Deadline: 2-Apr-24
The PRIMA Foundation is seeking applications under the Thematic Area 2-Farming systems in the Nexus for the (IA) Transformative adaptation of Mediterranean dry farming systems using water harvesting technique to address extreme drought in arid and semi-arid environments.
Scope
- This call for proposals aims to address the challenges of dry-farming in arid Mediterranean areas by integrating traditional and modern hydro-technologies to create sustainable and resilient agricultural systems. The focus is on systems that prioritize the use of saline-resistant and drought-resistant species or underutilized species with minimal water requirements, adapted to seasonal rainfall variations, and tolerant to solar radiation and elevated temperatures, including halophytes, cacti, and similar plants.
- A circular economy approach is encouraged, promoting the recycling and re-use of various waste types as soil amendments, bio-fertilizers, or replacements for chemical inputs. Proposals should prioritize evaluating the impact on soil health and the circular economy of water resources, alongside broader environmental assessments. This approach enhances soil organic matter, carbon sequestration, water storage, nutrient use efficiency, and efficient water usage while considering the specific needs and contributions of women and men in the community.
Funding Information
- The total indicative amount allocated to this call EUR 9.6 million.
Expected Impacts
- Establish “large demonstration” sites in arid and semi-arid zones, offering a practical showcase of the project’s effectiveness.
- Innovate new water harvesting systems, drawing inspiration from time-tested ancestral hydro-technologies.
- Create new products for both human consumption and animal feed that value and incorporate underutilized species/varieties.
- Develop new value chains and organizational-business models that can adapt to changing environments and market conditions.
- Improve the water use efficiency.
- Prioritize effects on soil health. Anticipated outcomes should improve indicators such as soil organic content, carbon sequestration, and water retention capabilities. This impact area should be thoroughly evaluated, considering the broader environmental consequences.
- Develop practical and affordable solutions specifically designed to benefit smallholders, addressing their unique challenges and limitations.
Key Performance Indicators
- Demonstration Sites KPI
- Target: Establish at least 1 large demonstration site to showcase sustainable agricultural practices and technologies.
- Water Harvesting Systems KPI
- Target: Develop and implement 1 innovative water harvesting systems to improve water availability for agriculture.
- Crop Diversity KPI
- Target: (Re-)introduce a minimum of 1 new crop for human and animal consumption to diversify agricultural production.
- Value Chain and Organizational Models KPI
- Target: Develop and implement 1 new value chain or organizational model to enhance agricultural sustainability and market access.
- Smallholder Adoption Rate KPI
- Target: Achieve a minimum of 20% adoption rate among smallholders for the proposed sustainable agricultural solutions compared to the baseline at the beginning of the project
Eligibility Criteria
- Legal entities established in the following countries and territories are eligible to receive funding through PRIMA grants:
- The PRIMA Participating States:
- The following Member States (MS) of the European Union (EU): Croatia, Cyprus, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Portugal, Spain, Slovenia. It includes the Overseas Countries and Territories (OCT) linked to some of these Member States
- The following Third Countries associated to Horizon 2020 (AC): Israel, Tunisia, and Turkey.
- The following Third Countries not associated with to Horizon 2020 (TC), having concluded international agreements for scientific and technological cooperation setting out the terms and conditions of their participation in PRIMA: Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, and Morocco.
- These Associated Countries (AC) and Third Countries (TC) mentioned above are collectively called the Mediterranean Partner Countries (MPC).
- In addition, the following entities are eligible to receive funding through PRIMA grants:
- Any legal entity created under the European Union law.
- Any international European interest organisation, as defined in point (12) of Article 2(1) of Regulation (EU) No 1290/2013
- For these two types of entities, their place of establishment is not relevant for eligibility for funding.
- Any international organisation (IO)6 OR any legal entity established in countries not listed above as PS may be eligible for funding provided that at least one of the following conditions is fulfilled:
- participation is deemed to be essential for carrying out the action;
- Such funding is provided under a bilateral scientific and technological agreement or any other arrangement between the Union and the international organisation or, for entities established in a country that is not a Participating State, the country in which the legal entity is established.
- All participants with their own funding must attach to their proposal a letter from their organisation (signed by a legal representative of the structure) attesting that the funds cover their participation in the projects (task(s), attendance at meetings, etc.) will be available.
- The PRIMA Participating States:
For more information, visit PRIMA Foundation.