Apply now: Enhancing the Competitiveness and Sustainability of the Agricultural Sector

Deadline: 14-Apr-2026

The European Commission invites innovative projects to enhance EU agriculture’s sustainability, efficiency, and competitiveness. Grants of up to €4.5 million per project (total €13.5 million) support research, innovation, and practical implementation that advance biodiversity-friendly farming, green transitions, and scalable business models. Applications must adopt a multi-actor approach, involve social sciences, and demonstrate measurable environmental, social, and economic impact.

Program Overview

The European Commission’s funding call targets projects that:

• Improve the efficiency and sustainable use of agricultural production factors

• Support the green transition of EU farming systems

• Enhance competitiveness and resilience of EU agriculture relative to global producers

• Develop innovative practices, prototypes, and business models with measurable sustainability impact

Projects are encouraged to integrate lessons from Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe initiatives and collaborate with ongoing innovation efforts.

Key Focus Areas

1. Sustainability and Strategic Autonomy

   • Promote biodiversity-friendly, low-emission, and decarbonized agricultural practices

   • Ensure long-term viability and independence of EU farming systems

2. Innovation and Knowledge Transfer

   • Develop new knowledge, prototypes, and scalable solutions

   • Test and demonstrate innovations in operational environments

   • Build cost-effective business models and assess environmental, social, and economic impact

3. Adoption and Scaling

   • Identify barriers and enablers for adoption of new technologies

   • Propose solutions to accelerate upscaling and large-scale deployment

4. Multi-Actor Collaboration

   • Engage farmers, advisors, researchers, social scientists, SMEs, and start-ups

   • Incorporate social sciences and humanities, including behavioral research and technology adoption studies

5. Communication and Dissemination

   • Develop clear strategies for sharing results and providing training

   • Encourage replication and knowledge transfer across the EU

Funding and Project Details

• Total Budget: €13.5 million for 2026

• Individual Project Funding: Up to €4.5 million

• Eligible Costs: Project implementation, development, demonstration, and financial support to third parties for testing innovations

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible participants include:

• Legal entities from EU member states

• Entities from non-associated third countries or international organizations

• Entities must comply with Horizon Europe participation rules

• Registration in the Participant Register and a valid Participant Identification Code (PIC) are required

Expected Outcomes

• Enhanced productivity, sustainability, and competitiveness of EU agriculture

• Development of environmentally sustainable, socially responsible, and economically viable farming solutions

• Promotion of fair, nutritious, and safe food systems

• Empowered farmers with tools, knowledge, and innovative solutions

• Support for sustainable fisheries and aquaculture

• Better-informed citizens able to make sustainable food choices

How to Apply

1. Check Eligibility: Ensure your entity meets Horizon Europe participation conditions

2. Register: Complete registration in the Participant Register and obtain a PIC

3. Prepare Proposal: Address multi-actor collaboration, sustainability, economic viability, and measurable impact

4. Budget Planning: Ensure total project costs and requested funding align with the €4.5 million limit

5. Submit Application: Follow the European Commission submission process for Horizon Europe calls

Tips for Applicants

• Build multi-disciplinary and multi-actor teams

• Include clear monitoring and evaluation methods

• Demonstrate scalability and potential for adoption across EU member states

• Integrate social sciences to enhance adoption and behavior change

• Highlight linkages to previous Horizon projects to strengthen proposal relevance

FAQ

1. What is the maximum funding per project?
Up to €4.5 million.

2. Who can participate?
Any legal entity from EU member states, non-associated third countries, or international organizations meeting Horizon Europe conditions.

3. What types of projects are supported?
Projects developing sustainable, efficient agricultural innovations, testing prototypes, creating business models, or promoting adoption and upscaling.

4. Are SMEs and start-ups eligible?
Yes, projects must involve multi-actor participation including SMEs and start-ups.

5. Can third-party costs be included?
Yes, financial support to third parties for testing, development, or demonstration is encouraged.

6. What is the focus on social sciences?
Social sciences should support behavioral research, adoption strategies, and stakeholder engagement.

7. How is impact measured?
Projects should include environmental, social, and economic metrics for assessing sustainability and scalability.

Conclusion

This European Commission call offers a strategic opportunity for innovative projects to transform EU agriculture. By fostering sustainable practices, multi-actor collaboration, and scalable solutions, the program strengthens competitiveness, environmental stewardship, and resilience, helping the EU meet long-term agricultural and food system goals.

For more information, visit the European Commission Horizon Europe portal.