Deadline: 17-Sep-2026
The European Commission is inviting grant applications for research and innovation projects aimed at increasing agricultural biodiversity across the European Union. The initiative seeks to strengthen food security, improve farm resilience, enhance competitiveness, and support sustainable agricultural systems through biodiversity-based approaches.
With a total budget of €12 million and an indicative funding contribution of around €6 million per project, the programme supports projects that address agricultural resilience, sustainable land management, farmer livelihoods, and biodiversity-based value chains.
Overview
Agricultural systems across Europe face growing challenges from climate change, pests, diseases, and the loss of genetic diversity. This funding opportunity aims to support research and innovation activities that increase agricultural biodiversity and help create more resilient and sustainable farming systems.
The initiative focuses on understanding the economic and environmental benefits of agrobiodiversity while identifying practical ways to integrate biodiversity into farming systems, value chains, and 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:
- Agrobiodiversity enhancement
- Sustainable agricultural systems
- Farm resilience
- Food security
- Farmer income diversification
- Risk management in farming systems
- Biodiversity-based value chains
- Sustainable land management practices
Project Scope
Proposed projects are expected to contribute to improving agricultural biodiversity and strengthening the resilience of farming systems.
Activities may include:
- Quantifying the economic benefits of agrobiodiversity
- Assessing the environmental benefits of diversified farming systems
- Developing strategies to scale up farm diversification
- Evaluating risks and trade-offs related to yield and production stability
- Assessing marketability of diversified agricultural products
- Supporting sustainable land management approaches
- Improving resilience against climate change impacts
- Addressing challenges related to pests and diseases
Projects may also focus on:
- Development of decision-support tools
- Financial incentive mechanisms
- Nature-based credits
- Biodiversity-related business models
- Market development for diverse agricultural products
- Improved food value chains
Expected Outcomes
Projects should support farmers, land managers, agribusinesses, and other stakeholders by providing practical tools and recommendations for biodiversity-based farming systems.
Expected outcomes include:
- Increased adoption of diversified farming systems
- Improved farm resilience and risk mitigation
- Enhanced food security
- Better market access for diverse agricultural products
- Strengthened biodiversity-based value chains
- Increased opportunities for farmer income diversification
- Improved processing and storage solutions for diverse products
- Stronger collaboration across the food value chain
Policy Context
The funding topic contributes to several key European Union policy initiatives, including:
- EU Vision for Agriculture and Food
- EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030
- Organic Action Plan
- Nature Credits Roadmap
- Nature Restoration Regulation
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants include:
- Any legal entity eligible under Horizon Europe rules
- Public organisations
- Private organisations
- Research institutions
- Universities
- Businesses and agribusinesses
- Non-profit organisations
- International organisations
- Entities from non-associated third countries, subject to applicable Horizon Europe rules and specific call conditions
How to Apply
Step 1: Review Eligibility Requirements
- Confirm that your organisation is an eligible legal entity under Horizon Europe rules.
- Review any specific conditions applicable to the call.
Step 2: Develop a Project Proposal
Prepare a proposal that:
- Addresses agricultural biodiversity challenges
- Aligns with one or more focus areas
- Demonstrates research and innovation potential
- Supports sustainable and resilient farming systems
Step 3: Build Partnerships
Where relevant:
- Engage research organisations
- Collaborate with farmers and land managers
- Include agribusiness and food value chain stakeholders
- Strengthen multi-actor cooperation
Step 4: Submit the Application
- Prepare all required proposal documents.
- Submit the application according to Horizon Europe procedures and call requirements.
Tips for Applicants
- Clearly demonstrate how the project will increase agricultural biodiversity.
- Show links between biodiversity, food security, and farm resilience.
- Include practical benefits for farmers and land managers.
- Address risks and trade-offs associated with diversified farming systems.
- Consider market opportunities for diverse agricultural products.
- Demonstrate collaboration across the food value chain.
Why This Funding Matters
Agricultural biodiversity plays a critical role in ensuring resilient food systems, protecting ecosystems, and supporting sustainable agricultural production. By promoting diversified farming systems and biodiversity-based value chains, this funding opportunity aims to help farmers adapt to environmental challenges while maintaining productivity, competitiveness, and long-term economic viability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the total funding available under this topic?
- The total budget is €12,000,000.
- How much funding can a project receive?
- The indicative contribution is approximately €6,000,000 per project.
- What are the main focus areas of the programme?
- Agrobiodiversity enhancement
- Farm resilience
- Food security
- Sustainable agricultural systems
- Risk management
- Biodiversity-based value chains
- Sustainable land management
- 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 agricultural biodiversity, farm diversification, risk mitigation, decision-support tools, value chains, and market development.
- Who are the expected beneficiaries of project outcomes?
- Farmers
- Land managers
- Agribusinesses
- Food value chain stakeholders
- Which EU policies does this topic support?
- EU Vision for Agriculture and Food
- EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030
- Organic Action Plan
- Nature Credits Roadmap
- Nature Restoration Regulation
Conclusion
The European Commission’s agricultural biodiversity funding opportunity supports research and innovation projects that strengthen food security, improve farm resilience, and promote sustainable agricultural systems across Europe. With a budget of €12 million and a strong focus on biodiversity-based solutions, the initiative seeks to help farmers, land managers, and agribusinesses build more resilient and competitive food systems while contributing to key EU environmental and agricultural objectives.
For more information, visit European Commission.