submission calls: 14/04/2026
Protein crops can play a key role in advancing sustainable and resilient European agriculture offering environmental, agronomic, economic and nutritional benefits. Despite their potential, the production and use of protein crops in Europe remains limited and require targeted efforts to scale up.
Several barriers continue to hinder their development, including the lack of adapted local protein crops for the different European environmental conditions, the limited availability of effective and safe pest management practices and tools, the inadequacy of the machinery used in their production, poor infrastructure for processing and marketing, the absence of well-established local value chains, etc.
A key element for a wide adoption of protein crops by farmers is demonstrating their potential benefits (economic competitiveness, environmental impacts, social engagement, adaptability) that enhance their market value and appeal.
Developing innovative phytosanitary treatments for regulated plant pests to support safe international trade
Closed
Code: 39279 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2026-02-FARM2FORK-01 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 14/01/2026 | End submission calls: 14/04/2026
Effective plant health measures play a vital role in protecting agriculture and supporting global food security, safeguarding the environment, forests, and biodiversity, and enabling safe international trade. Among these measures, (post-harvest) phytosanitary treatments — such as vapour, heat, cold, irradiation, and controlled atmosphere — are critical tools to prevent the introduction and spread of regulated plant pests through imported goods.
However, the current range of available phytosanitary treatments remains limited. In many cases, existing methods lack proven efficacy against specific pests, or scientifically sound protocols are unavailable. Moreover, practical challenges related to the implementation, scalability, potential health and environmental impact of these treatments often hinder their widespread adoption.
Green Transition Food Processing Africa
Closed
Code: 39276 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2026-02-FARM2FORK-14 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 14/01/2026 | End submission calls: 14/04/2026
Proposals should:
- promote start-ups and other innovative SMEs by providing a space for mentoring and accelerating innovative business concepts, including social innovation and upscaling in view of African or European food business entrepreneurs with special consideration of diversity involving women, young entrepreneurs and the diaspora using cascading funding opportunities;
- lead to healthy, safe and nutritious food. New processing opportunities should increase biodiversity with increased market opportunities for underutilized crops. They should link to other projects of the AU-EU Food and Nutrition Security and Sustainable Agriculture Priority (FNSSA) in particular the CEA-First coordination and support action and the International Research Consortium. It should build on results of previous projects including linkages to projects funded under the AU-EU priority on “Climate Change and Sustainable Energy (CCSE)”.
Sustainable and healthy diets based on health status and socio-economic risk factors of ageing population
Closed
Code: 39270 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2026-02-FARM2FORK-10 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 14/01/2026 | End submission calls: 14/04/2026
The topic is relevant to the EU policies related to ageing such as the Green Paper on Ageing adopted on 27 January 2021, the Commission Communication on Demographic change in Europe: a toolbox for action, Principle 18 of the European Pillar of Social rights on long-term care and the R&I Food 2030 framework.
Strengthening the EU plant protection ecosystem for a future-proof agriculture
Closed
Code: 39264 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2026-02-FARM2FORK-07 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 14/01/2026 | End submission calls: 14/04/2026
The projects under this topic are relevant to the EU policies related to the EU’s Vision for Agriculture and Food by strengthening the plant protection ecosystem and supporting a future-proof, resilient agricultural sector.
The EU ambition to reduce the use of harmful pesticides is important for the long-term resilience of farming, health and environmental protection. However, the introduction of alternatives in the form of biological or innovative low-risk plant protection products has not followed with the same pace as the withdrawal of active substances from the EU market. If this trend continues, it could affect the EU’s ability to ensure food security and sovereignty.
To ensure a smooth transition, coordinated action is needed. Strengthening dialogue, guiding research, and supporting innovation should equip policymakers and sectors to adapt and build a resilient, nature and biodiversity-friendly crop protection system.
Advanced innovative solutions for improved competitiveness and sustainability in controlled environment agriculture (CEA)
Closed
Code: 39261 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2026-02-FARM2FORK-06 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 14/01/2026 | End submission calls: 14/04/2026
Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) refers to any form of agriculture that controls and optimises environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide, light or nutrient concentration. Examples of CEA include greenhouses, vertical farms, grow rooms, building-integrated agriculture, hydroponics, aquaponics, aeroponics, as well as other innovative farming practices – both off land and land based – where technological advancements enable precise regulation of growing conditions farming.
Boosting circularity and diversification strategies of terrestrial livestock production systems
Closed
Code: 39258 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2026-02-FARM2FORK-05 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 14/01/2026 | End submission calls: 14/04/2026
Boosting circularity and diversification strategies of livestock production systems by integrating for example diverse animal breeds and species, multiple animal products and by-products, and sustainable land-use approaches like mixed crop-livestock systems and agroforestry can help to reduce environmental ad climate impact, to increase biodiversity in agricultural landscapes, to minimize waste, and to enhance overall farming system resilience to environmental and economic shocks.
Such strategies can provide alternative revenue streams (e.g., meat, dairy, wool, eggs, wood, fruit, manure, ecosystem services/carbon credits), improve farmers’ income stability, reduce dependency on external inputs and on single-product markets, and create more sustainable farms and rural economies.
Accelerating the development of breeding tools for perennial crops, specifically fruits and nuts
Closed
Code: 39254 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2026-02-FARM2FORK-04 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 14/01/2026 | End submission calls: 14/04/2026
Despite the crucial role that woody perennial crops such as fruits and nuts play in our diets, as well as their importance for global economies, biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation, traditional breeding methods for these crops remain slow and labour-intensive due to long gestation periods (juvenile phase) and complex genetics.
This hinders the timely development of perennial breeds to cope with challenges like climate change, pests and diseases, impacting among others crop productivity. Developing user-friendly tools that can be effectively transferred to breeders will boost the impact and efficiency of breeding programs for perennial crops.
Boosting plant health and reducing losses on farm and during storage for sustainable growth in Africa (FNSSA)
Closed
Code: 39252 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2026-02-FARM2FORK-13 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 14/01/2026 | End submission calls: 14/04/2026
Plant pests affecting crops in the field and/or harvests during storage are an important burden to food security, contributing to significant food losses in Africa. These can also affect internal markets and trade.
It is thus crucial to tackle the impact of plant pests in an integrated manner, while ensuring this is done through technologies and practices fostering agricultural sustainability, resilience to climate change and safeguarding biodiversity.
Tackling pesticide resistance: early detection, management strategies, and foresight
Closed
Code: 39249 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2026-02-FARM2FORK-02 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 14/01/2026 | End submission calls: 14/04/2026
Agriculture and forestry face a growing challenge from the dual threat of a shrinking portfolio of active substances and increasing pests resistance to treatments.
Climate change compounds this issue by enabling pests to survive milder winters, expand their ranges, and increase their exposure to pesticides—accelerating the development of resistance.
Addressing this complex issue requires a comprehensive, science-based systemic approach that integrates early detection, adaptive management, and long-term foresight to reduce resistance risks and strengthen the sustainability and resilience of agriculture and forestry.
It is also relevant to acknowledge that while pesticides are important short-term solutions, the long-term solutions require shifts in current agriculture or forestry practices and system-level transformations within agri-food systems that would boost the resilience of these production environments, while preserving biodiversity.
Towards more effective, fair and coherent policies for climate change mitigation and adaptation in agriculture and forestry
Closed
Code: 39234 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2026-02-CLIMATE-01 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 14/01/2026 | End submission calls: 14/04/2026
Agriculture and forestry are among the sectors most directly impacted by climate change, while also playing important roles in its mitigation, through greenhouse gas emissions, their reduction and carbon removals from the atmosphere. These roles are addressed in horizontal EU climate policies such as the Regulations on Land Use, Land Use Change and Forestry (LULUCF) and on Effort-sharing or the forthcoming Climate Adaptation Plan, as well as in sectoral policies, most notably the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) with a host of relevant rules and voluntary measures.
The climate performance in agriculture and forestry is indirectly also affected by many other policies and measures, be they sectoral (e.g., on market organisation or on income support) or horizontal (e.g., on competitiveness). Depending on their design and application, climate policies in turn also have impacts beyond their immediate objectives, e.g. on competitiveness, income distribution, and biodiversity and nature protection. Apart from policies applicable in the EU and its Member States and in Associated Countries, the outcomes in each of these jurisdictions are also impacted by rules and standards applied in other parts of the world, through international markets and other transboundary effects.
Embracing innovation in agriculture by peer-to-peer learning via on farm-demonstrations and cost-benefit analysis
Closed
Code: 39226 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2026-03-GOVERNANCE-10 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 14/01/2026 | End submission calls: 15/04/2026
On-farm demonstrations can be crucial for enabling innovation uptake in agriculture, as they provide a platform for showcasing and evaluating new practices, but also serve as an effective avenue for peer-to-peer (or farmer to farmer) learning, leading to skill empowerment, higher adoption rates and increased practice change compared to the traditional top-down approaches.
By engaging in on-farm demonstrations, farmers are better positioned to assess the applicability of innovative practices or tools. Complementing on-farm demonstrations with comprehensive cost-benefit analyses further empowers farmers, allowing them to quantitively evaluate the costs and benefits associated with the adoption of new solutions/practices. This approach should not only promote informed decision-making but also accelerate the uptake and integration of innovative practices across the agricultural sector.
Proposals should either address Area A: Crop production systems, or Area B: Livestock and mixed production systems. The area (A or B) should be clearly indicated in the proposal.
Improving analytical capacity and understanding of social drivers in agriculture to better assess social sustainability in the sector
Closed
Code: 39223 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2026-03-GOVERNANCE-02 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 14/01/2026 | End submission calls: 15/04/2026
Knowledge gaps exist between agricultural policy priorities and data infrastructure to evaluate social sustainability issues, particularly regarding farmers.
Often social issues are addressed by various policy instruments from different policy areas, but there are inconsistencies, for example in the way that target groups are identified and measured in the statistics collected at European level. A framing of the social dimension of agriculture is necessary to complement the existing environmental and economic aspects of sustainability of assessment tools, strategies and policies for agriculture in the EU.
Social issues may remain hidden if there is no consistent data able to capture them. Social aspects seem to be excluded from most of the analytical tools available. Greater understanding of social issues and the best policy approaches to address them requires appropriate data to develop better indicators and measurement that can be integrated into analytical tools.
Successful proposals should therefore directly and/ or indirectly contribute to the enhancement of the sustainability performance of the sector, including social sustainability, and competitiveness in agriculture.
Increasing knowledge flows to practice within AKIS via EU thematic knowledge hubs
Closed
Code: 39218 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2026-03-GOVERNANCE-09 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 14/01/2026 | End submission calls: 15/04/2026
There is a growing need to disseminate practical knowledge on challenges and opportunities for agriculture, forestry and rural areas stemming from both scientific-research and practical experience, and to link it to relevant actors through enhanced thematic collaboration between researchers, advisors and farmers.
EU thematic knowledge hubs should transform existing and new knowledge into accessible formats for advisors and targeted end-users, focusing on dissemination over collection. By blending the strengths of thematic and advisory networks, these hubs should offer services to widely disseminate information on specific themes among practitioners on the ground, contributing to a well-informed, and engaged AKIS community. Proposals should set up these hubs as a go-to source for valuable content, facilitating access to thematic research findings, innovative solutions, and best practices, empowering advisors with cutting-edge knowledge and providing ample opportunities of collaboration and cross-fertilization amongst the different AKIS actors.
Empowering the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development
Closed
Code: 39203 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2026-03-GOVERNANCE-03 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 14/01/2026 | End submission calls: 15/04/2026
The United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030) aims at mobilising the global scientific community, policymakers, industry, and civil society to advance ocean science and generate knowledge that supports the sustainable management of the ocean. The initiative aims to reverse the decline in ocean health and ensure that ocean science can fully support countries in achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
This topic aims at further consolidating international cooperation, through European Leadership, and at ensuring that key processes, initiatives and structures that have been put in place through the Decade continue after its end.
Support for information measures relating to the common agricultural policy (IMCAP)
Closed
Code: 38480 | Identifier Code: IMCAP-2026-INFOME | Programme name: Information Measures for the Common Agricultural Policy (IMCAP) | Start submission calls: 07/10/2025 | End submission calls: 14/01/2026
The general objective of the call is to raise awareness about the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) within the EU, amongst all citizens, farmers and non-farmers alike and to disseminate information about the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), the key messaging should be fully consistent with the Commission’s legal requirement to carry out information measures on the CAP within the meaning of Article 46 of Regulation (EU) 2021/2116.
The measures should help citizens understand the CAP, about how the CAP responds to challenges faced by agriculture and food producers, helps restore consumer confidence following crises, supports development in rural areas and promotes a more competitive, sustainable and resilient Union model of agriculture, including its simplification agenda.
Competitiveness, energy security and integration aspects of advanced biofuels and renewable fuels of non-biological origin value chains
Closed
Code: 38195 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL5-2026-02-D3-02 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Climate, Energy and Mobility (Cluster 5)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 16/09/2025 | End submission calls: 17/02/2026
Projects are expected to assess the energy security and industrial competitiveness aspects of value chains for advanced biofuels and renewable fuels of non-biological origin, in view of the new situation in the EU regarding energy security and industrial competitiveness with the rest of the word.
Citizen and Stakeholder Engagement in Climate-Smart Forestry (CSF) and Forest Restoration
Closed
Code: 38108 | Identifier Code: G-05-2025 | Programme name: Funding under projects | Start submission calls: 14/07/2025 | End submission calls: 12/10/2025
Identify Art. 36 organisations to be entrusted to improve methods for collection, management and analysis of scientific data
Closed
Code: 37921 | Identifier Code: EUBA-EFSA-2025-IDATA-01 | Programme name: European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) | Start submission calls: 09/07/2025 | End submission calls: 02/10/2025
The overarching tasks are
a) to provide strategic and operational support to the Advisory Group on Data (AGoD) and EFSA in enhancing methods, processes, and tools related to data collection and data sharing.
b) to contribute to the sponsorship and monitoring of new AGoD’s and EFSA’s data initiatives in close collaboration with the iDATA Unit, ENREL Unit, and relevant EFSA programmes. To achieve the above overarching tasks, the beneficiary will be expected to coordinate, execute, and monitor activities (e.g. projects) aligned with the objectives of AgoD and its subgroups.
Support activities related to the collection and analysis of harmonised and high-quality food consumption and food composition. Support to the terminology management of EFSA is also foreseen.
AI-generated digital twins for science
Closed
Code: 37842 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-INFRA-2025-01-TECH-04 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Research Infrastructures (2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 06/05/2025 | End submission calls: 18/09/2025
The aim is to use generative artificial intelligence (AI), in line with the GenAI4EU initiative and other key EU initiatives, like the Apply AI strategy, to deliver digital twins of complex real-world systems that advance the state-of-art of European research infrastructures and show transformative potential in their operations.
The solutions should pave the way for new methods to conduct research by the RIs through AI generated and powered digital twins.
They should propose suitable setups for creation of new digital twins or enhancing existing ones, already available within the scientific communities and relevant research infrastructures and for which an existing baseline on generative Artificial Intelligence models exists, the required data fusions, visualisations and execution of the workflows.
The focus is on key impact sectors, such as healthcare (including mental health), transportation, agriculture, environment or manufacturing, or other fields related to the Clean Industrial Deal, in line with the European objectives seeking to leverage AI to address societal challenges, improve public services and drive inclusive economic growth.
The proposed solutions, underpinning the provision of improved and advanced future services, should support RIs in new areas of research and/or a wider community of users, including clearly identified and relevant industrial, scientific or policy users and enhance the potential of the RIs in addressing EU’s policy objectives and socio-economic challenges.
The proposed solutions should, at least in part, be demonstrated in a relevant environment that can lead to sustainable production and include a cost estimate for the operations.
Soil Salinity in Europe: Drivers, indicators, current levels and temporal changes
Closed
Code: 37790 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-MISS-2025-05-SOIL-11 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Missions | Start submission calls: 06/05/2025 | End submission calls: 30/09/2025
Excessive soil salinity is a significant environmental issue in Europe, negatively impacting soil fertility, plant growth, soil biodiversity, the soil microbiome, and overall ecosystem functioning.
Climate change, coupled with increased evaporation and irrigation, is likely to exacerbate salinization, potentially leading to uncertain consequences for carbon storage and water cycling because of soil degradation induced by salinity.
Salinity is one of the descriptors in the proposal for a Directive on Soil Monitoring and Resilience and is recognized as one of the major drivers of soil degradation. The extent of soil salinization in Europe remains uncertain.
Currently, there is no quantitative model capable of predicting future soil salinization in Europe under changing climate conditions at the resolution necessary for local management action and policy development.
Support to the operation and further development of soil-health science-policy interfaces and national soil-health hubs
Closed
Code: 37781 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-MISS-2025-05-SOIL-08 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Missions | Start submission calls: 06/05/2025 | End submission calls: 30/09/2025
A range of programmes, projects and initiatives have been working at international, EU, and national level to increase and systematise available scientific knowledge on soil health and drivers of soil degradation, and to facilitate the uptake of this knowledge in policies for more sustainable soil management practices.
This includes efforts, including under the Mission Soil, to create dedicated structures at national level to facilitate the sharing and transfer of knowledge between science on the one hand, and the designing and implementation of policies on the other.
However, linkages between different science-policy interfaces in the European and international landscape remain relatively weak, and their effectiveness is subject to debate, while some do not appear to be fully operational.
Improved land suitability for soil health and sustainable biomass production
Closed
Code: 37778 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-MISS-2025-05-SOIL-07 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Missions | Start submission calls: 06/05/2025 | End submission calls: 30/09/2025
Soil, as a fundamental component of terrestrial ecosystems, is crucial for biomass production and its capabilities and limitations.
Hence, effective land use planning must consider the requirements and constraints associated with different soil properties.
For instance, excessive nutrient export due to biomass removal can negatively impact soil health and the overall ecosystem functioning.
Consequently, prioritizing land suitability, alongside other key biophysical aspects such as climate, is essential for maintaining soil health while ensuring sustainable biomass production.
When stakeholders and land managers take land suitability and soil properties into account, they can make more informed decisions about e.g., land use, land management practices, and environmental protection.
This approach ultimately promotes sustainable and efficient land management strategies for biomass production.
Quantifying the impact of farming practices on soil health in arable lands
Closed
Code: 37775 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-MISS-2025-05-SOIL-06 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Missions | Start submission calls: 06/05/2025 | End submission calls: 30/09/2025
Agricultural land covers nearly half of the EU, with two-thirds dedicated to arable crops. Farming practices, especially in combination, are critical for maintaining soil functions such as structure, nutrient cycling, and water retention — key to food production and ecosystem resilience.
There is a need to better understand how different farming practices impact the composition and functions of soil biodiversity, carbon capture and storage, GHG emissions, water infiltration and retention.
Additionally, more knowledge is needed to understand how multiple threats and farming practices simultaneously interact and affect soil health (e.g. the interplay between various farming practices and climate change).
Broadening the living labs approach for soil health in Africa and Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC)
Closed
Code: 37696 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-MISS-2025-05-SOIL-02-two-stage | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Missions | Start submission calls: 06/05/2025 | End submission calls: 04/09/2025
Living labs are an effective tool to bridge the gap between science and practice in soil health. They are based on three key principles: (a) co-creation of solutions with diverse stakeholders, (b) implementation in real-life settings, and (c) active involvement of end-users. These labs bring together multiple actors who conduct experiments on sites such as farms, forests, urban green spaces, industrial areas, and enterprises, where practices are tested and monitored under real conditions.
Improving soil health requires site-specific and adaptive practices. However, reaching millions of small land managers with tailored solutions and advisory support remains a challenge, mainly due to weak feedback loops between land managers and researchers, which can result in inappropriate or poorly adapted practices.
This topic therefore promotes human-centred initiatives that integrate research, development, education, and extension to support sustainable soil management. The aim is to accelerate and expand the adoption of context-specific soil health solutions in Africa and Latin America & the Caribbean (LAC). While the Mission Soil living labs concept will not be directly replicated, it will serve as inspiration for new participatory models and community-driven initiatives emerging from African and LAC contexts to act as drivers of change in soil management.
Living labs to enhance soil health in Continental, Boreal and Alpine biogeographical regions
Closed
Code: 37693 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-MISS-2025-05-SOIL-01-two-stage | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Missions | Start submission calls: 06/05/2025 | End submission calls: 04/09/2025
The Mission Soil promotes the use of living labs as an innovative approach to research and innovation in soil health. Living labs bring together multiple actors in real-life sites at local or regional levels to co-create and test solutions, with the goal of improving soil health and governance and reaching 100 living labs and lighthouses by 2030.
Soil health living labs are long-term collaborations involving 10–20 sites (such as farms, forests, urban green areas, or industrial lands) where soil challenges are addressed and monitored under real-life conditions. Depending on context, fewer sites may also be accepted. Lighthouses are exemplary sites that demonstrate solutions, provide training, and communicate best practices; they can be part of a living lab or independent.
Projects are expected to initiate or strengthen participatory processes, with durations adapted to the longer timescales of soil processes. By working together across living labs, actors can compare results, exchange practices, replicate solutions, and accelerate the transition towards healthy soils.
Copernicus Anthropogenic CO₂ Emissions Monitoring & Verification Support (CO2MVS) capacity: new and innovative methods to estimate the impact of fires on vegetation and related carbon fluxes
Closed
Code: 37613 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL4-2025-02-SPACE-43 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/05/2025 | End submission calls: 25/09/2025
Research and innovation will focus on better understanding the impact of wildfires on the carbon cycle and emissions linked to land use change. A key priority is improving fire modelling, especially in relation to drought and vegetation interactions, which remains a challenge at regional and global scales. Initiatives like FireMIP have evaluated fire models, but the required model complexity is still uncertain. There is a need to integrate observation-based data into global systems like CO₂MVS to enhance monitoring. Additionally, understanding fire effects on vegetation will help refine estimates of emissions and improve air quality forecasting in systems like CAMS and fire risk predictions in CEMS.
Developing agroecology living labs and lighthouses for climate action under the Food and Nutrition Security and Sustainable Agriculture (FNSSA) partnership
Closed
Code: 37069 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2025-02-FARM2FORK-05-two-stage | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 06/05/2025 | End submission calls: 04/09/2025
Agroecology is a holistic approach based on using ecological processes and optimising them to support agricultural production .
By working more closely with nature and ecosystem services, it has the potential to increase the cyclicality, diversification and autonomy of farms, to address climate challenges while maintaining and enhancing biodiversity, and to promote the full transformation of agricultural systems and agricultural value chains, from input substitution and beyond.
Making food systems more resilient to food safety risks through the deployment of technological solutions
Closed
Code: 37063 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2025-02-FARM2FORK-03-two-stage | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 06/05/2025 | End submission calls: 04/09/2025
Proposals must contribute to all of the following areas:
- in the areas of food safety and food fraud, many efforts have been made in the framework of European Framework Programmes to generate knowledge and potential applications.
- support innovation to drive advances in the food system, implementing digital and technological solutions at high TRL that address existing gaps in food safety and/or food fraud.
- Identify existing regulations and provide recommendations on which technologies could use sandboxes to drive future commercialization.
Open topic: Innovating for on-farm post-harvest operations, storage and transformation of crops into food and non-food products
Closed
Code: 37060 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2025-02-FARM2FORK-02-two-stage | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 06/05/2025 | End submission calls: 04/09/2025
Under this theme, proposals should test, develop and pilot innovative solutions to support farmers to improve their position in value chains, benefit from the valorisation of their agricultural products and improve their financial sustainability.
Proposals should improve the climate and environmental performance of the resulting farmers’ activities and businesses.
Emerging and future risks to plant health
Closed
Code: 37058 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2025-02-FARM2FORK-01-two-stage | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 06/05/2025 | End submission calls: 04/09/2025
Plant health is vital for agriculture, forestry, ecosystems, ecosystem services and biodiversity on a global scale.
The current EU legislative framework on plant health plays a vital role in protecting the EU from the introduction of new plant pathogens, as well as in combating existing plant pathogens more effectively.
Preparing farmers, their workforce and advisors to the future of agriculture by providing the relevant knowledge, skills and competences at the right time and place
Closed
Code: 37050 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2025-03-GOVERNANCE-14 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 06/05/2025 | End submission calls: 24/09/2025
Knowledge, skills and competences are key factors for a more competitive, sustainable and resilient agriculture.
However, in many EU Member States there are growing concerns about the lack and mismatch of knowledge, skills and competences among farmers working in diverse and rapidly changing environments.
In order to be prepared for and benefit from the various climatic, environmental, technological, socio-economic and other relevant drivers of change, the rural community, in particular farmers, their workforce and their advisors, should be able to acquire and put into practice the relevant knowledge, skills and competences, at the right time and in the right place, in a lifelong pathway.
Strengthening knowledge and skills of advisors and integrating them within Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems (AKIS) via an EU advisory network
Closed
Code: 37046 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2025-03-GOVERNANCE-13 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 06/05/2025 | End submission calls: 24/09/2025
The advisers are best placed to encourage farmers to change their practices to improve the competitiveness, sustainability and resilience of agriculture.
They must be able to translate knowledge and provide specific, targeted and practical solutions for farmers, tailored to specific local conditions.
They should be prepared to provide innovation support services based on the interactive innovation model.
They should also be able to use different data sources to analyse farm performance over time, covering the three dimensions of sustainability, and thus provide informed, holistic advice to farmers.
Increasing knowledge flows to practice within Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems (AKIS) via thematic networks
Closed
Code: 37041 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2025-03-GOVERNANCE-12 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 06/05/2025 | End submission calls: 24/09/2025
Research results, innovative solutions, practical knowledge and best practices are not sufficiently known, disseminated and used in practice, despite continuous investment in R&D to support farmers and/or foresters and/or rural communities to become more competitive, sustainable and resilient.
Enhancing sustainability and resilience of agriculture, forestry and rural development through digital twins
Closed
Code: 37037 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2025-03-GOVERNANCE-11 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 06/05/2025 | End submission calls: 24/09/2025
Given that around a third of EU citizens live and work in rural areas, it is vital to empower rural communities – farmers, foresters and other rural actors – in the transition towards sustainability and resilience so that no one is left behind.
In this context, digital twin technology has attracted attention over the last decade because of its potential to address challenges in many application areas and to transform the way businesses and public administrations operate.
However, research and innovation related to the use of digital twins in rural areas and related key economic sectors, in particular in agriculture and forestry, is still limited.
Digital twins require further exploration, innovation, testing and demonstration in order to realise their full potential and achieve a higher level of maturity and scalability in different territorial and sectoral contexts.
Exploring options to resolve land and sea use competition
Closed
Code: 37020 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2025-03-GOVERNANCE-05 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 06/05/2025 | End submission calls: 24/09/2025
A sustainable and circular bioeconomy is based on management that guarantees the conservation and restoration of biodiversity and healthy ecosystems, while providing sufficient biomass to produce the food, materials and energy needed for human well-being.
On the one hand, we see a decline in biodiversity, a gap in carbon storage by ecosystems or a lack of capacity of the biosphere to absorb pollutants.
On the other hand, increasing competition for biomass use between food, materials and energy suggests a possible sustainable biomass gap in Europe.
Boosting the attractiveness of agriculture and the connection between the farming community and society
Closed
Code: 37009 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2025-03-GOVERNANCE-03 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 06/05/2025 | End submission calls: 24/09/2025
With the current challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, resource scarcity, new working patterns and changes in consumer behaviour, there is a need for a more innovative and sustainable agriculture in the EU.
However, the EU agricultural sector has been facing a steady decline in the workforce over the last fifteen years, also dependent on demographic challenges such as the ageing of the farming population.
Therefore, the need to attract and support new and young farmers is critical. The incentives, commercial character and business models of agriculture have changed due to recent climate and environmental challenges and new opportunities offered by technological and digital innovations, but at the same time due to social and economic factors.
Upscaling innovative payments to support farmers in the delivery of agri-environment-climate public goods
Closed
Code: 37006 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2025-03-GOVERNANCE-02 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 06/05/2025 | End submission calls: 24/09/2025
Payments for environmental services are financial incentives that recognise and support farmers for voluntary interventions that contribute to the provision of public goods.
Research and practical experiences from a variety of public and private sector initiatives have provided evidence and guidance on cost-effective and well-contextualized design to support practitioners.
Implementing more outcome-based, collective or spatially coordinated approaches to payment conditionality rules is among the key recommendations for achieving the best possible outcomes.
The ocean-climate-biodiversity nexus and marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR)
Closed
Code: 36971 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2025-02-CLIMATE-01 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 06/05/2025 | End submission calls: 16/09/2025
Removing carbon dioxide (CDR) in an environmentally safe, socially acceptable and economically sustainable way is essential for the implementation of European and global climate policies.
There is considerable uncertainty regarding scalability and short, medium and long-term effectiveness and impacts on marine ecosystems and human health.
Monitoring, reporting, verification and mitigation of non-CO2 greenhouse gas emissions and related air pollutants from agriculture
Closed
Code: 36967 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2025-02-CLIMATE-04 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 06/05/2025 | End submission calls: 16/09/2025
Most of the emissions can be attributed to methane and nitrous oxide, which come from livestock production and release from agricultural soils, in particular due to fertiliser use and manure management.
Additional efforts in this area are needed to achieve the EU’s climate objectives, in particular climate neutrality by 2050.
Developing innovative phytosanitary measures for plant health – focus on systems approach for pest risk management
Closed
Code: 36963 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2025-02-FARM2FORK-05 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 06/05/2025 | End submission calls: 25/09/2025
Plant health is vital for agriculture, forestry, ecosystems and biodiversity on a global scale.
However, maintaining healthy crops is becoming increasingly difficult due to climate change, biodiversity loss, globalisation and international trade, which accelerate the spread of pests and diseases.
Overcoming the barriers for scaling up circular water management in agriculture
Closed
Code: 36959 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2025-02-FARM2FORK-03 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 06/05/2025 | End submission calls: 16/09/2025
According to the European Environment Agency (EEA), water scarcity affects 30% of the EU population, with economic losses of up to €9 billion per year.
Droughts are increasing in frequency, magnitude and impact, and the affected area is expanding. Agriculture is the main water user in some Member States and associated countries.
Additional activities for the European partnership on animal health and welfare
Closed
Code: 36957 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2025-02-FARM2FORK-02 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 06/05/2025 | End submission calls: 16/09/2025
The objective of this action is to continue to support the European Partnership for Animal Health and Welfare identified in the strategic plan “Horizon Europe” 2021-2024 and implemented for the first time under HORIZON-CL6-2023-FARM2FORK-01-2: European Partnership for Animal Health and Welfare, and in particular to fund additional activities.
Strengthening the EU crop breeding research and innovation ecosystem for competitive, resilient, and sustainable agriculture
Closed
Code: 36954 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2025-02-FARM2FORK-09 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 06/05/2025 | End submission calls: 16/09/2025
Crop production is facing increasing challenges, such as the urgent need to adapt to climate change, improve water and nutrient use efficiency , protect biodiversity, improve soil health, reduce environmental impacts and ensure food security and resilience.
Addressing these complex issues requires innovative solutions and the conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources to develop resilient and adaptable crops.
Exploring the potential of controlled environment agriculture (CEA)
Closed
Code: 36951 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2025-02-FARM2FORK-08 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 06/05/2025 | End submission calls: 16/09/2025
Controlled environment agriculture (CEA) refers to any form of agriculture that controls and optimises environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide, light or nutrient concentration.
Examples of CEA include greenhouses, vertical farms, greenhouses, building-integrated agriculture, hydroponics, hydroponics, aeroponics, and other practices where technological advances allow for precise regulation of growing conditions.
CEA optimisation offers advantages in terms of resource efficiency, environmental sustainability and crop quality, providing a promising alternative to traditional agriculture to meet the growing global demand for food, especially in the face of climate change and urbanisation.
Additional activities for the European partnership on accelerating farming systems transition – agroecology living labs and research infrastructures
Closed
Code: 36947 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2025-02-FARM2FORK-01 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 06/05/2025 | End submission calls: 16/09/2025
The objective of this action is to continue to provide support to the European Partnership for Accelerating the Transition of Agricultural Systems – Agroecology Living Labs and Research Infrastructures identified in the Horizon Europe Strategic Plan 2021-2024.
Enhancing plant protein production to bolster the resilience of agricultural systems and EU self-sufficiency in plant protein used as feed
Closed
Code: 36908 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2025-02-FARM2FORK-04 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 06/05/2025 | End submission calls: 16/09/2025
Currently, the cultivation of protein crops, such as pulses and fodder legumes, represents only a small percentage (around 3 %) of the EU’s agricultural area.
While there is no significant shortage in the supply of protein for nutritional purposes in the EU, there is a greater shortage in the feed sector, resulting in high levels of imports (especially soya) from countries that often have different environmental and social standards.
It is therefore of strategic importance for the EU to expand domestic production of protein crops, including mixed crops as a source of feed.
Understanding and managing medium and longer-term challenges and opportunities for agriculture stemming from shifting climatic zones and changing agroecological environments
Closed
Code: 36905 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2025-02-CLIMATE-03 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 06/05/2025 | End submission calls: 16/09/2025
Average global temperatures have risen by about 1.5 °C globally since pre-industrial times; temperatures in Europe – the continent with the fastest warming – are rising at about twice that rate.
As temperatures increase, previously stable climate zones (i.e. long-term patterns of temperature, precipitation and seasonal variations) are shifting to higher latitudes (towards the poles) and higher altitudes (where possible).
These changes affect both natural and managed ecosystems and the services they provide, altering the distribution and abundance of many plant species and their life cycles, with consequences for crops and other forms of agricultural land use, including livestock.
Improving grassland management in European livestock farming systems+
Closed
Code: 36868 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2025-02-FARM2FORK-06 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 06/05/2025 | End submission calls: 16/09/2025
Good grassland management is crucial for the sustainability of agriculture in the EU and associated countries, as well as for the provision of multiple ecosystem services such as water purification, erosion and flood prevention, carbon sequestration and food production, and for the conservation of biodiversity.
Grasslands can also play an important role as a source of protein crops for animal feed. They are key elements of European socio-cultural landscapes.
Nutrients produced by microorganisms utilising primarily CO2 from the air, with the support of biotechnology
Closed
Code: 36864 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2025-02-FARM2FORK-14 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 06/05/2025 | End submission calls: 16/09/2025
Innovations using microorganisms have the potential to offer benefits in various sectors such as agriculture, food and feed, industry, the environment, the marine/aquatic sector and biodiversity.
The use of microorganisms genetically modified for precise fermentation is an innovative approach that could contribute significantly to safer food systems.
This biotechnology harnesses the potential of microorganisms to produce nutrients, such as enzymes, fats and other valuable compounds, with high yield and specificity.
It is therefore a key area for investment and research that promises to revolutionise the food system and contribute to a healthier planet.
Fostering animal breeding and genetics for climate change adaptation and mitigation, improved robustness and resilience
Closed
Code: 36861 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2025-02-FARM2FORK-07 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 06/05/2025 | End submission calls: 16/09/2025
Breeding and genetic improvements are some of the tools that can help the livestock sector to increase the efficiency and sustainability of production, to adapt to changes in the environment (e.g. harsh climatic conditions, health risks, changes in feed quality or availability) and to contribute to reducing emissions.
By selecting specific traits that are important for adaptation and mitigation purposes and incorporating them into breeding programmes, farmers and breeders can contribute to more sustainable livestock systems.
Environmental impacts from the production of agricultural crops for bio-based industrial systems
Closed
Code: 36820 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-ZEROPOLLUTION-02 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 06/05/2025 | End submission calls: 17/09/2025
It focuses on the environmental impact of biomass production, without covering the full life cycle of the uses of this biomass, nor the utilisation of waste and residues.
Pilots of long-term climate impact forest monitoring sites: Linking stand-level information and remote sensing
Closed
Code: 36747 | Identifier Code: FORWARDS | Programme name: Funding under projects | Start submission calls: 19/06/2025 | End submission calls: 24/08/2025
FORWARDS is a Horizon Europe project that will prototype the ForestWard Observatory, a pan-European monitoring and evaluation tool that will help demonstrate the impact of climate change on forests and guide decision-making for practical forest management.
European partnership: Forests and Forestry for a Sustainable Future
Closed
Code: 36732 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-CIRCBIO-15 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 06/05/2025 | End submission calls: 17/09/2025
As the main instrument for cooperation between public organisations from EU Member States and associated countries in forest-related fields , the Partnership will facilitate coordinated research and innovation actions on the diverse forestry challenges in Europe, involving a wide range of stakeholders, thus reducing the fragmentation of relevant R&D.
The Partnership should mobilise key partners and stakeholders, such as ministries responsible for research, forest and environment-related sectors, funding agencies, research organisations, research infrastructures, foresters, industry, NGOs, international networks, etc.
Τhis partnership will mobilise research and innovation to accelerate the transition to a sustainable forest bioeconomy to enhance forest sector value, biodiversity, and climate resilience.
Breeding for resilience: enhancing multi-stress tolerance in crops
Closed
Code: 36730 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-BIODIV-02-two-stage | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 05/05/2025 | End submission calls: 04/09/2025
Crop production faces significant challenges due to climate change and the need to adopt low-input practices, including efficient water use, to reduce the environmental impact while ensuring food security. Issues such as salinity, extreme weather conditions like droughts, waterlogging, high temperatures, and emerging patterns of pests and diseases severely impact crops, resulting in reduced productivity and yield losses. Crop responses to multiple stresses differ from their responses to single stresses. Therefore, attention should be given to enhancing crop tolerance to combinations of multiple abiotic and biotic stresses, thus better reflecting real-life agricultural conditions.
To address these challenges, it is crucial to evaluate local crop varieties, which are often better adapted to specific environmental conditions and stresses. Identifying local varieties with high plasticity enhances crop resilience and agro-biodiversity. Developing agro-ecological practices to improve stress tolerance will further support these efforts, promoting low-input practices and enhancing the overall adaptability of agricultural systems. Additionally, broad-spectrum strategies for improving stress tolerance in crops should be developed. Smart and future-proof breeding programmes need to systematically consider characteristics that enhance crop resilience and adaptation to these demands.
Harmonising and optimising composting plants performances in Europe
Closed
Code: 36729 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-CIRCBIO-12 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 06/05/2025 | End submission calls: 17/09/2025
The Waste Framework Directive allows for the collection of waste that meets the relevant standards for packaging that can be recovered through composting and biodegradation, together with bio-waste. For example, the collection of bio-waste with industrially compostable plastic bags is encouraged (Communication on the “EU Policy Framework for Bio-based, Biodegradable and Compostable Plastics” COM(2022). Harmonisation of the performances of industrial composting plants in the EU would help meeting the targets for bio-waste collection and the quality of resulting compost.
Provide digital solutions tailored to small and medium-sized farms to monitor and sustainably manage agricultural inputs and natural resources
Closed
Code: 36722 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-ZEROPOLLUTION-06 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 06/05/2025 | End submission calls: 17/09/2025
A key challenge for the agricultural sector is to provide food in a context of increasing global population, climate change and price volatility while reducing pollution and preserving natural resources and biodiversity for future generations. Farmers should be able to adopt innovative solutions to increase the efficiency and competitiveness of the farming sector while lowering its environmental footprint. However, still many farmers, particularly small and medium-sized ones, do not have easy access to monitoring and decision support systems and tools fed with data reflecting local conditions and farm characteristics.
Digital and data technologies offer solutions to monitor environmental parameters (e.g. soil conditions, water and air quality, nutrients content and availability) in a cost-efficient manner while supporting decision-making of natural resources and inputs management.
Bioprospecting and optimised production of the terrestrial natural products: new opportunities for bio-based sectors
Closed
Code: 36652 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-CIRCBIO-08 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 06/05/2025 | End submission calls: 17/09/2025
The aim of this action is to broaden the range of novel compounds, lowering the production costs, quicken the development pipeline, and enable more innovation for the industrial operators, with clear-cut benefits for the final users (consumers and industries).
The scope covers immense diversity of terrestrial micro- and macro-organisms and their communities, which represents a rich and largely unexplored reservoir of natural products and their base ingredients (e.g. plants, fungi, microorganisms etc. are in scope).
Supporting the implementation of nature restoration measures for sustainable farming systems
Closed
Code: 36648 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-BIODIV-10 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 06/05/2025 | End submission calls: 17/09/2025
Farmers play a pivotal role in addressing biodiversity loss while ensuring food production and quality, thereby contributing to overall food security. To support biodiversity-friendly agriculture, it is essential to first list demonstrated farming practices and ecosystems that benefit biodiversity. Next, there is a need to assess the socio-economic impact of nature restoration measures on the agricultural sector and the individual farm, as well as develop and improve existing incentives and their interplay. A key element for a wide adoption of such practices by farmers is demonstrating production and labour benefits, or at least maintaining economic competitiveness in the implementation of nature restoration measures. Moreover, specific targets for agricultural ecosystems outlined in the EU Nature Restoration Regulation necessitate that applied research lays the foundation for Member States to effectively comply and design appropriate and successful strategies. Therefore, environmental, economic, and social benefits, as well as potential trade-offs between nature restoration measures and food security and quality (production and availability) should be demonstrated over different time frames. These should be developed with farmers in mind: short-term and immediate impact on production, their businesses, and nature, as well as medium and long-term.
Survey preparation in the EU: Pest survey cards for 12 regulated pests
Closed
Code: 36637 | Identifier Code: EUBA-EFSA-2025-PLANTS-04 | Programme name: European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) | Start submission calls: 08/05/2025 | End submission calls: 15/07/2025
The purpose of this call is to develop pest survey cards to support the EU MSs in the preparation of pest surveys for 12 regulated pests in the EU. The work consists in characterising:
- the pests,
- the population of host plants targeted by the surveys and
- the methods of detection and identification for these pests and when possible grouping the pests.
Thermal ecology and biology of Thaumatotibia leucotreta (false codling moth) in East Africa
Closed
Code: 36633 | Identifier Code: EUBA-EFSA-2025-PLANTS-01-02-Lot2 | Programme name: European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) | Start submission calls: 30/04/2025 | End submission calls: 23/07/2025
The objective this call is to address, by collection and analysis of experimental and observational evidence, key knowledge gaps identified during EFSA plant health risk assessment and preparedness activities on invasive insect plant pests and on insect vectors of invasive plant pathogens.
This call is divided into three specific groups. Applicants may apply for one or more groups.
Lot 2: focuses on understanding the thermal ecology and biology of the different life stages of the false codling moth (Thaumatotibia leucotreta) in East Africa, to reduce key risk assessment uncertainties on this pest.
Ecology of insect vectors of Xylella fastidiosa in EU table grapes outbreaks
Closed
Code: 36631 | Identifier Code: EUBA-EFSA-2025-PLANTS-01-01-Lot1 | Programme name: European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) | Start submission calls: 30/04/2025 | End submission calls: 23/07/2025
The objective this call is to address, by collection and analysis of experimental and observational evidence, key knowledge gaps identified during EFSA plant health risk assessment and preparedness activities on invasive insect plant pests and on insect vectors of invasive plant pathogens.
This call is divided into three specific groups. Applicants may apply for one or more groups.
Lot 3: focuses on understanding the role of insect vectors and putative vectors in the spread of the quarantine plant pathogen Xylella fastidiosa in table grape vineyards during outbreaks in the EU, in order to support risk assessment and control of Xylella fastidiosa epidemics in table grapes.
Taxonomy and biology of Leucinodes species (grass moths) from Africa
Closed
Code: 36628 | Identifier Code: EUBA-EFSA-2025-PLANTS-01-03-Lot3 | Programme name: European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) | Start submission calls: 30/04/2025 | End submission calls: 23/07/2025
The objective this call is to address, by collection and analysis of experimental and observational evidence, key knowledge gaps identified during EFSA plant health risk assessment and preparedness activities on invasive insect plant pests and on insect vectors of invasive plant pathogens.
This call is divided into three specific groups. Applicants may apply for one or more groups.
Lot 3: This grant aims to enhance knowledge on the taxonomy and biology of the shoot and fruit borers African Leucinodes species (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) in sub-Saharan Africa, to reduce key risk assessment uncertainties on this group of moths affecting solanaceous crops in Africa.
Valorisation of untapped forest biomass
Closed
Code: 36600 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-JU-CBE-2025-RIA-01 | Programme name: Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking | Start submission calls: 03/04/2025 | End submission calls: 18/09/2025
Forest managers often face challenges in implementing more sustainable practices. Additional value can be gained from forestry (both monocultured and mixed forests), agroforestry and horticulture as well as from their residual streams, and from the biomass removed for fire, flood, drought, and disease prevention. Valorisation of such biomass streams can contribute to address the risk of forest abandonment while preserving biodiversity. This is particularly important where the resulting forest or forest-like biomass is low in volume, value, or both. The available biomass mainly consists of small wood, damaged wood (e.g., wood affected by parasites), and various types of wood from mixed forests. Additionally, it includes non-wood biomass, such as shrubs, bark, cork, branches, and resin. These kinds of biomass generally have low or even negative economic value, meaning they often need to be disposed of at a cost. Typically, this biomass is burned locally for energy or simply incinerated, releasing CO₂ into the atmosphere and providing little or no economic benefit to forest managers. This topic should explore valorisation pathways for the targeted feedstock beyond bioenergy and biofuel production.
Scaling-up nutritional proteins from alternative sources
Closed
Code: 36582 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-JU-CBE-2025-IA-03 | Programme name: Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking | Start submission calls: 03/04/2025 | End submission calls: 18/09/2025
The overarching challenge of ensuring sufficient sustainable availability of proteins for human and animal nutrition is far from being solved. The shift towards sustainably sourced alternative proteins can contribute to building food system resilience. If the proteins are sourced locally, this can also reduce dependency on protein imports as highlighted in the European Protein Strategy. Many alternative protein sources already exist and increasing R&I efforts is needed to boost their uptake as a key nutritional food ingredient, while ensuring safety and acceptability to consumers/end-users. Previous R&I projects, dealing with alternative proteins, have been mainly focused on studying new production technologies, providing relevant contribution to developing new knowledge. There is still the need to foster innovation by scaling-up processes enabling to respond to end-user needs, decreasing production costs and improving circularity.
PRIMA – Section 1 – Farming Systems in the Nexus 2025 Topic 1.2.1-2025 (IA) Enhancement of Sustainable Farming Systems within Mediterranean Wetlands for Conservation and Coexistence
Closed
Code: 36531 | Identifier Code: Topic 1.2.1 - 2025 | Programme name: PRIMA – Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (2018 – 2028) | Start submission calls: 03/04/2025 | End submission calls: 15/07/2025
Aligned with the objectives of the European Green Deal and EU Nature restoration law, and the upcoming European Water Resilience Strategy, the initiative to enhance wetland restoration in the Mediterranean serves as a catalyst for achieving the EU’s climate goals outlined for both 2030 and 2050. It aligns with the Union for the Mediterranean’s Greener Med Agenda 2030, which underscores the pivotal role of wetlands in furnishing vital ecosystem services for the region’s environmental well-being and economic advancement. Wetlands are regions where water influences the environment, fostering a unique ecosystem rich in biodiversity.
Establishing capacities for active surveillance of highly pathogenic avian influenza in wild birds in Europe
Closed
Code: 36209 | Identifier Code: EUBA-EFSA-2025-BIOHAW-03 | Programme name: European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) | Start submission calls: 25/03/2025 | End submission calls: 22/05/2025
This call aims to build capacities (infrastructure for capturing/sampling wild birds, and testing/sequencing of samples) for active surveillance of highly pathogenic avian influenza in wild birds by creating a network of surveillance nodes in Europe.
- Lot 1: Establishing capacities for active surveillance of highly pathogenic avian influenza in wild birds in Europe – Wadden Sea Region
- Lot 2: Establishing capacities for active surveillance of highly pathogenic avian influenza in wild birds in Europe – Western Black Sea Region
Support to EFSA for the risk assessment of pesticides
Closed
Code: 36085 | Identifier Code: EUBA-EFSA-2025-PREV-02 | Programme name: European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) | Start submission calls: 04/03/2025 | End submission calls: 22/05/2025
The main objective of the call is to award a four-year Framework partnership agreement (FPA) with multiple organisations belonging to the Article 36 list that will support EFSA for tasks on pesticides falling within the mission of the EFSA PREV, PLANTS and FDP units. The tasks will be related to risk assessments of active substances used in plant protection products, and to risk assessments of pesticide residues in food and feed. This type of cooperation between EFSA and organisations sharing at national level the same objectives of human health and environment protection regarding plant protection products will facilitate the transfer of knowledge and experience between EFSA and these organisations and will increase the overall efficiency of the EU regulatory processes in this sector.
Support for simple programmes targeting Canada, USA or Mexico
Closed
Code: 35795 | Identifier Code: AGRIP-SIMPLE-2025-TC-AMERICAS | Programme name: Promotion of agricultural products | Start submission calls: 22/01/2025 | End submission calls: 23/04/2025
The general objective of the AGRIP Programme is to enhance the competitiveness of the EU agricultural sector.
The specific objectives of this Programme are to:
- increase awareness of the merits of EU agricultural products and of the high standards applicable to the production methods in the EU;
- increase the competitiveness and consumption of EU agricultural products and certain food products and to raise their profile both inside and outside the EU;
- increase the awareness and recognition of EU quality schemes;
- increase the market share of EU agricultural products and certain food products, specifically focusing on those markets in third countries that have the highest growth potential;
- restore normal market conditions in the event of serious market disturbance, loss of consumer confidence or other specific problems.
Information provision and promotion programmes targeting one or more of the following countries: Canada, USA or Mexico.
The objectives of these programmes shall comply with the general and specific objectives set out and the aims listed in Article 2 and 3, respectively of Regulation (EU) No 1144/2014 highlighting in particular the specific features of agricultural production methods in the Union, particularly in terms of food safety, traceability, authenticity, labelling, nutritional and health aspects, animal welfare, respect for the environment and sustainability (including climate benefits such as the greenhouse gas emissions reduction and/or increase in carbon removals), and the characteristics of agricultural and food products, particularly in terms of their quality, taste, diversity or traditions.
Support for simple programmes promoting Organic products under Union quality scheme OR Union sustainable agriculture and animal welfare in any third country/ies
Closed
Code: 35790 | Identifier Code: AGRIP-SIMPLE-2025-TC-ORG-SUST | Programme name: Promotion of agricultural products | Start submission calls: 22/01/2025 | End submission calls: 23/04/2025
The general objective of the AGRIP Programme is to enhance the competitiveness of the EU agricultural sector.
The specific objectives of this Programme are to:
- increase awareness of the merits of EU agricultural products and of the high standards applicable to the production methods in the EU;
- increase the competitiveness and consumption of EU agricultural products and certain food products and to raise their profile both inside and outside the EU;
- increase the awareness and recognition of EU quality schemes;
- increase the market share of EU agricultural products and certain food products, specifically focusing on those markets in third countries that have the highest growth potential;
- restore normal market conditions in the event of serious market disturbance, loss of consumer confidence or other specific problems.
The objective is to increase the awareness and recognition of the Union quality scheme on organic production as well as to highlight the sustainability of Union agriculture, stressing its beneficial role for the climate, the environment and animal welfare.
Organic products under Union quality scheme OR Union sustainable agriculture and animal welfare in any third country/ies
Closed
Code: 35776 | Identifier Code: AGRIP-MULTI-2025-TC-ORG-SUST | Programme name: Promotion of agricultural products | Start submission calls: 22/01/2025 | End submission calls: 23/04/2025
The general objective of the AGRIP Programme is to enhance the competitiveness of the EU agricultural sector.
The specific objectives of this Programme are to:
- increase awareness of the merits of EU agricultural products and of the high standards applicable to the production methods in the EU;
- increase the competitiveness and consumption of EU agricultural products and certain food products and to raise their profile both inside and outside the EU;
- increase the awareness and recognition of EU quality schemes;
- increase the market share of EU agricultural products and certain food products, specifically focusing on those markets in third countries that have the highest growth potential;
- restore normal market conditions in the event of serious market disturbance, loss of consumer confidence or other specific problems.
The objective is to increase the awareness and recognition of the Union quality scheme on organic production, as well as to highlight the sustainability of Union agriculture, stressing its beneficial role for the climate, the environment and animal welfare.
Union sustainable agriculture and animal welfare
Closed
Code: 35774 | Identifier Code: AGRIP-MULTI-2025-IM-SUSTAINABLE | Programme name: Promotion of agricultural products | Start submission calls: 22/01/2025 | End submission calls: 23/04/2025
The general objective of the AGRIP Programme is to enhance the competitiveness of the EU agricultural sector.
The specific objectives of this Programme are to:
- increase awareness of the merits of EU agricultural products and of the high standards applicable to the production methods in the EU;
- increase the competitiveness and consumption of EU agricultural products and certain food products and to raise their profile both inside and outside the EU;
- increase the awareness and recognition of EU quality schemes;
- increase the market share of EU agricultural products and certain food products, specifically focusing on those markets in third countries that have the highest growth potential;
- restore normal market conditions in the event of serious market disturbance, loss of consumer confidence or other specific problems.
The objective is to highlight the sustainability of Union agriculture, stressing its beneficial role for the climate, the environment and animal welfare.
Support for information measures relating to the Common Agricultural Policy for 2025
Closed
Code: 35057 | Identifier Code: IMCAP-2025-INFOME | Programme name: Information Measures for the Common Agricultural Policy (IMCAP) | Start submission calls: 15/10/2024 | End submission calls: 16/01/2025
The general objective of the call is to raise awareness about the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) within the EU, amongst all citizens, farmers and non-farmers alike and to disseminate information about the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), the key messaging should be fully consistent with the Commission’s legal requirement to carry out information measures on the CAP within the meaning of Article 46 of Regulation (EU) 2021/2116.
The CAP plays a key role in supporting the EU’s farming sector and rural areas. It aims to ensure a competitive and sustainable agriculture model with respect to economic, social and environmental aspects.
The information measures should specifically focus on the role of the CAP and CAP Strategic Plans:
- in supporting a fair and sufficient income for farmers),
- in ensuring food security and the long-term competitiveness of EU agriculture,
- in the resilience and the transition to sustainable food production systems, including for the livestock sector,
- in supporting generational renewal and improving gender balance and participation of women, and
- in strengthening the position of farmers in the value chain and protecting them from unfair trading practices.
Pilots of long-term climate impact forest monitoring sites: Providing temporally resolved ecosystem-level information on the effects of climatic drivers on forest structure and function in near real-time
Closed
Code: 34620 | Identifier Code: FORWARDS - G-06-2024 | Programme name: Funding under projects | Start submission calls: 31/07/2024 | End submission calls: 31/10/2024
This call aims to set up pilots for long-term climate impact forest monitoring sites across Europe. Current long-term forest monitoring networks provide important information on the impact of climate change on forests. Still, most monitoring networks are not particularly focused on assessing climate change impacts. With this call, the aim is thus to increase the potential of existing forest monitoring sites – especially but not inclusively ICP Forests, ICOS or LTER sites (i.e., sites which already provide a basic set of monitoring data) – to assess the impact of climate and climatic extremes on trees and forests.
Supporting the CBE JU Deployment Group on Primary Producers
Closed
Code: 34512 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-JU-CBE-2024-CSA-03 | Programme name: Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking | Start submission calls: 24/04/2024 | End submission calls: 18/09/2024
Primary producers are at the beginning of the circular bio-based value chains as biomass suppliers. They also play an important role as producers and end-users of bio-based products and innovations. As such, they have a critical role in the deployment of circular and bio-based innovations. However, do not always fully benefit from the opportunities that this can offer to them and are often not entirely integrated into the bio-based value chains together with other actors. The long-term economic viability of novel bio-based business models, from which the primary producers can benefit, is sometimes uncertain and affected by associated technical barriers but also by policy, regulatory & legal barriers as well as for other unpredictable climatic or global circumstances.
The CBE JU Deployment Groups are established in accordance with articles 22 and 56 of the Council regulation establishing the Joint Undertakings, taking also into consideration the CBE Impact Assessment and the CBE JU Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda.
Under this framework, a specific Deployment Group of primary producers will be established to provide advice to CBE JU on critical issues encountered by primary producers with an impact on the deployment of circular bio-based solutions and innovations. In particular, the Deployment Group on primary producers will address opportunities and challenges faced by the primary sector which constitutes critical issues for the deployment of circular bio-based solutions and innovations and to ensure that primary producers benefit from their involvement in new and innovative circular and bio-based value chains.
The Deployment Group will be composed by a flexible and balanced group of stakeholders representing the primary sector, including the agricultural; forestry; and fisheries & aquaculture primary sectors. The proposal should engage primary producers from different regions and pedo-climatic zones in Europe.
Bio-based value chains for valorisation of sustainable natural fibre feedstock
Closed
Code: 34446 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-JU-CBE-2024-IAFlag-03 | Programme name: Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking | Start submission calls: 24/04/2024 | End submission calls: 18/09/2024
Sustainable agricultural and forestry practices can deliver feedstock meeting industry requirements (such as fibre yield, quality) while ensuring all aspects of sustainability, thus offering significant opportunities not only for industrial competitiveness, but also for climate change mitigation, rural development, and transition to low carbon bioeconomy.
The scope covers the establishment of industrial fibre crop production systems, compatible with the biodiversity protection and enhancement, and soil health, not interfering with (and where applicable taking advantage of synergies with) with food value chains through sustainable cultivation practices as well as maintenance or enhancement of soil health, soil carbon sequestration potential, soil regeneration, contributing to environmental benefits.
The scope includes fibres from primary non-woody crops and/or wood-based fibres, as well as fibres from the respective residues and side streams. The scope excludes algae, while higher aquatic plants are included proven they have a starting TRL at least 6. Both long and short fibre applications are in scope. Natural fibres (including modified fibres) are in scope, while synthetic bio-based fibres are excluded. The scope also includes tackling bottlenecks in trait optimization and cultivation practice where applicable.
Managing forest peatsoils
Closed
Code: 34419 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-MISS-2024-SOIL-01-08 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Missions | Start submission calls: 08/05/2024 | End submission calls: 08/10/2024
Peatlands can provide multiple ecosystem services such as timber production, climate regulation, water quality control, flood abatement, biodiversity conservation, as well as recreational benefits. However, this potential is compromised due to drainage. Alternative soil management practices for forest peat soils, in particular through the combination of rewetting techniques and forest management (with the exclusion of afforestation), have the potential to improve the environmental, climate and economic performance of peatlands, as well as reduce the impacts of forest harvesting on nutrient, sediment and dissolved organic carbon exports. In particular, practices are needed that effectively address trade-offs from forests multifunctionality and apply an integrated approach to their management (considering biodiversity, climate change challenges, bio-economy needs etc.).
This topic does not cover agricultural emissions.
Commodity risk assessment for ornamental plants and plant products
Closed
Code: 34278 | Identifier Code: EUBA-EFSA-PLANTS-2024-03 | Programme name: European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) | Start submission calls: 11/07/2024 | End submission calls: 01/10/2024
This call for proposals aims to identify organisations for which tasks falling within the plant health mission of the PLANTS unit can be entrusted by EFSA. In particular, these tasks regard the commodity risk assessment and/or assessment of commodity treatments for the evaluation of the technical dossiers sent by Third Countries for High Risk Plants or for request of derogation of import prohibitions.
Pathway to animal welfare quantitative risk assessment: piloting a standardised collection of Animal Based Measures in pigs
Closed
Code: 34127 | Identifier Code: EUBA-EFSA-2024-BIOHAW-01 | Programme name: European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) | Start submission calls: 23/05/2024 | End submission calls: 14/11/2024
The scope of this call is to select (existing and new) animal-based measures (ABMs) and related management-, resources- and environmental-based (so called ‘context’) data from sows and piglets and from different housing systems and practices, including slaughter, to collect in the field on a large scale and in a harmonised way across EU MSs. These data are to be used for developing a freely accessible prototype Database for analysing the correlation between ABMs and related context data and enabling future quantitative risk assessment of the welfare on-farm of sows and piglets.
Soil health, pollinators and key ecosystem functions
Closed
Code: 34053 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-MISS-2024-SOIL-01-05 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Missions | Start submission calls: 08/05/2024 | End submission calls: 08/10/2024
Pollination is a key ecosystem service for crops and food production. Therefore, a specific focus on pollinating insects is required. Many solitary wasps and 70% of wild bees nest below ground and require protection during this crucial period of their lifecycle.
Projects results are expected to contribute to all of the following outcomes:
- Improved knowledge and understanding of the biology and ecology of insect species spending part of their life cycle on or in the soil, with specific focus on ground-nesting pollinators.
- Better understanding of the major causes of the decline of these insects and the synergistic effects of various threats, including the quantitative and qualitative aspects related to the magnitude of their decline.
- More effective measures to tackle the loss of soil-dependent insects.
Animal Welfare: heat stress in livestock during transport
Closed
Code: 33826 | Identifier Code: EUBA-EFSA-2024-BIOHAW-02 | Programme name: European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) | Start submission calls: 28/05/2024 | End submission calls: 31/07/2024
The aim is the identification of Article 36 organisations to develop and validate an algorithm or model that can predict the effective temperature in a livestock vehicle using the weather forecast and the effect of mitigating strategies such the use of mechanical ventilation and varying the space allowance given to livestock.
Citizen and Stakeholder Engagement in CSF and forest restoration
Closed
Code: 33645 | Identifier Code: FORWARDS | Programme name: Funding under projects | Start submission calls: 30/04/2024 | End submission calls: 01/09/2024
FORWARDS is a project funded by the European Union that will prototype the Forest-Ward Observatory, a pan-European monitoring and evaluation system that will help assess how European forests respond to the impacts of climate change. It will document current restoration activities concerning forests, biodiversity, carbon, and soils and explore various restoration options to guide decision-making processes towards climate-smart forest management.
This call will support activities that employ various levels of engagement ranging from local community initiatives to larger regional or national programmes in Europe.