This cluster aims at reducing environmental degradation, halting and reversing the decline of biodiversity on land, inland waters and sea and better managing natural resources through transformative changes of the economy and society in both urban and rural areas.

It will ensure food and nutrition security for all within planetary boundaries through knowledge, innovation and digitalisation in agriculture, fisheries, aquaculture and food systems and steer and accelerate the transition to a low carbon, resource efficient circular economy and sustainable bioeconomy, including forestry.

Research and innovation activities under cluster 6 will contribute to the objectives of the European Green Deal related to the Biodiversity Strategy to 2030, the Farm to Fork strategy, the European Climate Pact and initiatives under sustainable industry and eliminating pollution, as well as the long-term vision for rural areas, and the Sustainable Development Goals.

The expected impacts of this cluster are contained in the Horizon Europe strategic plan.

Areas of intervention

• environmental observation
• biodiversity and natural resources
• agriculture, forestry and rural areas
• seas, oceans and inland waters
• food systems
• bio-based innovation systems in the EU's bioeconomy 
• circular systems

Policy information

Research area: Environment

Research area: Biodiversity

Research area: Environmental observation

Research area: Agriculture, forestry and rural areas

Research area: Oceans and seas

Research area: Food systems

Mission area: Adaptation to climate change including societal transformation

Mission area: Healthy oceans, seas and inland waters

Mission area: Soil health and food

Candidates for European Partnerships in this cluster

All funding information and details on how to apply are on the Funding and Tenders portal

Funding opportunities under Horizon Europe are set out in multiannual work programmes, which cover the large majority of support available.

2023 - 24

2021 - 22

Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment work programme