Apply Now: Bio-Based Alternatives for Fertilising and Crop Protection Programme

The European Commission is funding large-scale projects to develop bio-based fertilisers and crop protection solutions that reduce dependence on synthetic agricultural chemicals. The programme supports industrial biorefineries, sustainable bio-input production, and real-world field validation to improve soil health, crop productivity, and environmental sustainability. It is part of the EU’s broader bioeconomy and clean agriculture transition under Horizon Europe.

Overview

The European Commission has launched a grant programme under the Horizon Europe framework to accelerate the development and industrial deployment of bio-based agricultural inputs.

The programme focuses on replacing or reducing synthetic fertilisers and chemical crop protection products with sustainable, bio-based alternatives that are safer for soil, water, and ecosystems.

Total funding allocation: €170,760,699
Target initiative: Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) bio-based alternatives for fertilising and crop protection products (~€20 million dedicated component)

Key Objectives and Focus Areas

The programme supports innovation across the full agricultural bioeconomy value chain.

Core focus areas include:

• Industrial-scale biorefinery development for bio-based inputs
• Production of bio-fertilisers, bio-stimulants, and biological crop protection products
• Sustainable alternatives to synthetic and mineral fertilisers
• Reduction of agricultural chemical dependency
• Soil health restoration and improvement
• Reduction of microplastics and pollutants in soil and water
• Strengthening collaboration between farmers and bio-based industries
• Improving food quality, resilience, and sustainability
• Alignment with EU bioeconomy and clean industrial strategy goals

What Types of Solutions Are Supported?

Funded projects must develop and scale up bio-based agricultural solutions such as:

Bio-based fertilisers

• Organic nutrient-based fertilisers
• Recycled biological nutrient products
• Microbial or enzyme-based fertilisers

Crop protection solutions

• Biopesticides
• Bioherbicides
• Bioinsecticides
• Biological disease control agents

Supporting technologies

• Industrial biorefineries
• Controlled release systems (must avoid microplastic pollution)
• Safe and sustainable formulation technologies

Project Requirements and Expectations

To qualify for funding, projects must demonstrate strong scientific, industrial, and environmental validation.

Key requirements:

• Industrial-scale production capability
• Stable and efficient processing of variable biological raw materials
• Consistent product quality and performance
• Agronomic validation against synthetic alternatives
• Safe and sustainable design principles (SSbD compliance)

Performance validation includes:

• Nutrient efficiency and crop yield improvement
• Soil health impact assessment
• Water quality protection
• Environmental safety testing
• Long-term sustainability performance

Field Testing and Real-World Validation

Field trials are a mandatory component of funded projects.

Testing conditions include:

• Real farm environments with primary producers
• Multiple soil types and climate zones
• Organic and conventional farming systems
• Long-term agronomic performance tracking

Environmental assessments:

• Soil fertility and microbial health
• Water contamination risk reduction
• Microplastic impact evaluation (especially for controlled-release systems)

Who Is Eligible?

The programme is open to a wide range of applicants under Horizon Europe rules.

Eligible participants:

• Legal entities from EU Member States
• Associated countries to Horizon Europe
• Non-associated third countries (if conditions are met)
• International organisations

Typical applicants include:

• Research institutions
• Universities
• Agricultural technology companies
• Biotech and bio-based industry firms
• Farmer cooperatives and industry consortia
• SMEs and large enterprises

Why This Programme Matters

This initiative is designed to transform European agriculture into a more sustainable and resilient system.

Key benefits:

• Reduces dependency on chemical fertilisers and pesticides
• Improves long-term soil health and biodiversity
• Reduces environmental pollution in soil and water systems
• Supports circular bioeconomy innovation
• Strengthens food security and agricultural resilience
• Encourages industrial-scale green technology adoption
• Supports EU climate and sustainability targets

How It Works / How to Apply

Funding is awarded through competitive proposals under Horizon Europe calls.

Application process (typical structure):

1. Form a consortium of eligible partners (industry, research, agriculture stakeholders)
2. Identify a relevant call topic under Horizon Europe
3. Develop a detailed project proposal including:
   • Technology concept and innovation
   • Industrial scalability plan
   • Environmental and safety assessments
   • Field testing methodology
   • Budget and work packages
4. Submit proposal via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal
5. Evaluation by independent experts based on excellence, impact, and implementation quality
6. Selected projects receive grant funding and begin execution

Common Mistakes and Practical Tips

Common mistakes:

• Weak industrial-scale implementation plan
• Lack of real-world field testing strategy
• Insufficient farmer or industry involvement
• Poor environmental impact assessment design
• Over-reliance on lab-scale results only

Tips for success:

• Build strong multi-country consortia
• Clearly demonstrate scalability beyond research phase
• Include strong sustainability and SSbD alignment
• Provide measurable environmental and agronomic outcomes
• Ensure integration across the full value chain (feedstock → production → application)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the main goal of this EU funding programme?

The goal is to develop sustainable bio-based fertilisers and crop protection solutions that reduce reliance on synthetic agricultural chemicals.

2. What is the total funding available?

The programme has a total allocation of €170,760,699, with a significant focus on Safe and Sustainable by Design bio-based solutions.

3. What types of products are funded?

Bio-fertilisers, bio-stimulants, biopesticides, bioherbicides, bioinsecticides, and related bio-based agricultural technologies.

4. Are field trials required?

Yes. Projects must conduct real-world field testing across different farming systems, climates, and soil types.

5. Who can apply for this funding?

Universities, research institutions, SMEs, large companies, farmer organisations, and international partners under Horizon Europe eligibility rules.

6. What is SSbD in this context?

SSbD stands for Safe and Sustainable by Design, meaning products must be environmentally safe, non-toxic, and sustainable throughout their lifecycle.

7. Can non-EU countries participate?

Yes, participation is possible for associated and certain non-associated countries, subject to Horizon Europe conditions.

Conclusion

The European Commission’s Horizon Europe funding initiative is a major investment in transforming agriculture through bio-based innovation. By supporting industrial-scale fertiliser and crop protection alternatives, the programme aims to reduce environmental damage, improve soil health, and strengthen sustainable food systems across Europe and beyond.