Deadline: 17-Sep-2026
The European Commission is now accepting grant applications to support research and policy alignment for sustainable agriculture while safeguarding food security across the European Union. The programme seeks to improve understanding of how bioeconomy and nature markets can contribute to environmental goals while ensuring that agricultural production remains economically viable and food supplies remain secure.
With a total budget of €12 million and an indicative contribution of around €6 million per project, the initiative supports research and innovation activities that help farmers diversify income sources, strengthen sustainable value chains, and balance climate, biodiversity, and food security objectives.
Overview
The growing expansion of bio-based industries, carbon markets, and environmental service markets is creating new opportunities for the agricultural sector. At the same time, policymakers and stakeholders must ensure that land-use decisions, biomass production, and nature market activities do not negatively affect food production and food security.
This funding opportunity aims to generate evidence, tools, and policy recommendations that support sustainable agriculture while helping farmers benefit from emerging bioeconomy and nature market opportunities.
Funding Information
- Total funding available: €12,000,000
- Indicative funding per project: Approximately €6,000,000
- Funding type: Research and Innovation Actions under Horizon Europe
Focus Areas
Projects may address one or more of the following areas:
- Bioeconomy and nature markets
- Sustainable agricultural value chains
- Climate and biodiversity integration
- Food security protection
- Natural capital accounting
- Biomass utilisation
- Land-use management
- Sustainable business models for farmers
Project Scope
Projects are expected to examine the interaction between agriculture, bioeconomy development, environmental objectives, and food security.
Activities may include:
- Analysing the impacts of bioeconomy markets on agriculture
- Assessing the effects of nature markets on food production systems
- Evaluating links between climate action and agricultural sustainability
- Examining biodiversity impacts and opportunities
- Assessing food security risks and trade-offs
- Analysing natural capital accounting approaches
- Evaluating land-use dynamics and land-use conflicts
- Studying biomass supply and demand patterns
Projects may also focus on:
- Biomass residues
- Secondary biomass streams
- Carbon credits and environmental services
- Sustainable agricultural value chains
- Farm-level decision-making tools
- Policy alignment and governance approaches
- Economic incentives for sustainable land management
Expected Outcomes
Projects should generate practical knowledge and tools that help policymakers, farmers, and stakeholders make informed decisions.
Expected outcomes include:
- Improved understanding of bioeconomy and nature market impacts
- Better assessment of food security risks
- Enhanced integration of climate and biodiversity objectives
- Sustainable income diversification opportunities for farmers
- Improved biomass management strategies
- Stronger sustainable agricultural value chains
- Better understanding of land-use trade-offs
- Evidence-based policy recommendations
Projects are also expected to develop innovative business models that provide fair income opportunities for farmers while supporting environmental sustainability goals.
Policy Context
The topic supports several key European Union policy frameworks, including:
- EU Vision for Agriculture and Food
- Common Agricultural Policy (CAP)
- EU Bioeconomy Strategy
- Carbon Removals and Carbon Farming Regulation
- European Green Deal
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants include:
- Any legal entity eligible under Horizon Europe rules
- Public organisations
- Private organisations
- Universities
- Research institutions
- Non-profit organisations
- Businesses and industry stakeholders
- International organisations
- Entities from non-associated third countries, subject to applicable Horizon Europe rules and specific call conditions
How to Apply
Step 1: Verify Eligibility
- Confirm that your organisation is eligible under Horizon Europe rules.
- Review any additional call-specific requirements and conditions.
Step 2: Develop a Project Concept
Prepare a proposal that:
- Addresses one or more of the programme focus areas
- Supports sustainable agriculture and food security
- Demonstrates research and innovation value
- Contributes to policy development and decision-making
Step 3: Build a Strong Consortium
Where relevant:
- Engage research organisations
- Collaborate with agricultural stakeholders
- Include policy experts and industry partners
- Encourage interdisciplinary cooperation
Step 4: Prepare and Submit the Proposal
- Complete the required proposal documentation.
- Submit the application according to Horizon Europe procedures and deadlines.
Tips for Applicants
- Clearly demonstrate links between agriculture, food security, and environmental sustainability.
- Address both opportunities and risks associated with bioeconomy and nature markets.
- Include practical benefits for farmers and agricultural stakeholders.
- Consider land-use implications and food production impacts.
- Develop clear policy recommendations supported by evidence.
- Highlight innovative business models that can strengthen farmer incomes.
Why This Funding Matters
As bio-based industries and nature markets continue to grow, understanding their impacts on agriculture and food systems is becoming increasingly important. This funding opportunity supports research that helps balance economic opportunities, environmental objectives, and food security needs, ensuring that farmers can participate in emerging markets while maintaining sustainable and productive agricultural systems.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the total funding available under this topic?
- The total budget is €12,000,000.
- How much funding can each project receive?
- The indicative contribution is approximately €6,000,000 per project.
- What are the main focus areas of the programme?
- Bioeconomy and nature markets
- Sustainable agricultural value chains
- Climate and biodiversity integration
- Food security protection
- Natural capital accounting
- Biomass utilisation
- Land-use management
- Sustainable business models for farmers
- Who can apply?
- Any legal entity eligible under Horizon Europe rules, including international organisations and entities from non-associated third countries, subject to applicable conditions.
- What types of activities are supported?
- Research and innovation activities related to bioeconomy markets, nature markets, food security, biomass utilisation, land-use management, sustainable value chains, and policy development.
- What outcomes are expected from funded projects?
- Improved policy recommendations
- Better food security assessments
- Sustainable business models for farmers
- Enhanced understanding of land-use and biomass dynamics
- Stronger agricultural value chains
- Which EU policies does this topic support?
- EU Vision for Agriculture and Food
- Common Agricultural Policy
- EU Bioeconomy Strategy
- Carbon Removals and Carbon Farming Regulation
- European Green Deal
Conclusion
The European Commission’s funding opportunity on sustainable agriculture, bioeconomy, and nature markets aims to support research and innovation that balances environmental objectives with food security and farmer livelihoods. With €12 million available, the programme seeks to generate evidence, tools, business models, and policy recommendations that help create resilient agricultural systems while supporting the transition towards a sustainable and competitive European bioeconomy.
For more information, visit European Commission.