Programme Category
Programme Name
Programme Description
Horizon Europe is the European Union (EU) funding programme for the period 2021 – 2027, which targets the sectors of research and innovation. The programme’s budget is around € 95.5 billion, of which € 5.4 billion is from NextGenerationEU to stimulate recovery and strengthen the EU’s resilience in the future, and € 4.5 billion is additional aid.
Identifier Code
Call
Summary
Farmers play a pivotal role in addressing biodiversity loss while ensuring food production and quality, thereby contributing to overall food security. To support biodiversity-friendly agriculture, it is essential to first list demonstrated farming practices and ecosystems that benefit biodiversity. Next, there is a need to assess the socio-economic impact of nature restoration measures on the agricultural sector and the individual farm, as well as develop and improve existing incentives and their interplay. A key element for a wide adoption of such practices by farmers is demonstrating production and labour benefits, or at least maintaining economic competitiveness in the implementation of nature restoration measures. Moreover, specific targets for agricultural ecosystems outlined in the EU Nature Restoration Regulation necessitate that applied research lays the foundation for Member States to effectively comply and design appropriate and successful strategies. Therefore, environmental, economic, and social benefits, as well as potential trade-offs between nature restoration measures and food security and quality (production and availability) should be demonstrated over different time frames. These should be developed with farmers in mind: short-term and immediate impact on production, their businesses, and nature, as well as medium and long-term.
Detailed Call Description
Proposals should:
- quantify the costs and benefits of restoration measures on farm productivity (referring to the ratio input/output) over short, medium, and long-term. Additionally, evaluate the impact of taking action versus non-action on the provision of ecosystem services, such as climate, water, soil health, pollination, nutrients, natural pest control, erosion prevention, etc., along with their associated economic impact at farm level;
- develop and assess possible science-based targets for satisfactory levels of restoration for biodiversity in agricultural ecosystems considering Art. 11 of the EU Nature Restoration Regulation, a path for implementation by farmers, land managers and policymakers, and further develop, solidify, and harmonise existing indicators of biodiversity in agricultural landscapes;
- generate evidence to support and improve incentive schemes, including rewarding mechanisms for actions taken and results achieved in nature restoration/conservation on farmland, while considering synergies and trade-offs;
- assess and compare the potential of various farming approaches to contribute to ecosystem restoration. While considering all types and sizes of farming systems (conventional, organic, agroecological, etc.), prioritise those that are clearly defined to ensure compliance with legislation.
Proposals should adopt a transdisciplinary approach, engaging with relevant experts and stakeholders from farming, biodiversity and ecosystems, as well as from social sciences and humanities (SSH).
Proposals should aim to increase practical, ready to use knowledge and tools, and promote freely accessible dissemination and open capacity building channels.
Call Total Budget
Financing percentage by EU or other bodies / Level of Subsidy or Loan
100%
Expected EU contribution per project: between €5.00 and €6.00 million
Thematic Categories
- Agriculture - Farming - Forestry
- Environment and Climate Change
- Research, Technological Development and Innovation
- Rural development
Eligibility for Participation
- Farmers Unions
- Farmers, Agriculturalists
- Private Bodies
- Producer Associations
- State-owned Enterprises
Eligibility For Participation Notes
Proposals must apply the multi-actor approach to ensure adequate involvement of researchers, policymakers, farmers, land managers and agricultural advisors among other relevant stakeholders.
Call Opening Date
Call Closing Date
National Contact Point(s)
Research and Innovation Foundation
29a Andrea Michalakopoulou, 1075 Nicosia,
P.B. 23422, 1683 Nicosia
Telephone: +357 22205000
Fax: +357 22205001
Email: support@research.org.cy
Website: https://www.research.org.cy/en/
Contact Persons:
Marcia Trillidou
Scientific Officer A’
Email: trillidou@research.org.cy
Dr. Mary Economou
Scientific Officer
Email: meconomou@research.org.cy