Deadline: 15-May-2026
The PRIMA Programme 2026 supports projects that transform perishable Mediterranean agri-products into higher-value goods while reducing post-harvest losses and strengthening local value chains. With a total budget of €10.814 million, the call emphasizes circular bioeconomy approaches, renewable-powered processing solutions, and inclusive participation of women, youth, and smallholders.
Program Overview
PRIMA 2026 targets sustainable solutions for reducing post-harvest losses, increasing product value, and enhancing resilience of local agri-food systems. The call encourages the deployment of modular, decentralized, and cost-efficient technologies for perishable plant-based products, aiming to retain more value within Mediterranean communities. It operates under Thematic Area 3 – Food Value Chain in the Nexus.
Key Highlights:
- Total indicative budget: €10.814 million
- Focus: Perishable product transformation, post-harvest loss reduction, circular bioeconomy
- Application process: Two-stage submission
- First-stage submission deadline: 15 May 2026
- Target region: Mediterranean countries
Objectives and Scope
Projects should address key challenges in Mediterranean agri-food systems, including:
- Reducing post-harvest losses and spoilage (up to 30–50% in some regions)
- Increasing market value and competitiveness of local and traditional agri-products
- Promoting circular bioeconomy through by-product valorisation
- Strengthening income diversification and economic resilience of rural communities
- Enhancing participation of women and youth in agri-food entrepreneurship
- Improving local energy autonomy using renewable-powered or hybrid processing systems
Technologies may include drying, cooling, fermentation, preservation, green extraction processes, and integration with renewable energy (solar, wind, biomass, or hybrid off-grid systems). Solutions should operate on-site or near-site to extend shelf life, maintain quality, and retain value locally.
Expected Project Outcomes
Funded projects are expected to:
- Develop technical solutions that are scalable, affordable, and replicable
- Validate technologies in real operational settings and Living Labs
- Include clear business and financing models for deployment and long-term support
- Demonstrate measurable impact through KPIs such as reduction in post-harvest losses, energy efficiency, and local value retention
- Align with European strategies on agriculture, circular economy, bioeconomy, and decarbonisation goals
Multi-Actor Approach and Stakeholder Engagement
Applicants must adopt a strong multi-actor approach, ensuring collaboration among:
- Smallholders and cooperatives
- SMEs and industry stakeholders
- Researchers and innovation actors
- Local communities
Participatory and user-centered design methods are expected throughout the project lifecycle, including co-creation and real-world testing in Living Labs.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible applicants must demonstrate:
- Technical feasibility and economic viability of proposed solutions
- Scalability, affordability, and local replicability
- Involvement of SMEs, innovation actors, and community stakeholders
- Clear strategies for manufacturing, deployment, and long-term operation
How to Apply
- Confirm alignment with PRIMA 2026 thematic focus and objectives
- Develop a proposal detailing technology, business, and deployment strategies
- Integrate renewable energy or hybrid solutions where applicable
- Include multi-actor engagement and participatory design approaches
- Submit the first-stage proposal by 15 May 2026
- Prepare for second-stage submission based on evaluation feedback
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Proposing solutions without on-site or near-site validation
- Ignoring energy efficiency or renewable energy integration
- Neglecting involvement of women, youth, and smallholders
- Omitting business, financing, or deployment models
- Failing to demonstrate technical and economic viability
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is the total budget for this call?
€10.814 million. - Which technologies are eligible?
Drying, cooling, fermentation, preservation, green extraction, and renewable-powered processing systems. - What is the submission deadline for the first stage?
15 May 2026. - Who should be involved in the projects?
Smallholders, SMEs, researchers, local communities, and innovation actors. - Are solutions required to be scalable and replicable?
Yes, technical, economic, and operational viability must be demonstrated. - What performance indicators are monitored?
Reduction in post-harvest losses, energy efficiency, renewable energy use, and local value retention. - Can projects be implemented off-site?
Solutions must operate on-site or near-site to retain local value and extend shelf life.
Conclusion
PRIMA 2026 provides a unique funding opportunity for sustainable transformation of perishable Mediterranean agri-products. By developing modular, renewable-powered, and user-centered technologies, applicants can reduce post-harvest losses, enhance local value chains, and promote inclusive, resilient, and circular agri-food systems.
For more information, visit PRIMA.
