Horizon Europe and the CAP
The EU supports research, innovation and knowledge exchange to deliver on the cross-cutting objective of the common agricultural policy (CAP) to address the needs of agriculture, forestry and rural areas, helping them become more competitive, sustainable and resilient.
The EU action for research, innovation and knowledge exchange builds on the strengths of two main policies, the EU Research and Innovation Framework Programme, known as Horizon Europe, and the CAP. They work in synergy under the common concept of the European Innovation Partnership for Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability (EIP-AGRI) to stimulate co-creation, exchange of knowledge and innovation in agriculture, forestry and rural areas.
Horizon Europe
Horizon Europe is the EU’s flagship funding programme for research and innovation for the period 2021-27. Its second pillar focuses on Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness, supporting research and innovation activities that address societal challenges while enhancing technological and industrial capacities. Within this pillar, Cluster 6 focused on ‘Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment’ has a budget nearing € 9 billion. It offers funding opportunities for research and innovation in areas such as agriculture, forestry, rural areas, resource management, food systems, and environmental resilience.
Interactive innovation
Under Horizon Europe and the CAP, the EU promotes the interactive and inclusive innovation model following three key principles:
- focusing on actual needs of farmers, foresters and rural communities,
- bringing together project partners with complementary knowledge, and
- practicing co-decision and co-creation throughout the entire project duration of the project.
The interactive innovation model is implemented in the Horizon-funded multi-actor projects and the CAP-funded Operational Groups (OGs).
Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems (AKIS)
Both Horizon Europe and the CAP support initiatives to ensure the effective functioning of Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems (AKIS). Within Horizon Europe, AKIS is strengthened through initiatives aimed at accelerating innovation and the adoption of research outcomes crucial for transformative changes. In the CAP, AKIS serves as the foundation for its cross-cutting objectives, promoting knowledge, innovation, and digitalisation in agriculture and rural areas.
EU CAP network
The EU CAP Network is a forum where national CAP organisations, administrations, researchers, entrepreneurs and practitioners come together to share knowledge and information, research needs and practical solutions in agriculture, forestry and rural development. The network offers specific support for innovation, knowledge exchange as part of EIP-AGRI by providing networking activities, learning material and managing the EIP-AGRI project database with the support of the EIP-AGRI Support Facility.
Horizon Europe research and innovation priorities
Collaborative research and innovation under Horizon Europe cluster 6 targeting agriculture, forestry and rural communities is organised around 13 priorities.
The research priorities also include Enhancing Knowledge Flows and Skills and Strengthening International Cooperation.
Horizon Europe instruments
Addressing the specific needs of the agricultural and forestry sectors as well as rural areas involves leveraging a variety of instruments to support research and innovation tailored to agricultural challenges and opportunities.
Research and innovation actions in Cluster 6
Under Horizon Europe's Cluster 6, collaborative research and innovation efforts focus on the agriculture, forestry, and rural sectors. These initiatives can take various forms, including:
- Research and Innovation Actions (RIA),
- Innovation Actions (IA), or
- Coordination and Support Actions (CSA).
The EU-funded projects encompass a broad spectrum of activities, such as developing innovative practices, technologies, products, and governance and business models. They help evaluate policy tools like the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and deepen understanding of socio-economic issues, including sector attractiveness and rural living conditions. Social sciences and humanities are increasingly aiding the transition to greater sustainability.
Many projects target climate change adaptation and mitigation, as well as agrobiodiversity, with a strong focus on sharing new knowledge and innovations with farmers, foresters, and rural stakeholders, while improving access for advisors.
Key priorities include promoting sustainable practices and innovation:
- in agriculture, this means boosting productivity and ensuring food security and sustainability through different approaches;
- in forestry, it focuses on sustainable management and biodiversity;
- for rural areas, the aim is to enhance socio-economic development through diversification, connectivity, and innovation, fostering resilient systems and vibrant communities.
EU Mission ‘A Soil Deal for Europe’: 100 Living labs and lighthouses
The EU Mission A Soil Deal for Europe (Mission Soil) is one of five missions funded by Horizon Europe. Its goal is to create 100 Living Labs and Lighthouses by 2030 to promote sustainable land and soil management by co-creating and testing practical, site-specific solutions for improving soil health, fertility and resilience to climate change.
It offers access to knowledge, data, and innovative practices. The Mission Soil empowers farmers, foresters and other landowners, land managers to increase productivity sustainably and reduce input costs, improving their competitiveness.
European partnerships
The aim of European Partnerships with EU and associated countries, the private sector, foundations and other stakeholders is to join forces and co-fund R&I to deliver on global challenges and enhance competitiveness. Several European co-funded Partnerships were set up of importance for the sector:
- European Partnership accelerating farming systems transition: agroecology living labs and research infrastructure (Agroecology)
- European Partnership for Animal Health and Welfare (PAHW)
- European Partnership for Agriculture of Data
- European Partnership for Sustainable Food Systems
- European Partnership water security for the planet (Water4All)
- European Biodiversity Partnership (Biodiversa+)
Circular bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU)
CBE JU is a €2 billion partnership between the European Union and the Bio-based Industries Consortium (BIC) that funds projects advancing competitive circular bio-based industries under Horizon Europe. CBE JU is contributing to the transformation of agriculture and forestry sectors by creating new revenue streams and business opportunities for example by:
- valorising agricultural and forestry waste streams and side streams,
- recycling as well as developing bio-based solutions and encouraging sustainable farming practices, and
- boosting the rural economy.
Funding opportunities
Opportunities for projects in the sectors of bioeconomy, natural resources, agriculture and environment.
Funding under Horizon Europe is set out in multiannual work programmes, which cover most of the support available.
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