100 results found

Section 1 – Farming Systems in the Nexus 2024 Topic 1.2.1-2024 (IA) – Transformative Adaptation of Mediterranean dry farming systems using water harvesting techniques to address extreme drought in arid and semi-arid environments

Opened

Code: 32505 | Identifier Code: Topic 1.2.1-2024 (IA) | Programme name: PRIMA – Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (2018-2028) | Start submission calls: 02/02/2024 | End submission calls: 25/09/2024

This call for proposals aims to address the challenges of dry-farming in arid Mediterranean areas by integrating traditional and modern hydro-technologies to create sustainable and resilient agricultural systems. The focus is on systems that prioritise the use of saline-resistant and drought-resistant species or underutilised species with minimal water requirements, adapted to seasonal rainfall variations, and tolerant to solar radiation and elevated temperatures, including halophytes, cacti, and similar plants.

Support for simple programmes promoting Organic products under Union quality scheme OR Union sustainable agriculture and animal welfare in any third country/ies

Opened

Code: 32351 | Identifier Code: AGRIP-SIMPLE-2024-TC-ORG-SUST | Programme name: Promotion of agricultural products | Start submission calls: 18/01/2024 | End submission calls: 14/05/2024

For Information provision and promotion programmes concerning the organic products under Union quality scheme the  objective is to increase the awareness and recognition of the Union quality scheme on organic production.

Union sustainable agriculture and animal welfare

Opened

Code: 32338 | Identifier Code: AGRIP-SIMPLE-2024-IM-SUSTAINABLE | Programme name: Promotion of agricultural products | Start submission calls: 18/01/2024 | End submission calls: 14/05/2024

The objective is to highlight the sustainability of Union agriculture, stressing its beneficial role for the climate, the environment and animal welfare.

Establishing capacities for active surveillance of highly pathogenic avian influenza in wild birds in Europe

Closed

Code: 31773 | Identifier Code: EUBA-EFSA-2023-BIOHAW-06 | Programme name: European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) | Start submission calls: 15/11/2023 | End submission calls: 21/02/2024

The objectives of the call are to

  • establish a network of surveillance nodes across Europe
  • build long-term capacities and partnerships for active surveillance of HPAI viruses in wild birds
  • complement already existing (i.e. in wild birds found dead, injured or sick; in wild birds trapped or hunted with or without clinical signs, in sentinel wild birds) or planned surveillance activities
  • provide a pipeline for rapid detection and identification of avian influenza viruses
  • get a fuller picture of avian influenza viruses circulating in Europe and thereby increase the genetic pool available for further analyses

Topics under this Call:

Lake Constance Region

Veneto Region

Western Black Sea

Pilots of long-term climate impact forest monitoring sites

Closed

Code: 31443 | Identifier Code: FORWARDS | Programme name: Funding under projects | Start submission calls: 31/10/2023 | End submission calls: 15/01/2024

The primary aim of this call is to support additional measurements providing long-term data on forest functioning and forest disturbance impacts to better understand the impact of climate change on various time scales and to be able to link ground-based information to remotely sensed data. To achieve this aim, supported projects must address the following points:

  • provide temporally resolved ecosystem-level information on the effects of climatic drivers on forest structure and function in near real-time.
  • better link the ground-based monitoring information to satellite imagery for European forest monitoring

Thematic networks to compile and share knowledge ready for practice

Closed

Code: 31387 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2024-GOVERNANCE-01-9 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 17/10/2023 | End submission calls: 28/02/2024

Successful proposals will focus on sharing knowledge in a language that is understandable and targeted at farmers and foresters. They will address primary producers’ need for unbiased and tailored knowledge about management options relevant to the needs, challenges or opportunities they face.

They will also accelerate innovation and acceptance of results and will be key to improving sustainability. They will contribute to effective Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems (AKIS).

Research findings are often not incorporated into agricultural and forestry practice.

Land use change and local / regional climate

Closed

Code: 31369 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2024-CLIMATE-01-4 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 17/10/2023 | End submission calls: 22/02/2024

The conservation and enhancement of Earth’s natural terrestrial carbon sinks such as soils and plants in forests, on farmed lands as well as peatlands and wetlands is crucial. The European Green Deal and EU sectoral policies such as the common agricultural policy give research and innovation (R&I) a significant role to play in supporting the design and implementation of policies that will ensure the achievement of the EU’s climate objectives.

Project implementation is expected to contribute to mitigation of and adaptation to climate change and to help achieve climate-neutrality in the land-use sector by 2035 (combining net removals from Land Use, Land Use Change and Forestry with biogenic emissions from agriculture) and climate neutrality of all sectors by 2050.

Demonstrating Nature-based Solutions for the sustainable management of water resources in a changing climate, with special attention to reducing the impacts of extreme droughts

Opened

Code: 31364 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2024-BIODIV-02-1-two-stage | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 17/10/2023 | End submission calls: 17/09/2024

Due to the changing climate, many European regions are already facing more frequent, severe, and longer lasting droughts. Extreme droughts can have cascading effects; e.g., they reduce water levels in rivers and ground water, stunt tree and crop growth, increase pest attacks, favour the occurrence of sand drifts and storms and fuel wildfires. Moreover, impacts of extreme droughts accumulate over time across large areas, and the effect can linger for years. In areas with an intense demand for water supply, the impacts of droughts add up to the stress imposed to water systems by human activities.

Nature-based Solutions are highly adaptable to respond to changing local conditions and are often more cost and resource efficient than purely technological approaches in the longer term.

River basin management plans are still limited in the recognition of NBS capacity to contribute to drought resilience. Furthermore, we are still missing more and longer-term evidence of the combined effects of different designs and combinations of NBS operating in different contexts (urban, peri-urban and rural) and/or at different scales and/or different climatic zones, in what regards the sustainable management of water resources to reduce the impacts of extreme droughts. At the same time, the co-benefit that these NBS may bring to reduce hydrogeological risks such as flood peaking and stabilising hydrographs for both droughts and floods is still to be demonstrated.

Promoting pollinator friendly farming systems

Closed

Code: 31359 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2024-BIODIV-01-6 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 17/10/2023 | End submission calls: 22/02/2024

The production of many crops depends on pollinators. Different types of measures are needed to tackle the causes of pollinator decline, enhance crop pollination, and promote pollinators in agriculture. Many crops have specific traits, which have been identified to enhance crop–pollinator interactions. This could also improve crop yields, nutritional resources for pollinators and promote a pollinator-friendly agriculture.

Pollination activities are also impacted by variety (genotype), environment, and management practices (GxExM). Pollinator-specific planning needs to consider temporal and spatial crop management and other strategies of management (e.g., field margin composition and structure) to enhance pollination services.

Animal nutritional requirements and nutritional value of feed under different production management conditions

Opened

Code: 31339 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2024-FARM2FORK-02-5-two-stage | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 17/10/2023 | End submission calls: 17/09/2024

The proposed project will focus on existing or alternative source of nutrients using value chain approaches to maximize feed production and feed use efficiency, supporting the local environment and farm circularity.

The aim is to optimise the use of local feedstuffs, shorten supply chains and rely more on local resources. It is important to investigate content, availability and digestibility of nutrients in locally available feedstuffs in different pedo-climatic regions and livestock systems, without compromising feed safety and efficiency.

Increasing the availability and use of non-contentious inputs in organic farming

Opened

Code: 31265 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2024-FARM2FORK-02-1-two-stage | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 17/10/2023 | End submission calls: 17/09/2024

Promoting the use of more sustainable agricultural practices is a policy objective enshrined in the European Green Deal and its related strategies. Strengthening organic agriculture, one of the objectives of the EU’s farm-to-finish and biodiversity strategies, can go a long way towards achieving this ambition and, therefore, the climate ambition, as the organic farming contributes directly and significantly to the storage of carbon in soils and biomass. In addition, the Commission Communication “Ensuring food security and strengthening the resilience of food systems” highlights the role that organic agriculture can play in reducing the EU’s dependence on external inputs, as organic agriculture is recognized, among other things, for limiting the use of off-farm inputs.

Organic legislation allows the use of a specific set of products with less impact on the environment and soil. It is important to continue to explore ways to phase out and replace questionable inputs used in organic farming and to increase the availability, accessibility and use of alternatives to these products. In this way, due attention should be given to system approaches that take into account the entire agricultural system and its relationship to the soil and landscape levels. In addition, to address the needs of farmers in this sector, socially innovative solutions are required.

Paludiculture: large-scale demonstrations

Closed

Code: 31238 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2024-CLIMATE-01-3 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 17/10/2023 | End submission calls: 22/02/2024

This topic will support the European Green Deal, notably its climate objectives and the EU proposal for a nature restoration law of the EU biodiversity strategy for 2030. Earth’s natural terrestrial carbon sinks, in particular peatlands and wetlands, are expected to play a crucial role in reaching EU climate objectives thanks to the conservation and restoration of ecosystems with large potential for carbon sequestration.

Improving irrigation practices and technologies in agriculture

Closed

Code: 30842 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2024-CLIMATE-01-1 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 17/10/2023 | End submission calls: 22/02/2024

Successful proposals will contribute to increasing the resilience of agriculture to drought with innovative irrigation systems that increase efficiency in water management.

From silos to diversity – small-scale bio-based demonstration pilots

Opened

Code: 30813 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2024-CircBio-02-6-two-stage | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 17/10/2023 | End submission calls: 17/09/2024

The current economy system is based on an intensive consumption of fossil fuels in a way that severely compromise the future of the planet due to the severe consequences in climate change. Europe’s future economic growth and jobs will increasingly have to come from innovation in sustainable products based on renewable resources and in line with the climate and biodiversity objectives. This topic addresses innovative business models and technology options in primary production sectors to unlock the potential of the bioeconomy in rural areas and to efficiently use underutilised biomass, in particular side streams from agriculture and forestry, for high value applications in small-scale bio-based demonstration pilots.

Selective breeding programme for organic aquaculture

Closed

Code: 30802 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2024-BIODIV-01-9 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 17/10/2023 | End submission calls: 22/02/2024

Breeding under organic conditions is essential to achieve the objectives of organic aquaculture and respect its principles. Breeding is at the same time essential to allow the farmers to reach good productive results and efficient use of the resources under organic production conditions.

Proposals should plan breeding programs under organic aquaculture for the main European aquaculture finfish species, i.e. seabass, seabream, trout and salmon. They should breed organic juveniles under organic production conditions respecting high animal welfare standards and should aim to improve species resilience, diseases resistances and feed efficiency satisfying nutritional needs using as much as possible alternative feed materials to increase production sustainability.

Tackling outbreaks of plant pests

Closed

Code: 30705 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2024-FARM2FORK-02-4-two-stage | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 17/10/2023 | End submission calls: 22/02/2024

Plant health is of global importance for agriculture, forestry, natural ecosystems, ecosystem services and biodiversity. Plant health is threatened by species injurious to plants and plant products, which present a greater risk of being introduced into the Union territory due to globalisation, trade and climate change. The prevention of entry and, if arrived within the EU territory, early detection and eradication are part of the plant health policies to avoid significant impacts in agriculture, forestry and environment by plant pests.

Proposals should target one or more plant pest(s) that are either Union quarantine plant pests present in the EU or Union quarantine pests which are priority pests in the EU, and that are of concern for agriculture and/or forestry, with the exception of plant pests targeted in Horizon Europe. Research activities should improve methods for an effective implementation of the principles of integrated pest management (IPM), whilst reflecting the move towards innovative biological and other non-chemical control and resistance breeding.

Societal perceptions and benefits of rural life and jobs: will COVID 19 generate a long-lasting shift?

Closed

Code: 30685 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2024-COMMUNITIES-01-2 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 17/10/2023 | End submission calls: 22/02/2024

Rural areas are often described by the challenges they face: depopulation, demographic change, low income levels, limited access to services, low connectivity, discontent caused by the feeling of being overlooked and limited resilience. However, rural areas can be places of opportunities. Overall, there are increasing demands from the society that are putting pressure on rural areas and the Covid-19 crisis showed how important it is to keep essential services, e.g. the agri-food production that is an important part of the rural economies, active. To better respond to rural areas needs and challenges, and to revert the negative trends that affect the well-being of rural communities, it is important to better understand how rural life is perceived by urban and rural dwellers and to build a new narrative, based on facts, that highlight the opportunities of these places.

New sustainable business and production models for farmers and rural communities

Closed

Code: 30683 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2024-COMMUNITIES-02-2-two-stage | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 17/10/2023 | End submission calls: 22/02/2024

EU agri-food value chains are diverse and dynamic, enabling them to meet the various consumers’ expectations, potentially helping producers increase value added. At the same time agriculture is characterised by a stagnant and low share of value added in the value chain due to: high input costs, structure of the food value chains (concentration upstream and downstream), variation in production and incorporation of new services. Therefore, rural communities as well as farmers are under increasing pressure to adopt sustainable business and production models that consider not only economic but also both social and environmental aspects. Moving towards more sustainable business and production systems requires adequate tools and measurement methods to assess and monitor the multi-performance of farms and rural businesses under different conditions.

This topic is focused on new sustainable business and production models for farmers and rural communities.

Successful proposals are expected to clearly address only one of the following areas: area A or area B.

Agro-pastoral/outdoor livestock systems and wildlife management

Closed

Code: 30661 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2024-FARM2FORK-01-1 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 17/10/2023 | End submission calls: 22/02/2024

Agro-pastoral/outdoor livestock farming systems, which include a large number traditional activities in Europe such as grazing systems, mountain livestock farming, transhumance, silvo-pastoral and agroforestry systems, offer beneficial effects to animal production and to habitat maintenance, carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation and soil protection.
The increased demand for natural resources by human population with the consequent fragmentation of wildlife habitat, together with the increased population of wild animals and the change in land use have often resulted in human-wildlife conflicts.
The implementation of a common and integrated approach at EU level is required to optimize the management of the co-existence of terrestrial wildlife (large carnivores, ungulates) and agro-pastoral/outdoor livestock systems at landscape level.

The successful proposal will help policy makers and other actors to monitor and improve the management of farming and terrestrial wildlife relationships, thus contributing to sustainable agriculture and ecosystem services.

EU-African Union cooperation on agroforestry management for climate change adaptation and mitigation

Closed

Code: 30651 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2024-FARM2FORK-01-10 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 17/10/2023 | End submission calls: 22/02/2024

Achieving sustainable agricultural production that fosters both climate change mitigation and adaptation and biodiversity preservation and enhancement is a policy objective that implies finding a balance with farm productivity, socio-economic viability and wider sustainability goals. Agroforestry systems have the potential to increase ecosystem services – including soil carbon sequestration, water retention, erosion control, soil nutrients, pollination, pest- and disease-control – and biodiversity, while improving farming productivity, profitability and sustainability of farmers’ incomes. Implementation of agroforestry in the EU and the AU needs to be boosted in order to maximise this potential. The management of agroforestry systems is critical for their positive impact on climate and the environment as well as to ensure a balance with productivity and profitability for farmers. This is essential to promote the uptake and long-term sustainability of agroforestry.

Broaden EIP Operational Group outcomes across borders by means of thematic networks to compile and share knowledge ready for practice

Closed

Code: 30615 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2024-GOVERNANCE-01-8 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 17/10/2023 | End submission calls: 28/02/2024

The successful proposals will focus on knowledge sharing in a language that is easy to understand and targeted to farmers and foresters. They will address the necessity of primary producers for impartial and tailored knowledge on the management choices related to the needs, challenges or opportunities they experience.
They will contribute to effective Agriculture Knowledge and Innovation Systems (AKIS), thereby adding value to the knowledge and cost-effectiveness of innovative practices and techniques in and across primary production sectors, food and bioeconomy systems, and lead to more informed and engaged stakeholders and users of project results.

Enhancing working conditions and strengthening the work force through digital and data technologies – the potential of robotics and augmented reality in agriculture

Closed

Code: 30598 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2024-GOVERNANCE-01-7 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 17/10/2023 | End submission calls: 28/02/2024

Digital and data technologies can facilitate the work in agriculture, enhance working conditions and mitigate the challenge of a lack of work force, by which some branches and regions are affected. They have the potential of making farm-related jobs more attractive, including for younger generations, and to make them safer. Digital and data technologies can increase the effectiveness and efficiency of applications, including for instance through a higher level of precision, and thus increase the sustainability and competitiveness of the sector. Automation is increasingly used in agriculture; frequently, the cost-effectiveness of innovative digital and data technologies still presents a bottleneck to their use in the sector, particularly in fields where their application is not primarily relevant for increasing process efficiency and effectiveness. Technical solutions based on augmented reality approaches offer many opportunities to facilitate and enhance the use of digital technologies in agriculture, to enhance the performance of digital tools, and to provide remote assistance, which is important for remote businesses, particularly in rural areas.

A successful proposal will contribute to transition to a fair, healthy and resilient agriculture.

Developing EU advisory networks on sustainable livestock systems

Closed

Code: 30585 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2024-GOVERNANCE-01-13 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 17/10/2023 | End submission calls: 28/02/2024

The successful proposal will focus on advisor exchanges across the EU in order to increase the speed of knowledge creation and sharing, capacity building, demonstration of innovative solutions, as well as helping to bring them into practice, which accelerates the necessary transitions. Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems (AKIS), in which advisors play a central role, are key drivers to speed up innovation and the uptake of research results by farmers.

This specific topic focuses on the important role that advisors can play in relation to boosting sustainable livestock systems in the future.

Organic farming thematic networks to compile and share knowledge ready for practice

Closed

Code: 30583 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2024-GOVERNANCE-01-10 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 17/10/2023 | End submission calls: 28/02/2024

Successful proposals will support the objectives of the European Green Deal, including on climate change, of the common agricultural policy (CAP) and of the farm to fork strategy, notably its target to reach at least 25% of the EU’s agricultural land under organic farming by 2030. This topic addresses the necessity of organic farming producers for impartial and tailored knowledge on the management choices related to the needs, challenges or opportunities they experience. Successful proposals will speed up innovation and the uptake of results, and will contribute to effective Agriculture Knowledge and Innovation Systems (AKIS).

This topic aims at supporting the achievement of the farm to fork strategy target of at least 25% of the EU’s agricultural land under organic farming by 2030, for which knowledge and best practice exchange among farmers and across the EU and Associated Countries are fundamental, as it is recognised in the action plan for the development of organic production[4]. In this respect, it also aims to support climate change mitigation and adaptation, including carbon farming uptake.

Demonstrating the fair and just transition from GHG-intensive economies facing challenges towards circular bioeconomy model regions

Closed

Code: 30577 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2024-CircBio-01-7 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 17/10/2023 | End submission calls: 22/02/2024

This topic is focused on the demonstration of the fair and just transition from GHG-intensive economies facing challenges towards circular bioeconomy model regions.

Developing EU advisory networks on forestry

Closed

Code: 30572 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2024-GOVERNANCE-01-12 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 17/10/2023 | End submission calls: 28/02/2024

This specific topic focuses on the important role advisors can play related to more sustainable forestry in the future.

Biodiversity thematic networks to compile and share knowledge ready for practice

Closed

Code: 30570 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2024-GOVERNANCE-01-11 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 17/10/2023 | End submission calls: 28/02/2024

This topic is focused on biodiversity thematic networks.

Project results are expected to contribute to the following outcomes:

  • Support the implementation of the cross-cutting objective of modernising the sector by fostering and sharing of knowledge, innovation and digitalisation in agriculture and rural areas, and encouraging their uptake.
  • Collection and distribution of easily accessible practice-oriented knowledge on the thematic area chosen, in particular the existing best practices and research findings that are ready to be put into practice.
  • Maintenance of the practical knowledge for the long-term – beyond the project period – in particular by using the main trusted dissemination channels that farmers/foresters most often consult.
  • Increased flow of practical information between farmers/foresters in the EU in a geographically balanced way, creating spill-overs and taking account of the differences between territories.

Reintroduction of landscape features in intensive agricultural areas

Closed

Code: 30535 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2024-BIODIV-01-7 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 17/10/2023 | End submission calls: 22/02/2024

Successful proposals will contribute to develop and improve practices in agriculture to support and make sustainable use of biodiversity and a wide range of ecosystems services.

There is a need to reintroduce nature to improve the state of the environment by delivering ecosystem services and as a contribution to climate mitigation and adaptation. In particular it is needed to achieve ecological corridors, in conjunction with other multifunctional Nature-based Solutions.

This topic is focused on reintroduction of landscape features in intensive agricultural areas.

Socio-economic, climate and environmental aspects of paludiculture

Closed

Code: 30529 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2024-CLIMATE-01-2 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 17/10/2023 | End submission calls: 22/02/2024

This topic is focused on socio-economic, climate and environmental aspects of paludiculture.

The European Forest Institute (EFI) – Establishing Climate-Smart Forestry and forest restoration pilots in Europe G-04-2023

Closed

Code: 30292 | Identifier Code: G-04-2023 | Programme name: Funding under projects | Start submission calls: 31/07/2023 | End submission calls: 31/10/2023

The aim of this call for grants is to set up Climate-Smart Forestry (CSF) and forest restoration pilots across Europe as a basis for developing an evidence-based understanding of effective CSF and restoration management practices in supporting climate change mitigation, adaptation, and biodiversity.

Improved toolbox for evaluating the climate and environmental impacts of trade policies

Closed

Code: 30038 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL5-2024-D1-01-04 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Climate, Energy and Mobility (Cluster 5)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 12/09/2023 | End submission calls: 05/03/2024

Actions are expected to cover all of the following areas:

  • Study and quantification of the effects of trade on the climate and the environment
  • Study and quantification of the effects of trade policy on the climate and the environment
  • Methodology and toolbox related aspects

Food Waste for Stakeholders 2023

Closed

Code: 29620 | Identifier Code: SMP-FOOD-2023-FW-STAKEHOLDERS-AG | Programme name: Single Market Programme (SMP) (2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 13/06/2023 | End submission calls: 21/09/2023

This call for proposals aims to support stakeholders in taking actions to address consumer food waste (both in- and out-of-home), covering types of actions such as behavioural change interventions, education and training, the elaboration and implementation of food waste prevention guidelines, food waste monitoring programs, awareness raising campaigns and communication materials, and development of new business models.

Optimised forest-based value chains for high value applications and improved forest management

Closed

Code: 29058 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-JU-CBE-2023-R-02 | Programme name: Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking | Start submission calls: 26/04/2023 | End submission calls: 20/09/2023

European forests are important providers of multiple feedstocks and services including biomass used for a wide variety of uses, where the assurance of sustainability plays a key role. However, they are presently facing increasing pressure from climate change and other environmental pressures.
Forest operators need to adapt to these fast-changing conditions to ensure the continued role of forests in providing biomass, enhancing biodiversity and absorbing atmospheric carbon. Sensing, data acquisition and predictive technologies can prove a key enabler for data-driven decision making in forest-based operations. These range from maintaining forest health through monitoring and corrective actions, to quality control of wood and non-wood biomass, to support decision making on the best application of each biomass (wood and non-wood, when applicable) component.

Selective, sustainable production routes towards bio-based alternatives to fossil-based chemical building blocks

Closed

Code: 28995 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-JU-CBE-2023-IA-06 | Programme name: Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking | Start submission calls: 26/04/2023 | End submission calls: 20/09/2023

The production of a wider portfolio of bio-based platform chemicals is presently at low maturity, and CAPEX (and OPEX) investments are still needed to scale up production.

The bio-based platform chemicals portfolio remains relatively limited, with an approximate of 90% of the global bio-based production capacity accounted by a limited amount of platform chemicals. It is essential to progress further with the market penetration of bio-based chemicals, with a holistic consideration of sustainability across the value chain.

Optimised and integrated wood-based value chains

Closed

Code: 28991 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-JU-CBE-2023-IAFlag-01 | Programme name: Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking | Start submission calls: 26/04/2023 | End submission calls: 20/09/2023

This topic aims to considerably increase resource efficiency by promoting cooperation of companies of different scales and other actors and move towards “zero waste, zero pollution” operations. The feedstock in scope of the topic are woody biomass from sustainably managed forests and wood industry side streams and residues.

For this purpose, seamless and efficient integration of processing technologies of main and side flows of woody biomass between various companies and other actors is needed, specialising manufacturing of diverse materials and products. This may be achieved by the creation of a symbiotic ecosystem with clusters of companies of different scale and technology providers using the residual streams of large-scale industrial plants, but also exploiting the technical opportunities from emerging manufacturing systems.

Nature & Biodiversity and Circular Economy & Quality of Life

Closed

Code: 28856 | Identifier Code: LIFE-2023-PLP-NAT-ENV | Programme name: LIFE: ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE ACTION | Start submission calls: 18/04/2023 | End submission calls: 07/09/2023

The proposed projects shall aim to address the following specific needs identified by the Member States in the sub-programme Circular Economy and Quality of LIFE in the sub-programme Nature and Biodiversity.

Circular Economy, resources from Waste, Air, Water, Soil, Noise, Chemicals, Bauhaus

Closed

Code: 28828 | Identifier Code: LIFE-2023-SAP-ENV-ENVIRONMENT | Programme name: LIFE: ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE ACTION | Start submission calls: 18/04/2023 | End submission calls: 06/09/2023

The aim is to facilitate the transition toward a sustainable, circular, toxic-free, energyefficient/climate-resilient economy and toward a toxic-free environment as well as to protect, restore and improve the quality of the environment.

The specific objective is to cover one or more of the following topics (the description is further detailed in the sections afterwards):
1. Circular Economy and Waste
2. Air
3. Water
4. Soil
5. Noise
6. Chemicals
7. A new European Bauhaus

Nature and Biodiversity

Closed

Code: 28818 | Identifier Code: LIFE-2023-SAP-NAT-NATURE | Programme name: LIFE: ENVIRONMENT AND CLIMATE ACTION | Start submission calls: 18/04/2023 | End submission calls: 06/09/2023

Projects should fall under at least one of the two areas of intervention:

Intervention area: “Space for Nature”
Any project aimed at improving the condition of species or habitats through areabased conservation or restoration measures falls within the eligible scope of the intervention area “Space for Nature”. This may include, for example, projects for restoring or improving natural or semi-natural habitats, or habitats of species, both within and outside existing protected areas. This may also include projects for creating additional protected areas (or improving the biodiversity focus and contribution of existing protected areas), ecological corridors or other green infrastructure, projects testing or demonstrating new site management approaches, projects acting on pressures, etc.

Intervention area: “Safeguarding our species”
Any project aimed at improving the condition of species (or, in the case of invasive alien species, reducing their impact) through any relevant activities other than area-based conservation or restoration measures falls within the scope of the intervention area “Safeguarding our species”. Considering the broad range of threats that may act on species in addition to the degradation of their habitats, such projects may apply to a wide range of relevant measures, spanning from hard infrastructural works to awareness raising of stakeholders.

Section 2 Multitopics 2023

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Code: 27551 | Identifier Code: Section 2 | Programme name: PRIMA – Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (2018-2028) | Start submission calls: 23/01/2023 | End submission calls: 05/04/2023

The topics that have opened under the present call are the following:

  • Thematic Area 1-Water management: Topic 2.1.1-2023 (RIA) New governance models to define best practices for sustainable water management and conflict mitigation. 
  • Thematic Area 2-Farming systems: Topic 2.2.1 (RIA) A step toward carbon-neutral farms: coupling renewable energy sources with circular farming systems. 
  • Thematic Area 3-Food value chain: Topic 2.3.1 (RIA) – Assessing novel antimicrobial food packaging and coating materials to reduce food waste to improve safety in the Mediterranean food supply chain

 

The proposal must be submitted by the coordinator of the transnational project centrally to PRIMA and all the partners must submit the first stage pre-proposal to their National Funding Agency.

The deadline for the submission of stage 1 pre-proposals to PRIMA is 29 March 2023, 17h00 (Brussels time). The deadline for the submission of stage 2 full proposals to PRIMA is 13 September 2023, 17h00 (Brussels time).

The deadline for the submission of stage 1 pre-proposals to RIF is 05 April 2023, 13h00 (Cyprus time). The deadline for the submission of stage 2 full proposals to RIF is 20 September 2023, 13h00 (Cyprus time).

Innovations to prevent and combat desertification

Closed

Code: 27147 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-MISS-2023-SOIL-01-04 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Missions | Start submission calls: 17/01/2023 | End submission calls: 20/09/2023

In 2017, 25% of land in Southern, Central and Eastern Europe was estimated to be at high or very high risk of desertification. The risk is likely to have further increased since then, and to continue increasing because of accelerating climate change and continued pressures from land use and land-use change. Desertification leads to loss of biodiversity, of organic carbon and of other land-based ecosystem services, including reduced agricultural and forest productivity. Desertification further amplifies global warming through the release of CO2 and other greenhouse gases linked with the decrease in vegetation cover. Thus, it has severe environmental, social and economic consequences which need to be urgently tackled.

Carbon farming in living labs

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Code: 27130 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-MISS-2023-SOIL-01-09 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Missions | Start submission calls: 17/01/2023 | End submission calls: 20/09/2023

Carbon farming can be defined as a green business model that rewards land managers for taking up improved land management practices, resulting in the increase of carbon sequestration in living biomass, dead organic matter and soils by enhancing carbon capture and/or reducing the release of carbon to the atmosphere, in respect of ecological principles favourable to biodiversity and the natural capital overall.

Living labs are collaborations between multiple partners that operate and undertake experiments on several sites at regional or sub-regional level. Individual sites could be e.g. farms, forest stands, urban green or industrial areas, enterprises and other entities, where the work is carried-out and monitored under real-life conditions, regardless of the land size, tenure (land ownerships) or the type of economic activity.

Lighthouses are individual, local sites (one farm, one forest exploitation, one industrial site, one urban city green area, etc.) that either can be part of a living lab or be situated outside a living lab.

Mission Climate adaptation, Mission Ocean & waters and Mission Soil Deal for Europe – Joint demonstration of an integrated approach to increasing landscape water retention capacity at regional scale

Closed

Code: 27082 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-MISS-2023-CLIMA-OCEAN-SOIL-01-01 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Missions | Start submission calls: 17/01/2023 | End submission calls: 20/09/2023

This joint topic aims to support at least 75 full-scale deep demonstrations of climate resilience, to the Mission Ocean & Waters’ objective 1, protect and restore marine and freshwater ecosystems and biodiversity, and objective 2, prevent and eliminate pollution of marine and freshwaters. It also contributes to the objectives of the Water Framework Directive (WFD), as well as to the freshwater objectives of the Biodiversity Strategy 2030 on the re-naturalisation of rivers and the restoration of floodplains.

Landscape water retention capacity is understood as the ability of water bodies, soils and other ecosystems to retain water after it has fallen as precipitation; it is fundamental for the protection of biological diversity as life depends on water. High landscape water retention capacity prevents accelerated surface run-off, increases water content in soils and surface and ground water availability for vegetation, improves the quantity and quality of groundwater and aquifer recharge, reduces soil erosion and nutrient run off into surface water bodies, and improves local micro-climate by reducing local air and biomass temperature. As such, it has the potential to prevent and mitigate impacts of extreme hydrological events such as floods and to act as a buffer against heat extremes.
Projects should demonstrate socio-ecological approaches and nature-based solutions to increase landscape and soil water retention capacity, leading to improvement of quality and quantity of ground and surface waters in the area where they are deployed, and boosting resilience to climate change impacts.

Supporting the fair and just transition from GHG-intensive economies facing challenges towards circular bioeconomy model regions

Closed

Code: 27068 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2023-CircBio-01-10 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/12/2022 | End submission calls: 28/03/2023

Projects results are expected to contribute to the outline widespread best practices showing the economic, social and environmental opportunities and the challenges of transforming GHG-intensive economies, such as coal mining, intensive agriculture such as livestock or crop production, forestry, and fisheries, and peat production, towards circular bioeconomy model regions.

Monitoring the multi-functionality of European forests

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Code: 27065 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2023-CircBio-01-14 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/12/2022 | End submission calls: 28/03/2023

To adequately manage forests and the services they provide, reliable, up-to-date, and coherent European forest information is more important.
This topic addresses the design of a comprehensive forest information system that aligns information on forest state, ecosystem services (including biomass) provision and socio-economic ecosystem services demand.

Business models that balance the share of power and profit in the bioeconomy

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Code: 27050 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2023-CircBio-01-9 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/12/2022 | End submission calls: 28/03/2023

The circular use of waste, by-products and residues from agriculture, forestry, and the agri-food industry can lead to the creation of new economic opportunities in rural areas. However, primary producers are often not fully integrated in bio-based value chains, and thus, benefits are not sufficiently distributed among value chain actors.

This topic addresses diverse forms of cooperation among primary producers and suitable business models to create high-value bio-based products in vertically integrated value chains via advanced biorefineries.

Capturing market trends and societal perceptions for tailor-made forest services

Closed

Code: 27047 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2023-CircBio-01-13 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/12/2022 | End submission calls: 28/03/2023

Forests provide invaluable benefits to people and the planet. There is an increasing demand on European forests to provide a high diversity of goods and ecosystem services at the same time. Forest owners should consider possible trade-offs and synergies with regards to the multifunctional role of forests, their interaction with climate change and their role for biodiversity. Therefore, there is a need for balanced and integrative approaches to ensure ecosystem services in the long-term and to provide sufficient resources for a sustainable and circular bioeconomy, while at the same time, contributing to GHG emissions reductions and carbon removals to contribute to 2030 and 2050 EU climate targets.
This topic addresses new opportunities for primary producers to diversify the income by developing new sustainable business models.

Optimisation of manure use along the management chain to mitigate GHG emissions and minimize nutrients/contaminants dispersion in the environment

Closed

Code: 26994 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2023-ZEROPOLLUTION-02-1-two-stage | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/12/2022 | End submission calls: 26/09/2023

Reducing the environmental and climate footprint of the livestock farming system is therefore of paramount importance. Furthermore, there is the need to do a comprehensive analysis of the effectiveness of mitigation strategies along the entire manure management chain and to take into account different GHGs and the pollution swapping effect, i.e. decreasing the emission of one GHG that can cause the increase of another one or the increase of the emission of the same GHG at one of the other stages of manure management. Another important aspect of manure management is to reduce environmental pollution caused among others by ammonia emissions, excess of nitrogen and phosphorus, by nitrate leakages, and by different components of manure, including potential contaminants, on air and water quality, on soil health, on animal health, welfare and productivity and on human health. Therefore, there is the need to develop further strategies and technologies for livestock farming systems to reduce GHG, ammonia and nitrate emissions from manure through an integrated approach for the management of manure, taking into account all steps: feeding, housing, handling, collection, treatment, storage and application.

Better understanding of routes of exposure and toxicological and ecological impacts of chemical pollution on terrestrial biodiversity

Closed

Code: 26992 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2023-BIODIV-01-1 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/12/2022 | End submission calls: 28/03/2023

This topic aims at better understanding the routes of exposure and toxicological and ecological impacts of chemical pollution (excluding industrial contamination) on terrestrial biodiversity and ecosystems (Area A).
Successful proposals are expected to assess the effects and impact of chemical pollutants, in particular the most dangerous substances from agriculture, on the condition of the biodiversity and ecosystems in natural environment (this may include environmental and host associated microbiomes) and consequently on human health, and identify preventive and mitigation measures. It is important to pay special attention to the fact that the reduction in the population of pollinating insects caused, inter alia, by the excessive use of pesticides in EU agriculture also contributes to reducing the amount of food for birds, reducing the regulation of pests, diseases and invasive alien species. More knowledge is also needed on additional negative impacts from other contaminants of emerging concern, including pharmaceuticals such as hormones and antibiotics, veterinary products and persistent e.g., bio-accumulative substances.

Integrative forest management for multiple ecosystem services and enhanced biodiversity

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Code: 26986 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2023-BIODIV-01-15 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/12/2022 | End submission calls: 28/03/2023

This topic addresses integrative forest management strategies that optimise actively managed forest ecosystems in such a way that the ecological and socio-economic functions are sustainable and economic viable.

The aim is to achieve a better understanding how integrative forest management concepts (e.g. close-to-nature forestry, continuous cover forestry, retention forestry, etc.) are currently applied in Europe, their implications on the environment and biodiversity, society, and forest-based economy as well as to accelerate the implementation of innovative approaches through targeted and evidence-based guidelines and tools.

Biodiversity friendly practices in agriculture – breeding for Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

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Code: 26976 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2023-BIODIV-01-14 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/12/2022 | End submission calls: 28/03/2023

Plant breeders need to consider more systematically characteristics that respond to these demands and contribute to crop resilience and adaptation, particularly to increasing biotic and abiotic stresses, in particular in the context of climate change.
Breeding for integrated pest management (IPM) aims to boost the development of plant varieties with tolerance of or resistance to relevant pest(s) and diseases, adapted to local environmental and pedo-climatic conditions, and diversification approaches with the goal of reducing reliance on chemical pesticides.

Valorisation of ecosystem services provided by legume crops

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Code: 26974 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2023-BIODIV-01-16 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/12/2022 | End submission calls: 28/03/2023

Τhere is an imperative need to reveal the full potential of diversification of cropping systems, with the aim of improving productivity, and supporting the development of resource-efficient and sustainable value chains. Protein-rich plants, and in particular legumes, play a key role in cross-cutting issues related to crop rotation, sustainable soil management and closing nutrient cycles.
The direct benefits of legume crops as food and feed are usually recognized, their environmental and economic benefits derived from the increase of the provision of the ecosystem services they provide, are less understood and not valorised. The focus of this proposal is on the economic and environmental benefits of the production of legume crops, regardless their cultivation purpose is for food or for feed uses.

Crop wild relatives for sustainable agriculture

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Code: 26964 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2023-BIODIV-01-13 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/12/2022 | End submission calls: 28/03/2023

Crop Wild Relatives (CWR) – is referred to as the wild cousins of cultivated crops – are a key asset for agrobiodiversity, sustainable agriculture and food security overall. CRWs contain genes for a multitude of useful traits such as tolerance to pest and diseases, resource efficiency and adaptability to more extreme weather conditions or nutritional quality. Their inherent genetic diversity together with the associated diversity of microbiota is a vast resource for developing more productive, nutritious and resilient crop varieties and for diversifying farming systems.
Despite their value, a wide range of CWRs are threatened and face pressures, e.g., from intensive agriculture, urbanisation, pollution and the effects of climate change. As a consequence, knowledge is lacking about the diversity that exists and precisely how that diversity may be used for crop improvement and in farming. More systematic efforts are needed to improve the conservation of CWR in –situ and ex-situ and increase their use in plant breeding and farming.

Mission Ocean and Waters and Mission A Soil Deal for Europe – Joint demonstration of approaches and solutions to address nutrient pollution in the landscape-river-sea system in the Mediterranean sea basin

Closed

Code: 26688 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-MISS-2023-OCEAN-SOIL-01-01 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Missions | Start submission calls: 17/01/2023 | End submission calls: 20/09/2023

Soils are essential for all life-sustaining processes in our planet. If they are healthy and managed sustainably, they provide many benefits to people, nature and climate. However, 60-70% of soils in Europe are in an unhealthy condition.  The presence of nutrients in soil at concentrations higher than plant requirements not only reduces their capacity for providing their vital ecosystem services, but the nutrient runoff contaminates groundwater, streams, rivers, wetlands, lakes and seas, and increases the risk of water and ocean eutrophication. Addressing nutrient pollution is crucial to achieve the objectives of the Water Framework Directive, in particular in relation to nutrient losses in agriculture.

Cultured meat and cultured seafood – state of play and future prospects in the EU

Closed

Code: 26597 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2023-FARM2FORK-01-13 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/12/2022 | End submission calls: 12/04/2023

Cell-based agriculture, and especially cultured meat (also called in vitro meat, lab-grown meat, artificial meat, cellular meat or cell-based meat) and cultured seafood, could be considered as a promising and innovative solution for promoting fair, safe, healthy and environmentally-friendly food systems.
Few studies have been developed to understand the impact of the cultured meat cycle (production, consumption, waste) on the environment, and its link to social and cultural aspects. Rough estimates based on a life cycle assessment suggest lower GHG emissions, land requirements and water use compared to conventional meat. Cultured meat and cultured seafood also face social and cultural challenges.

Towards research and innovation beyond farm to fork strategy targets for pesticides after 2030

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Code: 26590 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2023-FARM2FORK-01-4 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/12/2022 | End submission calls: 12/04/2023

The use of chemical pesticides in agriculture harm non-target organisms including humans, contaminates the soil, water and the wider environment, and cause biodiversity decline in agricultural areas.

Research has shown that well-designed integrated pest management programmes can control weeds and pests in an ecologically friendly manner. A stronger R&I ecosystem should be put in place that would be able to contribute with sustainable solutions, assess the challenges of further reductions or phasing out chemical pesticides on food systems, including food security and affordability, and connect the different ongoing efforts and initiatives.

Testing and demonstrating transformative solutions increasing climate resilience of the agriculture and/or forestry sector.

Closed

Code: 26563 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-MISS-2023-CLIMA-01-01 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Missions | Start submission calls: 10/01/2023 | End submission calls: 20/09/2023

The proposal under this topic should develop and test at least one innovative solution, combining technological, social and business innovation, leading to an increase of the resilience and adaptation capacity to climate change in the involved regions and communities of the agriculture sector and the related value chains. Nature based solutions and the restoration of cropland and grassland should be explored as priority and at the very heart of the development whenever possible.

Innovations in plant protection: alternatives to reduce the use of pesticides focusing on candidates for substitution

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Code: 26531 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2023-FARM2FORK-01-7 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/12/2022 | End submission calls: 12/04/2023

The use of chemical pesticides in agriculture contributes to soil, water and air pollution, biodiversity loss and can harm non-target plants, insects, birds, mammals and amphibians.

For Plant Protection Products (PPPs) containing these active substances, Member States are required, when assessing an application for authorisation, to evaluate if these PPPs can be replaced (substituted) by other adequate solutions (chemical or non-chemical). Proposals should target one or more pesticides candidates for substitution in the EU and those pesticides which have been reported to be losing their efficiency due to the emergence of resistant pests.

Towards sustainable livestock systems: European platform for evidence building and transitioning policy

Closed

Code: 26524 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2023-FARM2FORK-01-6 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/12/2022 | End submission calls: 12/04/2023

The current debate on positive or negative impact and values of animal production is based on abundant contradictory data and on the difficulties in quantifying natural processes linked to agricultural production and land use. Negative and positive impacts and externalities, including potential trade-offs, should be deeply investigated in different types of farming systems, practices and environments. The project will build on a wide range of scientific information, reports, expert opinions and other available material such as databases.
The successful proposal will support policy makers with science-based evidence on the impacts and externalities of livestock farming as part of the food system and wider ecosystem.

European partnership on accelerating farming systems transition – agroecology living labs and research infrastructures

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Code: 26522 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2023-FARM2FORK-01-1 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/12/2022 | End submission calls: 12/04/2023

Agroecology living labs are characterised by very strong local embeddedness, multi-stakeholder involvement by a large diversity of origins, and knowledge intensiveness in the pursuit of and the innovations needed and produced.
Research infrastructures provide a wide range of services for research communities working in a long- term perspective.

The partnership’s co-created Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA) should include calls for research projects and activities to boost place-based and multi-stakeholder co-creation of solutions. As such, it should boost fundamental research on agroecology through to applied research, and should give rise to ready-to-use solutions for scaling up in real-life environments. The partnership should cover issues pertaining to the transition to agroecology in all agricultural production systems, including but not limited to conventional agriculture, organic farming, agroforestry, permaculture, regenerative agriculture, urban farming, etc.

Thematic network ensuring food safety by translating research and innovation into practice

Closed

Code: 26520 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2023-FARM2FORK-01-12 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/12/2022 | End submission calls: 12/04/2023

In line with the farm to fork strategy the successful proposals will support food safety in the food system. Despite the continued generation of new knowledge and innovative solutions through funded European projects on how to ensure food safety in the food supply chain, they are often insufficiently exploited/known and widely applied by end-users for different reasons (official control authorities, food business operators, food safety risks assessors, etc.). Innovative ideas from practice are also insufficiently captured, exchanged and spread. Food safety knowledge and innovation ecosystems are insufficiently connected.

Improving yields in organic cropping systems

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Code: 26516 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2023-FARM2FORK-01-3 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/12/2022 | End submission calls: 12/04/2023

One of the obstacles that hinders conversion to organic farming is the fact that several crops grown under organic conditions achieve lower yields per hectare as compared with those produced under conventional farming practices. Closing the yield gap is therefore important in order to further improve the economic competitiveness and resilience of the sector, as well as to increase farmers’ adoption of organic production.
Closing of the yield gap should not compromise the principles and objectives of organic farming, in particular with regard to the recycling of nutrients. Moreover, it is important that approaches and strategies aiming at bridging the yield gap in organic farming are holistic and take into consideration the implications on the entire farming system.

Digital technologies supporting plant health early detection, territory surveillance and phytosanitary measures

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Code: 26510 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2023-GOVERNANCE-01-16 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/12/2022 | End submission calls: 23/03/2023

Pest monitoring is typically performed through costly and time-consuming on-site visits, resulting in certain cases in limited spatial and temporal resolution. Consequently, there is a need for more cost-effective approaches to detect and discriminate infested plants, including trees, at large spatial scales and within reasonable time frames. The advent of new technology in remote sensing, sensor technologies, robotics, remotely piloted aerial systems (RPAS), the internet of things (IoT), and artificial intelligence (AI), opens opportunities for monitoring continuously, more widely, and remotely. These technologies have the potential to guide and help to target on site surveillance and early detection activities and other phytosanitary measures.

Advancing analytical capacity and tools to support EU agri-food policies post 2027

Closed

Code: 26508 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2023-GOVERNANCE-01-2 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/12/2022 | End submission calls: 23/03/2023

Successful proposals will advance analytical capacity and tools to support future evidence-based policies to accelerate the transition to sustainable food systems. While the focus is on agri-food policies, European Green Deal actions relating to climate and environment should also be integrated in the assessment/approaches where relevant.

Developing EU advisory networks on the optimal fertiliser use

Closed

Code: 26501 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2023-GOVERNANCE-01-22 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/12/2022 | End submission calls: 23/03/2023

This specific topic focuses on the important role advisors can play in relation to the soaring fertilizer prices and the ambition of the of the farm to fork and biodiversity strategies for 2030 to reduce nutrient losses to the environment from both organic and mineral fertilizers by at least 50%; and hence reduce the use of fertilisers by at least 20%, while ensuring no deterioration in soil fertility.

Towards CAP post 2027: evidence on nudging farmers to leverage more sustainable practices and behaviours

Closed

Code: 26489 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2023-GOVERNANCE-01-3 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/12/2022 | End submission calls: 23/03/2023

The current agri-food system is inadequate to the need to cope with this increased demand while also preserving the environment.
The common agricultural policy is a key tool to achieve a sustainable transformation, and it puts farmers at the core of its actions. Evidence about the adoption of nudging tools in promoting environmentally sustainable practices along the food supply chain, including the role of circular bio-based options, are still relatively sparse. In particular, nudges that have been proved to work efficiently on the consumer side (e.g., default nudges, social norm nudges, choice architecture) do not translate well to farmers, and farmers may respond to nudges in a heterogeneous manner, based on their specificities.

European partnership of Agriculture of Data

Closed

Code: 26479 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2023-GOVERNANCE-01-1 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/12/2022 | End submission calls: 23/03/2023

A successful proposal will contribute to the objectives of the Agriculture of Data partnership proposal including the strategic research and innovation agenda. This partnership aims to enhance climate, environmental and socio-economic sustainability and productivity of agriculture and to strengthen policy monitoring and evaluation capacities through exploiting the potential of Earth and environmental observation and other data, in combination with data technologies.

Developing EU advisory networks to reduce the use of pesticides

Closed

Code: 26477 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2023-GOVERNANCE-01-21 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/12/2022 | End submission calls: 23/03/2023

This specific topic focuses on the important role advisors can play in relation to reducing pesticide use and risks to reach the associated target of the farm to fork and biodiversity strategies by promoting, for example, more sustainable farming techniques (e.g., integrated pest management and agroecology), carbon farming practices, and the use of non-chemical or biological methods for pest control.

Developing an EU advisory network on organic agriculture

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Code: 26468 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2023-GOVERNANCE-01-20 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/12/2022 | End submission calls: 23/03/2023

This topic focuses on the important role that advisors can play in relation to boosting organic farming towards reaching the target of at least 25% of the EU’s agricultural land under organic farming by 2030. In particular, advisors can play a key role in encouraging conversion to organic farming and in facilitating this process to farmers, and overall in tackling the challenges of organic farming.

Digitalisation in agriculture and forestry: markets for data, and digital technologies and infrastructure – state of play and foresight in a fast changing regulatory, trade and technical environment

Closed

Code: 26456 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2023-GOVERNANCE-01-15 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/12/2022 | End submission calls: 23/03/2023

The potential of digital and data technologies in the agricultural and forestry sectors to enhance their sustainability and economic performance and working conditions has been acknowledged.
Policies and the regulatory framework directly or indirectly influencing the deployment of digital and data technologies in the EU are evolving in a fast pace and will continue to do so. For stakeholder in the agricultural, forestry and the digital sectors to invest in digital and data technologies, it is important to be able to assess the possible implications of changing regulatory and market conditions on the development, purchase and use of data, and digital and data technologies. This is also supported by an increase in information on markets and related actor networks, and information on the storage and the flows of goods and data, through increased transparency and a strengthened position of users and consumers.

Open source solutions for edge, cloud and mixed model applications to strengthen production and administrative capacities in agriculture

Closed

Code: 26454 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2023-GOVERNANCE-01-13 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/12/2022 | End submission calls: 23/03/2023

Digital and data technologies can improve the sustainability performance and competitiveness of the agricultural sector.
Digital solutions following the open-source principle can lead to reduced prices for digital applications and enhance transparency in production advice based on digital applications. Edge solutions may facilitate real-time applications also in areas with weak connectivity; they may, however, be run with less and/or other input data potentially resulting in another performance than cloud-based solutions or solutions following a mixed model of edge and cloud components. As data storage, processing and transfer goes along with energy consumption, the overall environmental performance of the different models for digital applications also varies and is also influenced by the number of users of a certain application.

Broaden EIP Operational Group outcomes across borders by means of thematic networks to compile and share knowledge ready for practice

Closed

Code: 26443 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2023-GOVERNANCE-01-18 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/12/2022 | End submission calls: 23/03/2023

Project results are expected to contribute to the cross-cutting objective of the CAP on modernising the sector by fostering and sharing of knowledge, innovation and digitalisation in agriculture and rural areas, and encouraging their uptake, as well as to the European Green Deal and farm to fork Strategy objectives and targets. It will also focus on the maintenance of practical knowledge in the long-term – beyond the project period – in particular by using the main trusted dissemination channels which farmers/foresters most often consult as well as on the increase of the practical information between farmers/foresters in the EU in a geographically balanced way.

Thematic networks to compile and share knowledge ready for practice

Closed

Code: 26441 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2023-GOVERNANCE-01-19 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/12/2022 | End submission calls: 23/03/2023

In support of the European Green Deal, the EU’s climate policy, the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and the goals and objectives of the farm to farm strategy, successful proposals will focus on sharing knowledge in a language that is understandable and aimed at farmers and foresters. The results of the project are expected to contribute to the objective of modernizing knowledge exchange, innovation and digitization in agriculture and rural areas as well as the European Green Deal. The projects will focus on the increased flow of practical information between farmers/foresters in the EU in a geographically balanced way, creating spillover effects and taking into account differences between regions.

Digital and data technologies for livestock tracking

Closed

Code: 26439 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2023-GOVERNANCE-01-14 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 22/12/2022 | End submission calls: 23/03/2023

Livestock and its attributes are tracked for instance in the context of implementing the CAP, for disease prevention and mitigation, as well as to facilitate production and the management of supply chains. Livestock tracking may also e.g. support climate mitigation by assessing livestock density against land carrying capacity and reduce soil disturbance and compaction. It may also facilitate the provision of information to consumers on the products offered and enhance transparency along the supply chain and offer a means to against legal commitments of livestock densities, e.g. in the context of CAP strategic plans.
In general it is expected to indirectly support the enhancement of the sustainability performance and competitiveness in agriculture, the development of innovative governance models, and strengthened capacities for implementing, monitoring and evaluating common policies through research and innovation and through interlinking actors and relevant initiatives.

IMCAP-2023-INFOME

Closed

Code: 24987 | Identifier Code: IMCAP-2023-INFOME | Programme name: Information Measures for the Common Agricultural Policy (IMCAP) | Start submission calls: 08/11/2022 | End submission calls: 05/01/2023

The general objective of the call is to inform citizens, farmers and non-farmers alike and to promote information about the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), including the national CAP Strategic Plans (i.e. the policy and its benefits for the citizens of the EU).

Developing a system for the automated measuring of tail length and tail lesions of pigs at the slaughter line

Closed

Code: 24200 | Identifier Code: PPPA-ANIMAL-WELFARE-2022-TAIL-DOCKING | Programme name: EU Preparatory Actions | Start submission calls: 15/09/2022 | End submission calls: 15/12/2022

The main objective of this call is to support the development of a system for the automated measuring of tail length and tail lesions of pigs at the slaughter line (at a large scale).

Bio-based coatings, barriers, binders, and adhesives

Closed

Code: 23509 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-JU-CBE-2022-R-02 | Programme name: Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking | Start submission calls: 22/06/2022 | End submission calls: 22/09/2022

Packaging, construction, agriculture, aquaculture, marine operations, textiles, furniture, wood-based industry and transport are some of the industrial sectors looking for bio-based alternatives to fossil-based coatings, barriers, binders, and adhesives.

The abovementioned sectors can benefit from bio-based alternatives with improvements in both areas through biotechnological solutions and other innovative technologies available; however, so far only a few products are available. Research should focus on novel, viable alternatives in collaboration with customers, consumers and end users.

Cooperative business models for the sustainable mobilisation and valorisation of agricultural residues, by-products, and waste in rural areas

Closed

Code: 23356 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-JU-CBE-2022-IA-02 | Programme name: Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking | Start submission calls: 22/06/2022 | End submission calls: 22/09/2022

Successful proposals will support the Bioeconomy Strategy and the Common Agriculture Policy by promoting diverse forms of cooperation among primary producers to produce sustainable valueadded bio-based products in fair bio-based value chains.

Sustainable fibres biorefineries feedstock

Closed

Code: 23352 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-JU-CBE-2022-R-05 | Programme name: Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking | Start submission calls: 22/06/2022 | End submission calls: 22/09/2022

A successful proposal will contribute to the European Green Deal, the EU Bioeconomy strategy and its action plan, the Circular Economy Action Plan, the Sustainable Textiles strategy, the Zero pollution action plan25, as well as the New European Bauhaus initiative and the EU Industrial Strategy, as well as the upcoming Sustainable Product initiative41. The growth of European fibrous bioeconomy is also a powerful tool for revitalising marginal areas suffering from desertification or experiencing socio-economic difficulties.

Innovations for soil improvement from bio-waste

Closed

Code: 22397 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-MISS-2022-SOIL-01-10 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Missions | Start submission calls: 12/05/2022 | End submission calls: 27/09/2022

Project results should contribute to all of the following expected outcomes:

  • Enhanced entrepreneurship on circularity and regenerative processes and, in particular, increased number of highly innovative start-ups and industrial hubs developing and
    scaling up soil improvers616 from bio-waste.
  • Significant reduction of bio-waste for landfill.
  • Improved nutrient recovery from bio-waste for soil improvers production.
  • Improved environmental, health and safety performance of soil improvers from biowaste and related production operations, including improved testing methods throughout the entire life cycle.
  • New improved and demonstrated products, value chains and services available for soil improvers derived from bio-waste.

Remediation strategies, methods and financial models for decontamination and reuse of land in urban and rural areas

Closed

Code: 22395 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-MISS-2022-SOIL-01-04 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Missions | Start submission calls: 12/05/2022 | End submission calls: 27/09/2022

This topic will help to progress towards Green Deal objectives, notably the Zero Pollution Strategy. It contributes to the Mission ‘A Soil Deal for Europe’, in particular to its specific objective 4 “Reduce soil pollution and enhance restoration”.

Project results should contribute to all of the following outcomes:

  • Private and public land managers can better prioritise and plan activities and investments for soil restoration and decontamination based on increased knowledge on the state of land and soil pollution.
  • Knowledge on technical solutions for soil decontamination and restoration is more widespread and better integrated in a wider sustainable land use and spatial planning
    approach.
  • Effective measures for soil restoration are in place and contribute to noticeable improvements in soil health on the medium term as well as to the circular use of land
    and to the achievement of no net land take in the EU by 2050.
  • Better insights into origin, fate and hotspots of pollution are made available to support assessments of hazard, exposure and risks from soil pollution.
  • MS regions affected by the need for a green transition are supported in their efforts to remediate and reuse contaminated soils such as from former mining sites and benefit from new opportunities for soil use.

Soil biodiversity and its contribution to ecosystem services

Closed

Code: 22393 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-MISS-2022-SOIL-01-03 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Missions | Start submission calls: 12/05/2022 | End submission calls: 27/09/2022

This topic contributes to the objectives and targets of the EU Soil Strategy which foresees that by 2050, all soils in the EU should be healthy, i.e. are in good chemical, physical and biological conditions, and thus able to continuously provide as many ecosystem services as possible. It also contributes to the Mission ‘A Soil Deal for Europe’ , in particular to its specific objective 6 “Improve soil structure to enhance habitat quality for soil biota and crops”.

Project results should contribute to all of the following outcomes:

  • Significantly improved understanding of ecosystem services related to soil biodiversity as well as of the role of soil biodiversity in the provision of relevant soil functions and ecosystem services.
  • Enhanced protection, sustainable management and restoration of soil ecosystems through more targeted (policy) incentives and wide-spread knowledge on sustainable soil management practices and solutions, including a better integration of soil within land use planning and frameworks to evaluate ecosystem services.
  • Significantly improved availability of soil biodiversity indicators which support the implementation, assessment and monitoring of policy at large scale (i.e. EU).

Improving food systems sustainability and soil health with food processing residues

Closed

Code: 22391 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-MISS-2022-SOIL-01-02 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Missions | Start submission calls: 12/05/2022 | End submission calls: 27/09/2022

Project results should contribute to all of the following outcomes:

  • Improved management and recycling of food-processing residues (solid and liquid) for increased soil health.
  • Reduced discharge of nutrients (i.e., nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) into sewage/natural watercourses and landfills relieving eutrophication in water bodies.
  • Empowered interdisciplinary design processes to create soil improvers and to valorise food by-products in food systems (e.g., land managers, industry, SMEs, local authorities, educational institutions and civil society).
  • Higher number of co-developed solutions and investments (public and private) in circular bioeconomy projects.

Citizen science for soil health

Closed

Code: 22388 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-MISS-2022-SOIL-01-09 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Missions | Start submission calls: 12/05/2022 | End submission calls: 27/09/2022

This topic contributes to the implementation of the Mission ‘A Soil Deal for Europe’, in particular to its specific objective 8 “Increase soil literacy in society across
Member States”.

Project results should contribute to all the following outcomes:

  • The public’s awareness of the value of soil is significantly increased.
  • Citizens are empowered to take an active role in science and in increasing the knowledge base on soils by monitoring and gathering data on soil biodiversity and becoming more aware of the importance of soils and the soil food web in their daily lives.
  • Greater availability of local scale data on soil health. This will expand and complement established soil databases to support critical landscape decisions and policy
    development.
  • The EU Soil Observatory scope is enlarged and populated with citizen science data

Framework Partnership Agreement (FPA) for a Living Lab network support structure

Closed

Code: 22384 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-MISS-2022-SOIL-01-08 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Missions | Start submission calls: 12/05/2022 | End submission calls: 27/09/2022

This Framework Partnership Agreement (FPA) aims at supporting the effective implementation of the Mission ‘A Soil Deal for Europe’ (hereafter referred to as the Soil Deal Mission) and in particular its overall goal of setting up a network of 100 living labs and lighthouses by 2030.

The FPA will allow to establish an effective support structure (hereafter referred to as LL support structure) to coordinate and promote activities under the mission’s network of living labs and lighthouses. The LL support structure will cater for the needs of living labs and lighthouses that will be selected through open calls in forthcoming Work Programmes of the Soil Deal Mission (from 2023 onwards).

Foster soil education across society

Closed

Code: 22382 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-MISS-2022-SOIL-01-07 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Missions | Start submission calls: 12/05/2022 | End submission calls: 27/09/2022

This topic contributes to the implementation of the Mission ‘A Soil Deal for Europe’, in particular to its specific objective 8 “Increase soil literacy in society across Member States”. It supports the objectives of the European Green Deal, the European Climate Pact and the EU Soil Strategy for 2030. In addition, results obtained under this topic
should contribute to the objectives of the European Education Area, the Education for Climate Coalition and improve the European sustainability competence framework
(GreenComp) to prepare people to face the challenges of a changing climate world.

Project results should contribute to all of the following outcomes:

  • teaching programmes and targeted communication, education and engagement materials on soil are more widely available in numerous European languages;
  • higher uptake and diffusion of good practices and hands-on activities related to soil education across the EU and Associated Countries;
  • soil literacy is more firmly embedded in educational curricula at all levels and supports behavioural change and the adoption of sustainable practices both individually and
    collectively based on a better understanding of the vital importance of soils for human life and planetary health;
  • increased awareness of the importance of soil and its functions, as well as of the Mission objectives, amongst pupils, students and professionals across Europe.

Network on carbon farming for agricultural and forest soils

Closed

Code: 22380 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-MISS-2022-SOIL-01-06 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Missions | Start submission calls: 12/05/2022 | End submission calls: 27/09/2022

This topic supports the implementation of the European Commission Communication on sustainable carbon cycles582 and the upcoming regulatory framework on carbon removals certification583, and thereby contributes to the design and implementation of carbon-farming practices in Europe.

Project results should contribute to all of the following expected outcomes:

  • Increased knowledge about carbon farming practices through networking and exchange of experiences.
  • Enhanced uptake and development of standards for carbon farming in Europe.
  • Increased capacities for measuring, monitoring and standardising carbon fluxes, in particular at landscape level through a robust network for data collections.

Monitoring, reporting and verification of soil carbon and greenhouse gases balance

Closed

Code: 22377 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-MISS-2022-SOIL-01-05 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Missions | Start submission calls: 12/05/2022 | End submission calls: 27/09/2022

This topic supports the implementation of key actions of the European Commission Communication on sustainable carbon cycles and carbon farming and the upcoming regulatory framework on carbon removals certification:

Project results should contribute to all of the following outcomes:

  • The relationships between carbon flux dynamics of typical carbon farming practices and its driving factors (ecophysiology of ecosystems) as well as the impact of climate change on soil organic carbon (and as a consequence on soil fertility and food production) are better understood.
  • The development of standards to track payment systems for carbon farming and, of methods to consider the maintenance of carbon already stored in soils in carbon farming schemes is enhanced.
  • Reduced administrative and financial burden associated with carbon farming management practices.
  • Increased stakeholder faith and robustness of standards in voluntary (or other) carbon markets, leading to increased potential for revenue opportunities.

Renewable energy incorporation in agriculture and forestry

Closed

Code: 18612 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL5-2022-D3-02-07 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Climate, Energy and Mobility (Cluster 5)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 26/05/2022 | End submission calls: 27/10/2022

Proposals under this topic should demonstrate incorporation of renewable energy technologies in agriculture or forestry to meet its electricity, heat, cold, waste and land management needs. Solutions should combine innovative renewable, circular and regional value chains from different renewables and adapted storage options to de-fossilize agricultural or forest processes trans-seasonally, taking into account hybridization compatibility.

Support for simple programmes – Organic production method (Topic 2)

Closed

Code: 18171 | Identifier Code: AGRIP-SIMPLE-2022-IM-ORGANIC | Programme name: Promotion of agricultural products | Start submission calls: 20/01/2022 | End submission calls: 21/04/2022

The objective is to increase the awareness and recognition of the Union quality scheme on organic production.

Support for multi programmes – Organic production method (Topic 2)

Closed

Code: 18084 | Identifier Code: AGRIP-MULTI-2022-IM-ORGANIC | Programme name: Promotion of agricultural products | Start submission calls: 20/01/2022 | End submission calls: 21/04/2022

The objective is to increase the awareness and recognition of the Union quality scheme on organic production.

Support for multi programmes – Fresh fruit and vegetables (Topic 4)

Closed

Code: 18080 | Identifier Code: AGRIP-MULTI-2022-IM-FRESH-FV | Programme name: Promotion of agricultural products | Start submission calls: 20/01/2022 | End submission calls: 21/04/2022

The objective is to increase the consumption of EU fresh fruit and vegetables by informing consumers about balanced and healthy dietary practices.

National engagement sessions and support to the establishment of soil health living labs

Closed

Code: 17247 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-MISS-2021-SOIL-02-07 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Missions | Start submission calls: 22/12/2021 | End submission calls: 24/03/2022

The successful proposal will ensure an effective launch of the first soil health living labs and lighthouses by preparing and supporting stakeholder communities across Member States and Associated countries and ensuring land managers, industries, consumers and society at large work together and take effective action on soil health across sectors and land uses.

Linking soil health to nutritional and safe food

Closed

Code: 17244 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-MISS-2021-SOIL-02-03 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Missions | Start submission calls: 22/12/2021 | End submission calls: 24/03/2022

Soils are essential for the global food system and regulate water, carbon and nitrogen cycles but are put under pressure from population growth and climate change. The quality of the soil plays a central role in determining food quality as it provides the substrate and building blocks for the growth of plants and their edible food produce, which are then harvested for consumption. There is a need to build on the existing knowledge resulting from the latest EU R&I activities and infrastructures that elicit the link between soil, food, diets and human health.

Next generation soil advisors

Closed

Code: 17188 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-MISS-2021-SOIL-02-08 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Missions | Start submission calls: 22/12/2021 | End submission calls: 24/03/2022

The objective of this topic is to promote the emergence of specialised “soil advisors” and to strengthen the skills of existing advisors and in view of promoting the uptake of innovations for sustainable land management practices by farmers, foresters and other land managers and owners throughout Europe.

Social, economic and cultural factors driving land management and land degradation

Closed

Code: 17145 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-MISS-2021-SOIL-02-04 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Missions | Start submission calls: 22/12/2021 | End submission calls: 24/03/2022

Avoiding soil degradation and fostering soil health is for a large part conditional upon the land management practices implemented by land managers, together with pressures on natural and semi-natural habitats. Those practices are framed by several factors (economic, social and cultural) and by the policies applied (agriculture, spatial planning, environment, economic, land tenure, etc.). It is necessary to understand those factors and the manner to influence them, so that farmers and other land managers in rural and urban areas are supported in implementing practices that are conducive to soil health and related ecosystem services.

IMCAP-2022-INFOME

Closed

Code: 16399 | Identifier Code: IMCAP-2022-INFOME | Programme name: Information Measures for the Common Agricultural Policy (IMCAP) | Start submission calls: 28/10/2021 | End submission calls: 25/01/2022

The general objective of the call is to build trust within the EU and amongst all citizens, farmers and non-farmers alike and to promote information about the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) (i.e. the policy and its benefits for the citizens of the EU). The focus should be on addressing misperceptions and disinformation about European agriculture and the CAP, using facts and backed up with data with a view to raising public awareness on the relevance of EU support to agriculture and rural development through the CAP.

Copernicus evolution for cross-services thematic domains

Closed

Code: 16388 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL4-2021-SPACE-01-44 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Digital, Industry & Space (Cluster 4)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 02/11/2021 | End submission calls: 16/02/2022

The areas of R&I, which needs to be addressed to tackle the above expected outcomes are:

  • Development of a proof-of-concept or prototype with a Copernicus based-solution to improve the European capacity for monitoring and forecasting the Arctic accessed via a single entry point which can be easily integrated into the existing service(s).
  • Development of a proof-of-concept or prototype with a Copernicus-based solution to improve the European capacity for monitoring the UN Sustainable Development Goals indicators accessed via a single entry point which can be easily integrated into the existing service(s) (such as long-time series to monitor atmosphere composition and air quality, the health of ocean and in land waters, and regular mapping of land use).

Preparatory actions for the data space for Agriculture

Closed

Code: 15682 | Identifier Code: DIGITAL-2021-PREPACTS-DS-01-AGRI | Programme name: Digital Europe Programme | Start submission calls: 17/11/2021 | End submission calls: 22/02/2022

The main objective is to develop a secure and trusted data space to enable the agriculture sector to transparently share and access data allowing for an increase in its economic and environmental performance. The data space is expected to facilitate the sharing, processing and analysis of production data, open data and possibly other public data (e.g. soil data). Production data supplemented by publicly held data will present new opportunities for monitoring and optimising the use of natural resources and will contribute to achieve the objectives of the Green Deal and the Common Agricultural Policy.

Innovative tools and methods to evaluate the design and support, monitoring and implementation of effective CAP strategic plans

Closed

Code: 15582 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2022-GOVERNANCE-01-05 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 28/10/2021 | End submission calls: 15/02/2022

The successful proposal will contribute to innovative governance and sound decision making in agricultural policies. In particular, they will contribute to achieving better informed decision-making processes, to establishing and monitoring innovative governance models enabling sustainability and resilience through enhanced and shared use of new knowledge, tools, foresight, and environmental observations as well as digital, modelling and forecasting capabilities. Proposals will focus on developing their CAP strategic plans.

Agro-ecological approaches in African agriculture systems

Closed

Code: 15572 | Identifier Code: HORIZON-CL6-2022-FARM2FORK-01-12 | Programme name: Horizon Europe (2021-2027) | Sub-program: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Cluster 6)(2021-2027) | Start submission calls: 28/10/2021 | End submission calls: 15/02/2022

Projects results are expected to contribute to some of the following outcomes:

EU – Africa jointly tackle climate change and environmental-related challenges, ensuring food and nutrition security and decent livelihoods. Another outcome will be to identify optimal combinations of agro-ecological practices that increase the climate change mitigation and adaptation of different farming systems in different agro-ecological zones in Africa while ensuring the financial viability of businesses. Additionally, it is necessary the increased end-user adoption and implementation of agro-ecological practices by farmers supporting rural communities. All of the above will be achieved through transdisciplinary research.