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EUROPEAN COMMISSION

Brussels, 8.9.2026 COM(2026) 453 final

COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN

PARLIAMENT, THE COUNCIL, THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL

COMMITTEE AND THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS

New Strategic Approach to Research and Innovation for competitive, resilient and

sustainable agriculture, forestry, rural areas and food systems

Future-proofing EU agri-food through AgRI 2040 and Food 2040

{SWD(2026) 271 final}

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1. THE NEW CONTEXT FOR THE EU RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN

AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY, RURAL AREAS AND FOOD SYSTEMS

The agri-food sector1, comprising agriculture, forestry, activities in rural areas and the broader

food systems,is a strategic asset for the European Union (EU) and its food security,

sustainability and competitiveness. It ensures a continuous supply of sufficient, affordable, safe,

healthy and high-quality food for 450 million Europeans. In addition, it plays a key role in

mitigating and adapting to climate change threats, while supporting the sustainable management

of natural resources, a circular and sustainable bioeconomy and global food security.

In 2023, EU agriculture and food systemsgenerated more than EUR 1 trillion in added value and

employed around 30 million people (15% of all jobs in the EU2). This includes 4.8 million people

employed in 309 000 businesses in the food and drink industry, the EU’s largest manufacturing

sector3 that delivered EUR 1.5 trillion in turnover and EUR 296 billion in value added. As the

world’s largest agri-food exporter, the EU recorded a EUR 50 billion agri-food trade surplus in

20254.

Rural areas, home to 25% of the EU population and covering more than 75% of its territory, are

key drivers of sustainable growth and innovation5. Forests and other wooded land cover nearly

44% of the EU’s territory and are essential for Europeans’ health, biodiversity, rural livelihoods,

cultural heritage, economic prosperity, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and the

prevention of future environmental and health crises.

To maintain its global leadership, the sector must innovate and modernise more quickly. Despite

higher spending on research and development (R&D) over time6, Europe’s scientific excellence in

the agri-food sector, for instance on digital and artificial intelligence (AI) applications, is facing

challenges. If the status quo is maintained and the current innovation and deployment gap

persist, future agricultural total factor productivity growth is expected to remain modest.

This suggests that research and innovation (R&I) outputs are not sufficiently translated into

proportionate productivity gains7, sustainability and resource efficiency. In addition, despite

remaining relatively competitive in selected agri-food tech segments, Europe's investment gap is

1 For the purpose of this Communication, the agri-food sector is understood in a broad sense, encompassing

agriculture, forestry, food systems and rural areas. 2 Eurostat, Key figures on the European food chain – 2025 edition, 12 December 2025,

https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/products-key-figures/w/ks-01-25-049. 3 FoodDrinkEurope, Data & Trends: EU Food and Drink Industry – 2026 Edition, 2026,

https://www.fooddrinkeurope.eu/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/FoodDrinkEurope-Data-Trends-2026-report-

digital.pdf. 4 Monitoring EU agri-food trade: Developments in 2025, European Commission, 2026. The agri-food trade data only

cover goods, and exclude fisheries, aquaculture and forestry. 5 COM/2025/75 final. 6 OECD, Agricultural Policy Monitoring and Evaluation 2024, 2024, Paris,

https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/agricultural-policy-monitoring-and-evaluation-2024_74da57ed-en.html. 7 European Commission: Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development, EU Agricultural Outlook 2025–

2035, Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg, 2025, https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2762/4491268.

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becoming increasingly pronounced. Agri-food tech investment in Europe fell by 67% from 2020

to 2024, compared with levels 50–70% that were higher in the United States and Canada8. To

reduce its dependences on other major global powers, in particular when it comes to technologies

used in food production, the EU must further strengthen its strategic autonomy by developing AI

capabilities for agriculture and food systems.

The EU agri-food sector operates in an increasingly complex and rapidly changing

environment. The geopolitical context is marked by volatile input and commodity prices, and

significant dependencies on third countries not only for technologies but also for farming inputs,

in particular fertilisers, energy and protein feed. These challenges are compounded by

an ageing and shrinking workforce with gender imbalances, and pressures on land use and natural

resources, and are aggravated by the effects of climate change, pollution and biodiversity losses.

Structural transformations are underway, from new technology driven farming and food

production methods to the emergence of innovative value chains and new circular business models

in the bioeconomy sector and use of AI and biotechnology.

Sustainable competitiveness driven by R&I is at the core of both the Vision for agriculture and

food and the strategy for European life sciences. The vision calls for an update of the 2016

strategic approach to R&I in agriculture, forestry and rural areas to better target investments,

align future priorities with scientific developments and seize new opportunities. The life sciences

strategy seeks to position the EU as a global hub for innovation across health, biotech, food and

biomanufacturing by 2030, including attracting talents through the Choose Europe Initiative. The

strategy also announced the development of a complementary new strategic R&I agenda on

food systems, building on the current Food 2030 framework. This agenda will support the

development of competitive, sustainable and resilient food systems. Letta and Draghi reports

highlighted the need to strengthen the EU’s single market and enhance its competitiveness, being

also relevant for the agri-food sector.

Boosting competitiveness requires the adoption of a full value chain perspective that strengthens

the innovation journey of EU startups and scaleups from research to market. The strategic approach

will be structured around two closely interlinked frameworks set out in this Communication,

aiming to address the EU agri-food R&I ecosystem in a systemic and cross-cutting manner. These

frameworks are AgRI 2040, focusing on agriculture, forestry and rural areas, and Food 2040,

focusing on food systems, including fisheries and aquaculture. This Communication draws on

insights from the public consultations supporting AgRI 2040 and Food 2040 as summarized in the

Staff Working Document9. Common thematic issues across both frameworks will be addressed

jointly. More specific areas of actions will be identified under AgRI 2040 and Food 2040 focusing

8 AgFunder, Global Agrifoodtech Investment Report 2025, AgFunder, San Francisco, CA, 2025,

https://agfunder.com/research/agfunder-global-agrifoodtech-investment-report-2025/. 9 Commission Staff Working Document: Analytical overview of the achievements of the 2016 strategic approach to

agricultural R&I and Food 2030 R&I framework and insights from stakeholder consultation activities,

accompanying this strategic approach.

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on high-level policy orientations without prejudging the implementation of the next multiannual

financial frameworks (MFF).

2. SHAPING A THRIVING AND INTERCONNECTED EU RESEARCH AND

INNOVATION ECOSYSTEM

2.1. Closing the gap ‘from lab to fab’

A strong innovation-based ecosystem is essential to the competitiveness, resilience and

sustainability of the agri-food sector. It relies on open, fair, and collaborative interconnectedness

across the different segments of the value chain, and from farmers to consumers.

Europe generates high-quality scientific knowledge in agriculture and food systems. However, its

competitiveness is hindered by insufficient private investment in R&I10 and the slow development

of early-stage research results into commercial opportunities. The predominance of SMEs,

limited investment capacity, and a high labour intensity are additional constraints on

commercialisation specific to agriculture, forestry and food systems11.

Innovative SMEs and startups12 in the agri-food sector are well placed to develop, adapt and

scale up solutions across different contexts. At the same time, their participation in Horizon

Europe projects and the valorisation of project results remain limited13. Fragmented funding10,

regulatory complexity and insufficient support at higher technology readiness levels (TRLs)

remain key barriers to turning research results into market-ready products and services also

in the agri-food sector.

This section proposes actions to strengthen the R&I ecosystem, from early-stage innovation to

market deployment, by leveraging research results and supporting market uptake and the growth

of startups in the EU agri-food sector, in line with the EU startup and scaleup strategy. It draws on

insights from the public consultation supporting AgRI 2040 and Food 2040, as well as feedback

from stakeholders and Member States, including contributions from the Task Force on Startup and

Scaleup of the Standing Committee for Agriculture and Research (SCAR).

10 European Commission, & Heitor, M. (Ed.), Align, act, accelerate: Research, technology and innovation to boost

European competitiveness, Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg, 2024,

https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2777/9106236. 11 European Commission: European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency, Technopolis Group, IDEA

Consult, Monitoring industrial ecosystems – Agri-food – Analytical report – 2024 edition, Publications Office of

the European Union, 2025, https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2826/4766674. 12 Although start-ups and scale-ups often qualify as SMEs within the meaning of the EU SME definition, they are

treated as distinct categories in this Communication for analytical and policy purposes. 13 Commission Staff Working Document: Analytical overview of the achievements of the 2016 strategic approach to

agricultural R&I and Food 2030 R&I framework and insights from stakeholder consultation activities,

accompanying this strategic approach.

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Fostering investments and valorisation of R&I results in the agri-food sector

The Commission seeks to make EU-funded R&I projects more business-oriented by

introducing appropriate elements into calls for proposals, increasing the involvement of private

sector and market experts in the evaluation of proposals, and incentivising the valorisation and

exploitation of R&I results. Without prejudging the ongoing MFF negotiations and the

implementation of future EU funding programmes, the Commission will explore ways to lower

entry barriers and increase SME and startup participation in Horizon Europe projects.

These mechanisms could include the greater use, visibility and accessibility of cascade funding14

and other simplified administrative procedures, and stronger support to build consortia.

The Commission will manage the portfolio of R&I funded projects in the agri-food sector so

that it takes into account more explicitly a higher level of technological development15, combining

assessments of innovation maturity with targeted support tailored to each stage of development.

It will explore the development of scale-up pathways16 that link different sources of funding

to support seamless investment journeys in the agri-food sector. These endeavours will strengthen

the proposed close links between Horizon Europe and the future European Competitiveness Fund

(ECF), while ensuring the possibility to use ECF InvestEU Instrument as a delivery tool. The

objective is to accelerate commercialisation and strengthen agri-food innovation across the EU.

The Commission will also seek stronger synergies with organisations and platforms that can

support deployment, including EIT (the European Institute of Innovation and Technology) Food,

the European Innovation Council (EIC), the Enterprise European Network and its successor, the

EU4Business Network, under the ECF, or European Technology Platforms (e.g. ETP Food for

Life) to name a few.

The EIC plays a central role in supporting breakthrough innovation. Additional ways to strengthen

links between collaborative research projects and EIC instruments will be promoted. The

Commission will also explore a renewed fast-track-to-innovation scheme, featuring smaller

consortia, shorter time-to-grant periods, higher TRLs and stronger participation of startups and

other SMEs, farmers, foresters and industry.

A mechanism will also be created for the early identification of promising R&I results with

commercial potential. The selected results could receive light-touch, rapid and flexible top up

funding to bridge the gap between research and early-stage market validation.

14 EU Funding and Tenders Portal, Financial Support for Third Parties (FSTP). 15 Technology maturity is usually assessed using the Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) scale, which indicates how

far a technology has progressed from early research to deployment. TRLs are defined in accordance with the

Horizon Europe Programme Guide (European Commission, 2025). 16 A structured, document-based framework mapping and linking available funding instruments and support measures

across stages (TRLs), guiding innovations from research to market deployment and scale-up, and helping SMEs

and startups identify and access relevant financing opportunities.

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In order to support innovation actors such as researchers, innovators, entrepreneurs, start-ups and

other SMEs, the Commission will explore complementary actions, such as innovation vouchers17,

to strengthen their collaboration with European, national and regional incubators, accelerators,

Living Labs18, and pilot plants. These actions would provide tailored, demand-driven support

for training, business model development, customer research, intellectual property, targeted

funding opportunities, and access to testers and corporate partners.

For intellectual property (IP), the Commission will explore more tailored support for projects

with significant market potential at critical stages, building on existing resources such as the

European IP Helpdesk, Horizon IP Scan, and the Horizon Results Booster.

Supporting experimentation, regulatory learning and innovation deployment in the agri-food

sector

Rapid experimentation cycles can significantly accelerate the transition from ideas to deployable

and commercially viable solutions. The Commission will further explore funding opportunities to

facilitate access to testing and experimentation infrastructures such as Living Labs and

innovation hubs, as well as public procurement schemes in support of innovation. This would

enablestartups and other SMEs to quickly validate prototypes under real-world conditions.

Additional R&I investments are needed to underpin methodologies for risk assessment, in

addition to a greater use of experimentation tools such as regulatory sandboxes19 and closer

collaboration with EU risk assessment bodies (e.g.theEuropean Food Safety Authority). The

aim hereof is to harvest regulatory learnings to support any necessary adjustments (including data

requirements and/or alternative regulatory requirements, among others) to support pre-market

approvals and authorisations for agri-food innovations including plant protection products, feed

and food (including those derived from genetically modified organisms). The Commission will

seek regular input from relevant EU risk assessment bodiesand, where relevant, their national

counterparts, on R&I needs related to the risk assessment of agri-food innovations.

Long term collaborative and interconnected R&I ecosystems have demonstrated their added value

including through EU Missions such as the Mission ‘A Soil Deal for Europe’, institutionalised

partnerships as Joint Undertakings, and co-funded partnerships. In line with the ongoing

assessment20, the Commission will explore how partnerships can be further leveraged to

17 Innovation vouchers are small, flexible grants for innovation actors to access external business creation and

acceleration support services, helping transform promising ideas into viable, market-ready businesses. 18 Living Labs are user-centered place-based and transdisciplinary research and innovation ecosystems, involving

relevant partners in systemic research and codesign, testing, monitoring and evaluation of solutions in real life

settings. LLs have been established under initiatives like the Mission Soil, the Partnership on Agroecology, and

other Horizon Europe-funded actions. 19 In COM/2025/1022 final the Commission has put forward in the context of its proposal for European Biotech Act

a set of targeted amendments to the General Food Law Regulation setting out the conditions under which regulatory

sandboxes can be set up in the context of the food chain. 20 European Commission: Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, “Public consultation on Joint

Undertakings, Art. 185 initiatives, and thematic priorities for European Partnerships under Horizon Europe 28-34”,

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attract additional private and public investment in priority areas. The SCAR could play a

stronger role as a knowledge broker for assessing EU R&I capacities (strengths and weaknesses)

in different agri-food sectors.

By launching a ‘Science for Policy Centre on Agriculture, Forestry, Rural Development and

Food System Innovation and Transformation’, managed by the Joint Research Centre (JRC),

the Commission will support EU and Member States agri-food innovation policies and the sector’s

stakeholders (from producers to entrepreneurs) by identifying key innovation opportunities in the

agri-food sector; analysing economic impacts and market and deployment gaps; and providing

stakeholders with evidence based and actionable knowledge to support strategic decision-making,

with the goal to strengthen EU innovation capacities.

Member States are encouraged to consider how they can use their future national and regional

partnership plans to further reinforce and enhance a supportive innovation ecosystem in the agri-

food sector, for example by investing in capacity-building, human resources and innovation-

enabling infrastructures such as testing facilities.

2.2 Accelerating knowledge and innovation uptake by farmers, foresters and rural actors

The uptake of innovation is essential for EU food security and for the competitiveness,

sustainability and resilience of agriculture, forestry and rural areas.

To deliver on the vision for agriculture and food’s objectives, innovation must move beyond

individual projects, spread across regions and become embedded in everyday practices. This

requires progress across three dimensions: (i) scaling out, by expanding proven solutions to more

users and locations, (ii) scaling up, by shaping policies and regulations to support innovation

uptake, and (iii) scaling deep, by channelling new practices, values and beliefs in society.

Instruments under the common agricultural policy (CAP) can stimulate demand for innovative

solutions by supporting farmers in adopting new technologies, sustainable practices and digital

tools, and in deploying innovation thanks to investment support. EU agricultural R&I policy,

working in close complementarity with the current CAP, has established strong foundations for

the co-creation and dissemination of knowledge and innovation. However, stakeholders

continue to highlight the need for targeted improvements to accelerate uptake of the R&I results21.

10 July 2026, https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/news/all-research-and-innovation-news/public-

consultation-joint-undertakings-art-185-initiatives-and-thematic-priorities-european-2026-07-10_en. 21 European Commission: Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development, Future-proofing EU agri-food

through research and innovation – Summary of results of the open consultation, Publications Office of the European

Union, Luxembourg, 2026, https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2762/2404939.

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Supporting farmer-led innovation through the multi-actor approach and Living Labs

Farmers are more likely to adopt innovations that have been co-created with them, tested under

real-life conditions and supported by advisory services and peer-to-peer exchanges22. Over the last

decade, the multi-actor approach23has become a core feature of agricultural, forestry and rural

R&I projects funded under Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe becoming mandatory in more

than 70% of relevant calls for proposals24. Living Labs have similarly fostered long-term,

transdisciplinary collaboration through place-based experimentation that integrates technical,

social and behavioural dimensions.

However, challenges remain, including inconsistent implementation across projects, barriers to

the early and meaningful involvement of relevant actors, and uneven adoption of results.

The Commission is conducting a study to assess the impact of existing instruments on the

dissemination and uptake of innovation. Drawing on its results, the Commission will seek to

harmonise the terminology and methodologies for the multi-actor approach and Living Labs

and strengthen evaluation and monitoring mechanisms at project level.The Commission

envisages to explore, under the Horizon Europe (2028-2034) and the future ECF,ways to support

theearly and meaningfulinvolvement of relevant actors through pre-proposal support measures

that facilitate consortium-building, as well as through simplified financial support to ensure fair

recognition and remuneration for farmers’ and other stakeholders’ participation in projects. The

link with social sciences and humanities should be strengthened to support inclusive co-creation

processes. The participation of farmers’ organisations, cooperatives, advisory and extension

services, and agricultural chambers in R&I projects will continue being encouraged. The

Commission will also explore collaborative platforms, to better connect farmers and other

practitioners to projects taking a multi-actor approach.

To support bottom-up innovation, the Commission will promote initiatives that validate

traditional knowledge and practitioner-led solutions, whileengaging farmers in testing

innovations across different regions. These efforts should generate practical guidance to support

wider adoption of innovations. Projects should also systematically assess the economic,

environmental and social costs and benefits of adopting proposed innovations, while identifying

viable business opportunities to better meet users’ or market needs. Finally, the Commission will

map existing infrastructures for testing and demonstration including EU and national Living

Labs, demonstration farms and Lighthouses. By helping farmers and practitioners identify relevant

22 European Commission: Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development – Unit A.3, Study on outcomes

achieved by EIP-AGRI Operational Group projects under the CAP, EU CAP Network, 2024, https://eu-cap-

network.ec.europa.eu/publications/study-outcomes-achieved-eip-agri-operational-group-projects-under-cap_en. 23 The multi-actor approach is a form of interactive, transdisciplinary and responsible R&I that aims to make the R&I

process more co-creative and inclusive by actively involving relevant actors throughout the research project to make

outcomes more co-owned, reliable, demand-driven and relevant to society. 24 Commission Staff Working Document: Analytical overview of the achievements of the 2016 strategic approach to

agricultural R&I and Food 2030 R&I framework and insights from stakeholder consultation activities,

accompanying this strategic approach.

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locations and resources, this approach will improve their accessibility to relevant infrastructures

and strengthen peer-to-peer learning.

Strengthening synergies: building a sustainable and interconnected innovation ecosystem

The Commission will further strengthen the links between present and future Horizon Europe

and CAP, by promoting systematic interactions between national contact points (NCP) and CAP

networks,notably through agreater use of events organised by the European Innovation

Partnership for Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability (EIP-AGRI). Continued support will

be provided to encourage the participation of EIP AGRI Operational Groups in R&I projects

and to facilitate the dissemination of their results through the EU Thematic Knowledge Hubs as

reference points for users and reduce the burden on agricultural advisors25.

Synergies between Living Labs and Operational Groups will be strengthened to support the

local adaptation of innovative solutions. This will include encouraging Living Labs to involve

Operational Group partners and, in cooperation with Member States, promoting the uptake and

adaptation by Operational Groups of results developed in Living Labs26. Connections between

Living Labs and the upcoming EU Thematic Knowledge Hubs should also be strengthened to help

scale locally tested innovations across the EU.Collaboration with testing and experimentation

facilities27 should be encouraged to accelerate the uptake of digital innovations in agriculture,

forestry and rural areas.

Maximising the impact and reach of practical knowledge

The Commission will continue to strengthen knowledge repositories andinteroperable, user-

centred infrastructuresto ensure the long-term accessibility and usability of moregranular,

context specific and practically explained R&I results.

The EIP-AGRI practice abstracts28 format will be revised for greater accessibility, clarity and

relevance. Projects will be encouraged to allocate resources to turn R&I outcomes into

practitioner-oriented handbooks, which should be peer-reviewed to ensure quality and user

relevance. They will also be encouraged to make greater use of digital tools and AI to support a

broader and smarter dissemination of practical findings.

25 EU Thematic Knowledge Hubs, as promoted and defined in Horizon Europe Cluster 6 – Work Programme 2026-

2027 (C/2025/8493 final), will be projects designed to act as central sources of thematic knowledge. They should

facilitate access to thematic research findings, innovative solutions, and best practices, empowering advisors with

cutting-edge knowledge and providing ample opportunities of collaboration and cross-fertilization amongst the

different AKIS actors. 26European Commission: Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development, Non-paper ‘Exploring

potential synergies between Horizon Europe projects using Living Labs and Lighthouses applied to agriculture, the

Common Agricultural Policy EIP-AGRI Operational Group projects and other similar initiatives: the Mission Soil

example’, 2026, https://mission-soil-platform.ec.europa.eu/resource-library/non-paper-lls-and-ogs-synergies. 27 Sectorial AI Testing and Experimentation Facilities under the Digital Europe Programme such as the agrifoodTEF. 28 Practice abstracts are short, practitioner-oriented summaries designed to pass on practical knowledge from Multi-

Actor Approach projects and EIP AGRI Operational Groups to users.

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Training materials developed through Horizon Europe thematic and advisory networks should

be integrated into training programmesbynational Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation

Systems (AKIS) to support high-quality farm advisory services. Strongerlinks between advisors

and universities will also be essential to ensure that field-level advice reflects the latest research

and innovation.

Embedding research outcomes in vocational education and training and higher education will

be critical for mainstreaming sustainable practices29 and equipping the future workforce with the

skills needed to drive innovation, particularly in the context of challenges posed by generational

renewal. Building on the activities of the European Skills Intelligence Observatory, the Large-

Scale Partnership for the agri-food ecosystem, Centres of Vocational Excellence funded by

Erasmus+ and EIT KICs will help identify and address emerging skills gaps.

Finally, achieving widespread innovation uptake will require R&I to engage beyond the

traditional actors (farmers, advisors and other rural actors), by involving entrepreneurs, regional

authorities, educators, civil society and industry more systemically, while strengthening support

for citizen science.

2.3 Boosting food technology for food-chain resilience and food security

The food industry’s diverse ecosystem, which spans innovative startups and other SMEs, and

multinationals, requires significant lab-to-market collaboration to accelerate impactful solutions

for new products and services.

While the EU is strong in financing early-stage innovation, upscaling new, sustainable food

ingredients requires more financial support to help innovative startups and other SMEs overcome

the second valley of death30. This is particularly true for the food industry, which has significant

capital expenditure requirements and where private investors are often hesitant to support

infrastructure financing31. Financial support notably implies addressing the continent-wide

shortage of industrial-scale contract manufacturing capacity at TRL 8-9 for fermentation-based

technologies32 for food and feed ingredients while fully respecting the EU risk assessment and

authorisation framework. Quantum computing, with its significant computational power,

combined with digital and AI tools can contribute to improved downstream processing, the

development of new food ingredients and the more efficient development of personalised nutrition.

The Commission will explore how to increase investment including through the ECF InvestEU

Instrument, to accelerate commercialisation and strengthen food innovation in the EU.

Moreover, the EU needs to speed up the adoption of advanced food technologies from early-stage

research, scaling up activities to the commercialisation through industrial deployment, while

29 OECD, Policies for the Future of Farming and Food in the European Union, OECD Agriculture and Food Policy

Reviews, OECD Publishing, Paris, 2023 https://doi.org/10.1787/32810cf6-en. 30 The second valley of death occurs from pilot/demo to market scale. 31 European Investment Bank, Feeding future generations – How finance can boost innovation in agri-food,

Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg, 2019, https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2867/008109. 32 These technologies include biorefineries and advanced fermentation using yeasts, algae, bacteria and other

microorganisms.

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continuing to ensure food safety. Achieving this will require committed engagement from key

infrastructures and research organisations, including the Industrial Biotechnology Innovation

and Synthetic Biology Accelerator (IBISBA), universities, research institutes, biomanufacturing

facilities, technology transfer offices and innovation hubs, supported by tools such as the EU

biotech and biomanufacturing hub.

Strengthening food supply and security will increase the EU’s independence by supporting

domestic supply chains for essential food ingredients such as vitamins, amino acids and enzymes,

thereby reducing external dependencies. The Commission, together with Member States, could

also improve this resilience through digital and AI tools and solutions. The Important Projects of

Common European Interest (IPCEI) is another example for pooling Member State investments in

strategic food and bio-based value chains.

These can contribute to the transformation of food systems, with applications to reduce food loss

and waste, improve the EU’s surveillance of food safety and traceability including fighting food

fraud, reduce production costs, predict and manage climate-induced risks and human disease risk

factors, and boost consumer confidence in the integrity of the EU’s food systems.

The Commission has identified advanced fermentation as a lead technology in the EU bioeconomy

strategy and will explore how to encourage private investment in the building and upgrading of

open-access pilot and demo-scale bioprocessing infrastructure for advanced fermentation to

support the food industry, including SMEs, to test and de-risk their processes without the need

for prohibitive up-front capital expenditure. Member States will be encouraged to do the same.

Health and food are closely interconnected, with nutrition, in line with national dietary

recommendations, playing a fundamental role in maintaining good health and health promotion33.

This area has attracted both emerging and advanced technologies with products contributing

positively to consumers health by, for example, addressing the inadequate consumption of some

vitamins and minerals in line with national nutrition policies. The Commission will consider how

to reinforce R&I on the link between health and food to address the increasing number of

diseases linked to cardiometabolic and neurological systems, and to include, among others,

personalised nutrition.

3. R&I NEEDS FOR A COMPETITIVE, SUSTAINABLE AND RESILIENT EU AGRI-

FOOD SECTOR

3.1. Cross-cutting priorities

The complex and interconnected nature of the agri-food sector call for broad R&I

interventions that can deliver impact.

33 Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social

Committee and the Committee of the Regions on an EU cardiovascular health plan: the Safe Hearts Plan,

COM/2025/1024 final.

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While specific thematic R&I areas of action are defined in sections 3.3 and 3.4 as regards the agri-

food sector, a systemic approach should be applied across all R&I policy areas and informed by a

set of cross-cutting priorities.

Six initial priorities, presented below,will guide the implementation of AgRI 2040 and Food 2040

and the deployment of R&I actions that can be supported by, among others, the future Horizon

Europe and the ECF, without prejudging the methods of implementing future funding programmes,

nor the preparation of work programmes for the period of the next MFF 2028-2034.

• Competitiveness, startups and scaleups

The Commission will aim to strengthen long-term competitiveness by fostering an R&I

ecosystem that enables researchers, innovators and entrepreneurs, together with farmers, foresters,

rural actors and industries, startups, scaleups, other SMEs and other businesses to develop new

approaches, products and technologies and address the challenges facing their sectors.

• Food security, resilience and preparedness

Increasing resilience and preparedness will be a central objective of future actions under this

strategic approach, in line with the European preparedness union strategy and its emphasis on early

warning and an integrated all-hazards approach. This priority seeks to increase anticipation and

preparedness by recognising how climate impacts, supply-chain disruptions, structural lock-ins

and other risks can interact and reinforce one another, and by developing solutions to improve

access to raw materials for agriculture, food production and supply, and the bioeconomy.

Resilience requires a holistic approach encompassing food security and sovereignty, open

strategic autonomy, ensuring the sustainable management of natural resources, mitigating risks,

reducing dependencies, diversification and supply chain continuity, with preparedness capacities

strengthened at local, regional and national levels. This includes fostering EU production and

supply of proteins, vitamins and other essential nutrients, as well as considering relevant aspects

of the recently adopted Action Plan for resilience, strategic autonomy and sustainability of the EU

protein system. R&I plays a key role in supporting this transition through the development of tools

and capabilities for monitoring, early warning, stress-testing and foresight.

• Natural resources and circularity

R&I will support the sustainable management of natural resources. It will contribute to strengthen

climate change mitigation and adaptation, including through the development and large-scale

deployment of climate-smart solutions for the agri-food sector that also preserve or

restore biodiversity and ecosystem functions, while reducing environmental degradation and

pollution.

A central element of this priority is to continue supporting the transition towards a sustainable,

circular and resource-efficient (including regarding renewable energy) agri-food sector. This

involves moving away from linear production and consumption models towards circular systems

in which biological resources are used sustainably, more efficiently and waste streams are

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minimised and valorised. It also includes efforts to prevent food loss and waste across all stages

of the value chain, from production and processing to distribution and consumption.

This priority is aligned with the objectives of the EU bioeconomy strategy, the Nature Restoration

Regulation and the upcoming Circular Economy Act, promoting the circular, regenerative and

sustainable use of biological resources to support green growth, and reduce dependence on fossil-

based resources, through the sustainable sourcing and use of biomass.

• Food and feed safety, nutrition and health

The Commission will contribute to ensuring that food and feed safety, food chain integrity34 and

nutritional quality are addressed in an integrated manner. By deploying R&I across different areas

including agriculture, food, nutrition and health, new knowledge and innovations, such as those

that are microbiome-based, can help improve safety, nutrition and health.

It will support a level playing field for compliant operators while addressing critical

challenges such as food fraud, human malnutrition, biodiversity loss and resource depletion.

Where relevant, actions under this priority will be guided by the One Health approach and the

objectives of the life sciences strategy.

• Fairness

The Commission will promote R&I that contributes to fair, resilient and inclusive agri-food value

chains by ensuring that innovation creates opportunities and benefits for farmers, foresters, rural

communities, businesses and consumers. R&I should support fair value creation, distribution of

risks, costs and benefits, improve the attractiveness of careers in the agri-food sector for

newcomers, and contribute to quality jobs and good working and living conditions, ensuring that

the benefits of the transition are shared across regions, generations and all actors in thevalue

chains.

• Global cooperation for sustainable agriculture, forestry, rural areas and food systems

This priority addresses the international dimension of R&I in the agri-food sector, in line with EU

policy priorities including the EU global gateway strategy and the EU bioeconomy strategy, and

seeks to promote shared interests and strengthen collaboration with international partners on

common R&I priorities.

The new roadmap agreed between the African Union and the EU on ‘Food and Nutrition Security

and Sustainable Agriculture’ (FNSSA), together with the related International Research

Consortium should provide a framework for identifying, with the African Union and related

partners, common areas on which to focus. Cooperation with other partners to address similar

challenges in agriculture, forestry and rural areas, such as India or the Community of Latin

American and Caribbean States, could be further explored.

34 Food chain integrity refers to: authenticity, traceability, transparency and the prevention and detection of food fraud.

It supports a level playing field for compliant operators while enhancing consumer trust and resilient food supply

chain.

13

Cooperation with Eastern Neighbourhood countries can play an important role in developing a

shared R&I agenda with the EU and addressing common challenges, such as the BIOEAST

initiative along with Ukraine, Moldova and the Western Balkans. Further collaboration should also

be pursued with the Mediterranean Neighbourhood countries to support and complement the

PRIMA initiative. Collaboration should also be strengthened with international organisations such

as the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the World Health Organisation, the World

Organisation for Animal Health, the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research

(CGIAR) and the OECD to enhance the importance and global impact of research and innovation

in the agri-food sector.

3.2 Common enablers

Governance, technologies and communities are key enablers for the implementation of this

strategic approach to maximise the impact of R&I activities, strengthen the EU innovation

ecosystem and accelerate the deployment of research results.

• Governance

Governance is a critical precondition for coherent and effective policy making. It enables

coordination across different sectors, disciplines, stakeholder groups and levels of decision-

making.

The effective governance of R&I in the agri-food sector helps ensure that the EU invests in

impactful research, technology and innovation. It also supports the integration of diverse forms of

knowledge and different perspectives and business models, encourages inclusive stakeholder

engagement, promotes youth participation and gender equality, and strengthens skills development

and training.

Strong governance also supports transdisciplinary research, greater integration of natural sciences

and the social sciences and humanities, and stronger links between R&I and policymaking,

including in relation to the blue economy35. Some examples are the EU Mission ‘A Soil Deal for

Europe’ and the Bioeconomy Mutual Learning Exercise. The One Health approach can contribute

to the development of competitive, sustainable and resilient agriculture and food systems. For

example, the One Health approach can address the challenge of antimicrobial resistance36 by

considering interlinkages between humans, animals and the environment. Furthermore, One

Health microbiome-based solutions can create opportunities for new products for health, food,

sustainable agriculture and forestry or aquaculture.

R&I can further support governance by generating evidence, testing and comparing approaches,

strengthening monitoring capacities, and helping public authorities and stakeholders understand

what works in different territorial and sectoral contexts. One way of achieving this is through

foresight exercises, developed with Member States and stakeholders, that explore credible future

35 Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social

Committee and the Committee of the Regions on a new approach for a sustainable blue economy in the EU

Transforming the EU's Blue Economy for a Sustainable Future, COM/2021/240 final. 36 Council Recommendation on stepping up EU actions to combat antimicrobial resistance in a One Health approach

2023/C 220/01, ST/9581/2023/INIT.

14

scenarios and identify where R&I can provide timely new knowledge and innovation to address

emerging challenges.

• Technologies

Technologies are a cross-cutting driver of innovation, and a key enabler of this strategic approach.

R&I plays a central role in developing emerging technologies, supporting the uptake of existing

solutions and addressing related social and ethical considerations.

Technologies, including digital ones such as AI, are important tools to transform agriculture,

forestry, rural areas, the food industry and food environments, and to enable sustainable

patterns of food consumption. They are also rapidly reshaping the way research is carried out.

At the same time, data has become a strategic asset that drives digital transformation, creates

competitive advantages and enables innovative solutions.

Biotechnologies are another important cross-sectoral enabler for the agri-food sector that can help

it realise its full potential37, as reflected in the recently proposed first European Biotech Act, which

is to be followed by a second Biotech Act.

The Commission will identify emerging trends and the digital, data-driven and biotechnological

innovations that are available. These efforts will strengthen connections across the agri-food

ecosystem and be developed in full complementarity with current and upcoming initiatives,

including the proposed Observatory on Emerging Technologies38, existing European

partnerships39, Common European Data Spaces, European Digital Infrastructure Consortia

(EDICs) and European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs), as well as actions under the EU

bioeconomy strategy and under the life sciences strategy.

• Territories and communities

The uptake of innovation in agricultural and food systems depends on the involvement of farmers,

actors in the food chain, consumers and local communities, and on solutions that are adapted to

local and regional realities. Territories, including regions, act as living innovation environments

where technological and social innovations and new methods of governance can be tested, adapted

and embedded.

Place-based approaches are a powerful tool for delivering local responses to global challenges.

They can strengthen urban-rural links and contribute to both sustainability and resilience40,

37 European Commission: Joint Research Centre, Emerging biotechnologies in Europe – Foresight for policy,

Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg, 2024, https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2760/4814109. 38 The proposed Regulation for the European Competitiveness Fund (COM/2025/555 final, Art. 14) states that the

Observatory should “inform the ECF Strategic Stakeholder Board”, by identifying investment opportunities across

different technology areas. 39 Notably, the Horizon Europe Partnership of Agriculture of Data. 40 European Commission: Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, Urban food system transformation in the

context of Food 2030 – Current practice & outlook towards 2030, Publications Office of the European Union, 2023,

https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2777/507125.

15

enabling agrifood transformation by connecting local resources, knowledge, people and

innovation.

Resilience can be strengthened by balancing long and short supply chains, increasing

diversity, and developing robust and sustainable local and regional food systems.This can

contribute to strategic autonomy while reducing local food insecurity.

The involvement of local actors in innovation processes is crucial for the acceptance, uptake

and long-term integration of innovations in local ecosystems (for example through Living Labs,

the LEADER programme, smart villages, the I3 Instrument and the startup villages initiative).

Territorially grounded and community-driven innovation will be pursued through this common

enabler. It will support solutions that build on local assets and opportunities, including for agri-

food industries and where the multi-actor approach can play a role in the empowerment of

communities.

Considering the role of territories and communities in R&I will help strengthen regional

competitiveness and improve the EU’s diverse innovation ecosystems. In parallel, the science-

policy-society interface for the agri-food sector will be reinforced, with stronger linkages between

projects and decision-makers to maximise the impact of innovative solutions at local level.

Cooperation between territories, communities and municipalities with shared R&I priorities and

complementary capabilities is also a powerful catalyst for innovation, as demonstrated by

partnerships of the Thematic Smart Specialisation Platform on Agri-Food within the

framework of Smart Specialisation Strategies (S3) under cohesion policy, including the European

Regional Development Fund and Interregional Innovation Investment instrument.

3.3. AgRI 2040

AgRI 2040 will be an overarching framework for agricultural, forestry and rural research and

innovation. It will help identify thematic and cross-cutting R&I needs through evidence-based

analysis and stakeholder co-creation, and will be regularly updated to reflect the evolving global

context.

Without prejudice to the next MFF, AgRI 2040 will provide a strategic direction under which these

needs could be addressed through actions funded by relevant work programmes of future funding

programmes. Particular attention will be paid to the valorisation of research and innovation results

into startups, scaleups and industrial deployment, as well as to their dissemination, uptake and

adoption by farmers, foresters and rural communities.

Furthermore, AgRI 2040 will serve as an organising framework to mobilise funding and

implementation partners around well-defined segments of the agri-food value chain, while

providing a coherent governance structure. Particular attention will be paid to strengthening AKIS

through R&I, improving knowledge flows, advisory services, skills development and innovation

uptake, while promoting agroecological approaches, including organic farming.

16

AgRI 2040 will propose areas of action to implement the priorities of this strategic approach.

The following eight preliminary areas of action reflect the needs already identified through

the vision for agriculture and food, the public consultation, SCAR inputs and the staff working

document accompanying this Communication. The Commission will organise the EU AgRI

2040 conference on 24-25 September 2026 and follow-up activities to further co-create and refine

these areas of action with stakeholders.

• Soil, agri-ecosystems, water and nutrient capital

This area of action focuses on R&I that contributes to restoring and maintaining healthy soils

and resilient water systems as the foundation for climate change mitigation and resilience, food

security, biodiversity protection and restoration, and sustainable agricultural production.

Priority actions include generating knowledge, technologies and tools to improve soil health, water

quality and water availability, while addressing pollution, erosion, water scarcity, desertification,

nutrient losses and biodiversity decline. It also includes R&I that develops sustainable land and

water management approaches and practices, such as agroecology and organic farming, carbon

farming, agroforestry and nature-based solutions.

A further priority should include R&I to reduce the use of resources and improve use efficiency,

particularly for nutrients and water, while helping to scale-up the circular recovery and

management of nutrients, including bio-based fertilisers and soil improvers, and the valorisation

of agricultural and food-processing waste streams.

R&I can accelerate the deployment of practical solutions through Living Labs, including digital

technologies and integrated systems to monitor soil, water and nutrients. Innovations at the

interface between agriculture and aquaculture should be explored. Particular attention should be

paid to the soil-water-energy nexus, including R&I on controlled-environment agriculture, as

well as on multilevel governance, innovative business models, and soil literacy to support long-

term change across the value chain.

• Cropping systems

This area aims to foster R&I that supports climate-smart, sustainable, resilient and competitive

cropping systems. It focuses on strengthening adaptation to environmental stresses such as

drought, salinity and extreme temperatures, including through agroecological approaches.

It also seeks to improve preparedness for and responsiveness to emerging and future threats

to plant health. This includes developing and deploying rapid and effective tools for prevention,

early detection, treatment and biological control of plant pests.

R&I actions should promote sustainable and low-risk crop protection through integrated

approaches that combine agroecological and agronomic practices with biological solutions, low-

risk alternatives, breeding, biotechnology, precision technologies, and digital tools.

The potential of plant breeding, knowledge of seeds and plant varieties, biotechnology and

genetic resources should be further leveraged. This includes supporting breeding activities, as

17

well as the development or reintroduction of climate-smart, resource-efficient, resilient, resistant

and diverse varieties, including neglected and underutilised species, suited to a wide range of

conditions, with due consideration of the legal41 and policy context.

R&I actions should also strengthen protein crops as a strategic component of a more resilient and

sustainable EU protein system, addressing agronomic performance, processing and nutritional

value, and the development of food, feed, and circular value-chains.

• Livestock systems

This area aims to foster R&I that supports the sustainability, competitiveness, excellence,

territoriality and resilience of livestock systems to safeguard animal health and welfare, reduce

the environmental impact of the livestock sector, and promote precision farming. It will

contribute to the objectives of the livestock strategy.

It should support impact-driven animal breeding for multiple purposes with due consideration of

the legal and policy context, and foster the development of sustainable feed and nutrients,

including vitamins and amino acids.

R&I can reinforce biosecurity measures by taking a multidisciplinary approach. R&I should

support the development of new interventions, treatments and vaccines, as well as improvements

to existing solutions that target priority animal diseases, including zoonoses, while safeguarding

animal welfare and encouraging the prudent use of antimicrobials.

Integrated approaches to animal health and welfare, including the socio-economic dimension,

should be further developed through R&I and measures that combine disease prevention, disease

control and emergency preparedness while improving animal welfare outcomes.

Resource efficiency should be improved through innovative feed measures, such as optimising

grass-based and pasture systems, improving feed conversion, and safeguarding biodiversity while

reducing land pressure through approaches such as agropastoralism. Resource efficiency should

also contribute to mitigate emissions and minimising waste across the value chain by promoting

the principles of the circular economy. Structural changes that impact the livestock sector, such as

the use of new alternative proteins, climate change or changes in the geopolitical context should

be duly considered and comprehensively addressed as part of a systemic approach.

• Bioeconomy in agriculture, forestry and rural areas

This area focuses on R&I for the efficient and sustainable use of agricultural and forestry land

and biomass, and to boost biomanufacturing while generating evidence to support sustainable

business models and governance tools that create additional income for primary producers and

rural communities. Through R&I, the European production of bio-based alternatives to synthetic

inputs should be improved, including bio-based (organic) fertilisers and low-carbon

41 Regulation (EU) 2026/1388 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 June 2026 on plants obtained by

certain new genomic techniques and their products, and amending Regulation (EU) 2017/625, OJ L 1388,

30.6.2026.

18

fertilisers42. In line with the cascading principle for the use of biomass, R&I should also enhance

the co-production of renewable energy. Furthermore, this area should provide opportunities for

innovation in wood-based products and materials.

This area should also include the development of new business models to reduce production costs

and increase the resilience of biomass producers. R&I should also support technologies and

processes for the local valorisation of sustainable biomass, by-products and residues, circular

processes, recycling and reuse of bio-based products.

• Multi-functional forests

This area aims to strengthen the sustainable management of forests for multiple benefits,

according to the principles of active sustainable forest management as defined by Forest Europe43,

increase the resilience of forest ecosystems and forest-based sectors, and reward foresters for the

ecosystem services they provide in both rural and urban contexts.

Priority actions should include supporting the restoration and protection of forest habitats,

contributing to climate change mitigation and adaptation, capitalising on the potential of

agroforestry and boosting the forest-based bioeconomy.

This area should include R&I to generate scientific evidence for the identification of adaptive

and resilient forest management practices, analysing the impact of different forest management

practices on the sustainability of forest ecosystems, and improving knowledge on forest carbon

sinks, including the role of forest soil.

It should also promote the sustainability and resilience of European forests in the face of new

and emerging pests and diseases, R&I on how to restore damaged forests, and help to reduce

wildfire risks. It should explore the use of currently underutilised tree species through adapting

processing technologies, technical and digital innovation and new business models. R&I should

assess tree species diversity, develop and test methods for the conservation of forest genetic

resources and tree propagation.

To strengthen the forest-based bioeconomy, a better understanding of the benefits of wood-based

products is needed, including the capacity to ensure long-term carbon storage and delivering

greater value including from by-products.

This area should strengthen the role of foresters in the value chain, develop new business models

for foresters, enhance financial incentives for non-provisioning services, and meet societal

expectations for forests, including on the well-being of different actors.

42 Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social

Committee and the Committee of the Regions, Fertiliser Action Plan: Partnership for ensuring the availability,

affordability and strategic autonomy in home-grown EU fertilisers, COM/2026/310 final. 43 Forest Europe, Sustainable Forest Management, SFM.

19

• Rural areas

This area focuses on R&I to strengthen the competitiveness and attractiveness of rural areas,

thereby supporting generational renewal and improving services and infrastructure to enhance

living and working conditions and strengthening the links between farms, forests, territories, and

food systems.

Particular attention should be paid to innovation and entrepreneurship by women and young

people in rural areas, and place-based approaches to innovation at local scale, including through

regulatory sandboxes.

R&I should also support innovation to delivering public services (including education,

healthcare, transport and mobility and digital connectivity), market access and green businesses.

It should open up new job opportunities in diverse economic sectors to improve people’s quality

of life, retain people and talents working in rural communities, and attract new actors.

Further support is needed for education, vocational training and lifelong learning, and to improve

people’s skills. In addition, robust digital infrastructures should be further supported and improved.

• Stronger agri-food value chain

As part of the shared AgRI 2040 and Food 2040 cross cutting priority of fairness, this area aims to

address aspects such as the development of new knowledge and tools to strengthen farmers’

position in the agri-food value chain and address cost pressures and sustainable transitions by

collaborating across the agri-food value chain. It should also promote on-farm and local food

processing and commercialisation and improve the governance of rural food systems while

reinforcing urban-rural linkages. Furthermore, it should support innovations that strengthen

opportunities for farmers in short, local and regional supply chains, encourage new and

sustainable business models and increase digitalisation and decarbonisation.

To strengthen farmers’ position in the agri-food value chains, R&I should support EU quality

schemes, including organic production and geographical indications, as well as the processing and

marketing of organic products and other value-chain innovations that improve farmers' economic

position.

• Digitalisation, AI and robotics

This area of action aims to foster data valorisation across agri-food supply chains, forestry,

and rural services to enable actors to make effective and efficient use of data, AI and digital

solutions. Better access to, and use of, high-quality data can support informed decision making

and evidence-based policies and pave the way for digital solutions and advanced AI applications,

including generative AI.

Priority should be given to increasing the development, accessibility and uptake of digital solutions

for a broad range of users, including small and medium-sized farms and rural businesses. R&I

20

should support the deployment and use of key technologies such as software and IT tools,

robotics, drones, augmented and virtual reality, and remote and proximal sensing, ensuring they

meet operational needs and suit users of all skill levels. The accelerated adoption of AI should be

fostered to help reduce administrative burdens, increase performance, improve access to

knowledge and support faster and better-informed decisions-making through predictive insights.

R&I should also enable new AI-powered robotic applications and more efficient, data-driven

operations across farming, forestry and rural services.

The benefits and costs of digital-based and data-based R&I solutions should be demonstrated in a

feasible, strengthening trust in their use and the skills, know-how and advisory capacity needed

for their effective integration into daily practices should be deployed.

3.4. Food 2040

Under Food 2040, the Commission will develop six areas of action to implement the priorities of

this strategic approach, to enable the co-creation of R&I activities that meet identified needs, and

to facilitate the identification, dissemination and uptake of R&I results in EU food systems,

without prejudging the next MFF.

• Place-based food systems

This area of action connects with the enabler ‘Territories and Communities’ to deploy future R&I

projects in this field. Place-based food systems reflect the diversity and richness of Europe’s food

cultures and territories, and can serve as incubators for innovations and for social cohesion.

This area of action will foster resilient and inclusive local (including urban) and regional food

economies and the cross-border interactions that address local challenges (including

environmental challenges). It combines technological and social innovation with community

engagement to encourage food system innovations and develop education and skills.

Place-based food systems include ‘rural-urban’ and ‘city-region’ interfaces as areas where

interlinkages can help with the co-creation of innovations in local food systems through, among

other activities, entrepreneurship initiatives, co-creation spaces, networks of cities and Living

Labs. These are powerful initiatives that can enrich territories. Regional Innovation Valleys for

Bioeconomy and Food Systems, which can support the implementation of other place-based

initiatives, are examples of interregional collaboration in Europe.

• Healthy and sustainable diets

Over half of the world’s population struggles to access healthy diets44, leading to negative

consequences for public health, social equity, and the environment.

This area of action will advance R&I for healthy, more sustainable and nutritious foods (in

accordance with the cross-cutting priority ‘food and feed safety, nutrition and health’). In addition,

it will support the diversification of protein sources, while addressing citizens awareness of

44 Independent Expert Group (IEG), 2021 Global Nutrition Report: The state of global nutrition, Development

Initiatives, Bristol, UK, 2021, https://globalnutritionreport.org/reports/2021-global-nutrition-report/.

21

biotech-based ingredients, and using AI to enable the safety of food to be predicted. The R&I

activities will also consider food safety, food contaminants, macro- and micronutrients, enzymes,

reformulation and food-health interactions, which all play a prominent role in supporting healthy

and sustainable diets.

This area of action will explore microbiome science, the interaction of food and gut microbiome

functionality, the microbiome’s link to specific human disorders, the identification of specific

microbial biomarkers for risk-related diseases and enabling the microbiome to promote health

benefits at different stages of the food value chain.

Cultural, behavioural and social drivers of diets will be considered to promote equitable and

sustainable dietary transitions through education and inclusion, accounting for demographic shifts

and the nutritional needs of an ageing population. R&I activities will also address concerns about

food accessibility and affordability by promoting healthier diets and dietary diversification

within planetary boundaries.

• Resource efficiency and zero-pollution in food systems

This area of action will foster new knowledge and innovative solutions to increase resource

efficiency, reduce food waste from processing to consumption, and decouple food systems

(including food processing and distribution) from fossil fuels (including petrochemical products

for packaging and transport). It will cover activities to help the food and drink manufacturers,

transport companies, and other operators across the food value chain, in their efforts to reduce

pollution, while preserving biodiversity. It will support the energy transition of food systems

as a critical lever for achieving climate and energy goals and ensuring the competitiveness and

resilience of the food industry. It will also cover food packaging solutions that aim to boost

sustainability, such as reducing material use, increasing bio-based packaging, and improving

recyclability and the shelf life of products.

The area of action will also support research on microbiome-based solutions, including the study

of their behaviour and functionality in post-harvest environments (e.g. storage, processing and

packaging), with the aim of unlocking their potential to reduce pollution, improve food

preservation, and enhance overall resource efficiency.

• Food environments and consumer empowerment

This area of action will advance understanding of the environments that shape what people

eat, including the availability, affordability, accessibility, labelling, packaging, transport,

distribution, and marketing of food, as well as the role of social media. It will support the

development of solutions that improve the availability, affordability and transparency of healthy

and sustainable choices. This area of action will be closely linked, therefore, to the ‘Healthy and

sustainable diets’ area of action. It will draw on behavioural, social, and cultural sciences to better

understand consumer behaviour and perceptions of food, support demand-side transformation, and

strengthen consumer trust and education.

22

• Scaling innovations, business models and fair food systems solutions

This area of action will support a food systems transition that is innovative, competitive and

closer to market, as well as socially fair and respectful of ecosystems and planetary boundaries.

R&I activities should lead more often to commercial applications such as innovative products, new

ventures and technologies which require: (i) collaboration between academia, industry and

different institutions or infrastructures; (ii) investment; and (iii) the promotion of the right

partnerships to succeed. This area of action is defined in cross reference to sections 2.1 and 2.3.

In addition, structural barriers, inequities and vulnerabilities, and environmental degradation from

food systems will be addressed in order to scale promising solutions and to create new business

models from pilot stage to market by providing technical and financial support. Technologies,

including AI solutions, digital platforms and the development of biotechnologies for scaling up

R&I activities on food systems will be a priority area of intervention in cross reference to the

technologies enabler.

• Aquatic food

In line with the forthcoming EU ocean and water research and innovation strategy, this area of

action will aim to foster new knowledge and solutions in support of sustainable fisheries and

aquaculture in marine and inland waters, while supporting sustainable food systems and food

security, and the transition towards a thriving and regenerative blue bioeconomy.

It will address, among other elements, climate-related and other natural risks that affect aquatic

food value chains. It will include the development of models to understand and predict the

interaction between fisheries and aquaculture and aquatic ecosystems and will support the

integration of food production in the most circular and sustainable way.

Innovation in selective and low-impact fishing gear will reduce by-catch and habitat disturbance.

Animal welfare and health issues will continue to be a priority, with a focus on the full range of

farmed and fished aquatic biota, addressing breeding and, where applicable, feeding and the

reduction of EU reliance on feed imports. It will empower fishers and aquaculture farmers to

co-design the management of aquatic living resources in the most societally acceptable way,

balancing biological, ecological, economic and social considerations. R&I will support sustainable

aquaculture (including organic, offshore and integrated multi-trophic aquaculture), technologies

such as advanced fermentation, market uptake of underutilised aquatic biomass (such as

byproducts from fisheries and aquaculture, algae, and invasive species) and sustainable and short

aquatic food value chains.

4. CONCLUSIONS

Research and innovation related to the EU’s agri-food sector is crucial for Europe’s food security

and strategic autonomy, and to safeguard and boost the overall EU’s competitiveness. Building on

the 2016 strategic approach to EU agricultural R&I and the Food 2030 R&I framework on food

systems, this new EU strategic approachpresents R&I as an opportunity to improve the

23

competitiveness, sustainability and resilience of the EU agri-food sector, and to secure a good

quality of life for people in Europe within planetary boundaries.

This new strategic approach will serve to strengthen the innovation to investment journey, and

boost the uptake of new knowledge, innovation and solutions across the agri-food sector. It will

also help to ensure that investments are efficiently and effectively targeted, align future priorities

with scientific developments, and enable the EU to seize new opportunities through the closely

interlinked frameworks of AgRI 2040 and Food 2040.

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Annex 1: Key actions and timeline

Closing the gap from lab to fab

Actions Starting

from

1 Support, through a targeted call for proposals and other actions in the current

Horizon Europe, the better valorisation and exploitation of results from

collaborative projects and the greater use of AI in agriculture and food systems

2027

2 Increase the involvement of private sector and market experts in the evaluation

of collaborative research proposals submitted to Horizon Europe agri-food

sector calls

2027

3 Strengthen support for risk assessment methodologies by harvesting more

systematically R&I needs from EU bodies responsible for the pre-market

assessment of agri-food innovations

Q4 2027

4 Promote closer collaboration between Horizon Europe’s agri-food sector

collaborative research and the EIT Food and the European Innovation Council

(EIC)

Q4 2026

5 Launch a ‘Science for Policy Centre on Agriculture, Forestry, Rural

Development and Food System Innovation and Transformation’, managed by

the JRC, to support EU and Member States policymaking and stakeholders’

innovation capacities

Q4 2027

6 Prepare a toolbox for EU and national actions to help startups and scale ups in

the agri-food sector with the active involvement of the Standing Committee for

Agricultural Research.

Q4 2027

7 Encourage Member States to use the future national and regional partnership

plans to further enhance a supportive innovation ecosystem in the agri-food

sector

Q4 2026

Accelerating the uptake of knowledge and innovation by farmers, foresters and rural actors

Actions Starting

from

8 Enhance the efficient implementation of the multi-actor approach by

harmonising terminologies and strengthening its evaluation and monitoring

frameworks

Q1 2028

9 Establish and manage the use of collaborative platforms to facilitate

matchmaking between farmers, practitioners and multi-actor approach

projects, boosting the engagement of users in R&I

Q1 2028

10 Foster stronger links between Horizon Europe national contact points and

national CAP networks through targeted EIP-AGRI events 2027

11 Revise the common format of the practice abstracts, that are used to

disseminate the practical results of operational groups and Horizon Europe

projects, to enhance their clarity, user accessibility and practical orientation

Q4 2027

12 Map and promote EU and national testing and demonstration sites to boost

farmers’ access and the uptake of peer-to-peer innovations.

Q4 2027

25

Actions Starting

from

13 Valorise the results of the EU study on the impact of specific Horizon Europe

tools that support sustainable innovation in agriculture, forestry and rural

areas

Q4 2026

Boosting food technology for food chain resilience and food security

Actions Starting

from

14 Encourage private investment to support the building and upgrading of open-

access pilot and demo-scale bioprocessing infrastructure to support SMEs to

test and de-risk their processes without the need for prohibitive up-front

capital expenditure

Q1 2028

15 Reinforce the link between health and food to address the increasing number

of diseases linked to cardiometabolic and neurological systems, and to

include among others personalised nutrition

Q1 2027

AgRI 2040: Identifying potential R&I needs for competitive, sustainable and resilient EU

agriculture, forestry and rural areas

Actions Starting

from

16 Host the first AgRI 2040 conference to identify R&I needs and co-create the

preliminaryareas of action with stakeholders

Q3 2026

17 Develop areas of action under AgRI 2040 with R&I needs identified with

stakeholders

Q4 2027

Food 2040: Identifying potential R&I needs for competitive, sustainable and resilient food

systems

Actions Starting

from

18 Develop R&I activities on the six Food 2040 areas for action to achieve the

priorities identified

Q3 2028

19 Host the first Food 2040 high-level conference to bring the R&I food

systems community together

Q4 2028

EN EN

EUROPEAN COMMISSION

Brussels, 8.9.2026 SWD(2026) 271 final

COMMISSION STAFF WORKING DOCUMENT

Analytical overview of the achievements of the 2016 strategic approach to agricultural

research and innovation and Food 2030 research and innovation framework and

insights from stakeholder consultation activities

Accompanying the document

COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN

PARLIAMENT, THE COUNCIL, THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL

COMMITTEE AND THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS

New Strategic Approach to Research and Innovation for competitive, resilient and

sustainable agriculture, forestry, rural areas and food systems

Future-proofing EU agri-food through AgRI 2040 and Food 2040

{COM(2026) 453 final}

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Glossary .................................................................................................................................................. 2

1. INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................................. 4

2. THE ROLE OF COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN THE CURRENT EU

INNOVATION ECOSYSTEM FOR AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY, RURAL AREAS AND FOOD

SYSTEMS .............................................................................................................................................. 4

2.1. Support for the innovation journey under Horizon Europe 2021-2027 ....................................... 5

2.2. Scaling impact through the current Horizon Europe Pillar II collaborative instruments ............. 7

2.3. Tools to boost and facilitate impact of collaborative R&I ......................................................... 10

3. DELIVERING ON THE 2016 STRATEGIC APPROACH TO AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

AND INNOVATION ............................................................................................................................ 14

3.1. Boosting demand-driven and interactive innovation, and the uptake of R&I results through

synergies with the common agricultural policy. ............................................................................... 16

3.2. Analysis and key achievements on priority thematic areas ....................................................... 18

3.3. Analysis and key achievements on the innovation journey ....................................................... 46

4. DELIVERING ON THE FOOD 2030 RESEARCH AND INNOVATION FRAMEWORK ......... 56

4.1. Relevance of food systems and Food 2030 legacy .................................................................... 56

4.2. Analysis and key achievements ................................................................................................. 64

5. STAKEHOLDER OUTREACH ....................................................................................................... 81

5.1. Updating the 2016 strategic approach to agricultural R&I: stakeholder outreach ..................... 81

5.2. Food 2030 stakeholder outreach ................................................................................................ 82

5.3. Consultation of the Standing Committee on Agricultural Research .......................................... 85

6. CONCLUSION ................................................................................................................................. 86

7. ANNEXES ........................................................................................................................................ 89

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Glossary

Abbreviation

or acronym

Meaning or definition

AKIS Agricultural knowledge and innovation systems

BIC Bio-based Industries Consortium

BBI-JU Bio-Based Industries – Joint Undertaking

CBE-JU Circular Bio-based Europe – Joint Undertaking

COFUND A co-funding instrument under Horizon Europe to support partnerships

CSA Coordination and support actions

EFSA European Food Safety Authority

EIC European Innovation Council

EIP-AGRI European Innovation Partnership for Agricultural Productivity and

Sustainability

EIT European Institute of Innovation and Technology

EJP European joint programmes

ERA-NET A co-funding instrument under Horizon 2020 to support partnerships

FNSSA EU-AU Research and Innovation Partnership on Food and Nutrition

Security and Sustainable Agriculture

H2020 Horizon 2020

HE Horizon Europe

IA Innovation actions

IPR Intellectual property rights

JRC Joint Research Centre

JU Joint undertaking

KIC Knowledge and information communities

PCP Pre-commercial procurement

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PPI Public procurement of innovative solutions

PRIMA Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean area

R&I Research and Innovation

RIA Research and innovation actions

SCAR Standing Committee on Agricultural Research

SMEs Small and medium-sized enterprises

TRL Technology readiness level

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1. INTRODUCTION

Research and innovation (R&I) are essential to support a competitive, resilient, sustainable,

fair and attractive agri-food sector1 in the European Union. In a context marked by climate

change, biodiversity loss, pressure on natural resources, including soil health, geopolitical

instability, changing consumer expectations, and the need to strengthen Europe’s

competitiveness and strategic autonomy, EU-funded R&I has a central role to play in

generating knowledge, developing solutions, supporting uptake, and informing policy.

This Staff Working Document (SWD) reviews the implementation and achievements of two

complementary EU R&I strategic approaches launched in 2016: the strategic approach to EU

agricultural R&I2, and Food 20303, the EU R&I framework for food systems transformation.

Together, these approaches have helped guide investments under Horizon 2020 and

Horizon Europe 2021-2027 in closely connected areas: agriculture, forestry and rural areas on

the one hand, and wider, post-primary production food systems on the other hand, including

food processing, consumption, nutrition, and health-related aspects.

The analysis presented in this SWD brings together evidence on implementation, achievements

and emerging lessons from both strategic approaches. It aims to take stock of past investments

and provide an evidence base for the preparation ofthe new EU strategic approach to R&I

for competitive, resilient and sustainable agriculture, forestry, rural areas, and food

systems.

The SWD is based on the analysis of Horizon Dashboard4 data, project-level information,

stakeholder consultations, workshops, surveys and contributions from Member States and

associated countries, across the agri-food R&I sectors. It also covers information from the

implementation of Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe projects up to the most recent final data

available; as Horizon Europe 2021-2027 is still ongoing at the time of publication of this SWD,

further results will emerge over time.

2. THE ROLE OF COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN THE

CURRENT EU INNOVATION ECOSYSTEM FOR AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY,

RURAL AREAS AND FOOD SYSTEMS

The 2016 strategic approach to EU agricultural R&I and Food 2030 are distinct but

complementary R&I frameworks. Both have been implemented mainly through

collaborative R&I activities under the previous Horizon 2020 and current Horizon Europe

programme, and have relied on common R&I instruments, programming tools, stakeholder

communities and cooperation platforms.

This section presents an overview of the Horizon Europe 2021-2027 instruments, and in

particular collaborative R&I instruments and their programming tools that have been used to

fund R&I activities related to the agri-food sector. These activities are connected to the

priorities identified in the 2016 strategic approach to EU agricultural R&I and Food 2030.

1 For the purpose of this Staff Working Document, the agri-food sector covers agriculture, forestry, rural areas

and food systems. 2 https://ec.europa.eu/newsroom/horizon2020/items/33294/en. 3 Food 2030 - Research and innovation - European Commission. 4 https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/horizon-dashboard.

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Sector-specific statistics on collaborative R&I programming over the 2014 - 2024 period

(covering Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe) show trends in investments supporting the R&I

journey towards a sustainable, competitive and resilient agri-food sector.

The final three years of the Horizon Europe 2021-2027 Framework Programme (2025-2027)

are not considered in this analysis, so the data presented below is likely to change by the end

of the programme. The data underpinning this analysis is publicly available as it was entirely

sourced from the Horizon Dashboard.

Annex I describes the methodology in detail. The list of projects included for the analysis is

accessible online as supplementary material to this staff working document.

2.1. Support for the innovation journey under Horizon Europe 2021-2027

The innovation journey starts with fundamental and frontier research or the identification of

shared challenges and the generation of knowledge, often where risks are highest and market

incentives are weakest. In the EU, this stage is primarily supported under the Horizon Europe

2021-2027 Pillar I (Figure 1).

Figure 1. The ‘innovation journey’ and the different EU-funded instruments available to support the

transformation of scientific knowledge into market-ready solutions

As innovation progresses, the focus shifts to applied research, development, testing, and

demonstration under real conditions advancing on the technology readiness level scale5,

characterised by high financial and operational risks, particularly for small and medium-sized

actors. Targeted public support helps bridge this gap by improving readiness for further

investment. The current Horizon Europe Pillar II, organised into six thematic clusters, plays a

substantial role in this phase. It supports applied and collaborative research, skills development,

and scientific excellence, and prioritises demand-driven approaches to ensure practical impacts

that align with end-user needs. Farmers, foresters, rural communities and wider food systems

5 European Commission: Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, Trucco, P., van Lopik, J. and

Zanobetti, L., Scaling up ideas – Using Technology Readiness Levels to analyse technology progression in

Horizon Europe, Publications Office of the European Union, 2025, https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2777/1580173.

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actors are placed in a central position, in particular in the R&I activities funded under Cluster

6 ‘Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment’, facilitating co-

creation, adoption, and accelerated uptake of innovations.

At a more advanced stage, innovation requires deployment and effective market uptake. This

requires capacity to mobilise investment, skills development and trust among value chain

actors. At EU level, the current Horizon Europe Pillar III, in particular the European Innovation

Council (EIC) and the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), offer dedicated

support tools.

The EIC supports startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) working on

agriculture- and food-related innovation, including through its Agriculture & Food portfolio

and relevant EIC Accelerator Challenges calls6, helping to advance scaling, manufacturing

capacity and market uptake7.

The EIT funds knowledge and innovation communities (KIC), such as EIT Food8. EIT Food

supports startups, scaleups, education activities and innovation programmes across the

agricultural and food systems, including regenerative agriculture, food waste reduction,

protein diversification, food biotechnology, circularity and healthier diets9. Directly

complementing the current Horizon Europe Pillar II, EIT Food is a key innovation ecosystem

support tool that facilitates turning innovations into market-ready commercial solutions,

creating an impactful change in agricultural and food systems and improving industrial

competitiveness.

The innovation journey is also supported through the building of synergies between

Horizon Europe 2021-2027 and other EU programmes, for example with the EU’s environment

and climate programme LIFE10. Horizon Europe 2021-2027-funded projects typically generate

results that subsequently can be further demonstrated and tested through LIFE projects,

ensuring continuity and tangible impact, particularly for a sustainable agri-food sector, on

dietary patterns and environmental outcomes.

Building on the Horizon 2020 programme ‘Spreading Excellence and Widening Participation’

(WIDESPREAD), widening actions to strengthen R&I capacity in countries and regions with

lower participation in the Framework Programme continued under Horizon Europe 2021-2027

with the ‘Widening Participation and Strengthening the European Research Area’ (WIDERA)

programme. As cross-cutting Horizon instruments, widening actions complement thematic

R&I investments by supporting excellence, networking, research management capacity

6 Examples of agri-food sector relevant EIC calls include HORIZON-EIC-2023-

ACCELERATORCHALLENGES-06: Novel technologies for resilient agriculture; HORIZON-EIC-2024-

ACCELERATORCHALLENGES-04: Food from precision fermentation and algae; HORIZON-EIC-2025-

ACCELERATOR-02-CHALLENGES-02: Biotechnology driven low emission food and feed production systems,

HORIZON-EIC-2026-ACCELERATOR-02-CHALLENGES-03: Biotech for regenerating agricultural soils. 7 Examples of startups and scaleups supported by EU funding: Melt&Marble is a good example of a company

which received an EU grant and through precision fermentation placed into the EU market a functional bio-active

lipid for skincare and hair-care cosmetics products. The company’s focus is, however, alternative proteins/meats

which mimic meat and dairy fat functionality and they are pursuing this through the GRAS route for a ‘generally

recognised as safe’ designation in the US. Another EU company following the GRAS route is Onego Bio that

uses precision fermentation to produce Bioalbumen®, a fermentation-derived ovalbumin identical to the main

protein in egg whites and designed as a functional ingredient for food manufacturers. Solmeyea7 is another

example of a biotech company thatproduced high-protein powder through biomass fermentation of microalgae. 8 EIT Food. 9 Test Farms - EIT Food. 10 Programme for the Environment and Climate Action (LIFE).

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and innovation ecosystems. Several projects have contributed to areas relevant to the agri--

food sector. These areas include sustainable agriculture, food security, plant sciences,

agrobiodiversity, digital biology, circular bioeconomy, climate-resilient agriculture and food

value chains. In doing so, those projects have broadened the capacity base for a competitive,

resilient and sustainable agri-food sector11.

2.2. Scaling impact through the current Horizon Europe Pillar II collaborative

instruments

To deliver on the 2016 strategic approach to EU agricultural R&I and Food 2030, the

Commission has been strongly investing in collaborative R&I under the current Horizon

Europe Pillar II, fostering the generation of knowledge and solutions to support the agri-food

sector with transnational consortia involving public and/or private bodies from EU Member

States, associated countries or third countries.

Building on stakeholder input from AgriResearch Conferences and Food 2030 workshops and

conferences, the programming of collaborative R&I projects on the agri-food sector supporting

the objectives set in the 2016 strategic approach to EU agricultural R&I and Food 2030 has

been structured around evolving R&I thematic and enabling “roadmaps/pathways for action”

reflecting R&I priorities.

To deliver on the priorities, the Commission invested in a wide set of complementary

collaborative R&I projects, including:

• research and innovation actions (RIA) of high scientific excellence that establish new

knowledge and/or explore a new or improved technology, practice, product, process,

service or solution;

• innovation actions (IA) that produce impactful plans or designs for new or improved

products, processes or services including prototyping, testing, demonstrating, piloting,

large-scale product validation and market replication;

• coordination and support actions (CSA) that improve cooperation between legal entities

from the EU and associated countries to strengthen the European Research Area

including, for example, standardisation, dissemination, awareness-raising,

communication and networking activities, policy dialogues, mutual learning or studies;

• Co-funded partnerships (COFUND) are R&I initiatives that align European and

national or regional priorities and funding and enable long-term collaboration between

the EU's various partners.

This broad spectrum of activities contributes to developing and deploying innovative tools,

practices, technologies, products, and governance and business models to support the

agricultural sector and food systems.

11 Under Horizon 2020, WIDESPREAD calls supported the establishment or upgrading of centres of excellence

with relevance to agriculture, forestry, rural and food-related R&I, including ANTARES in Serbia for advanced

technologies in sustainable agriculture and food security, PlantaSYST in Bulgaria for the translation of

fundamental plant research into sustainable bio-based technologies and BIOPOLIS in Portugal for environmental

biology, ecosystem research and agrobiodiversity. Under Horizon Europe, WIDERA calls continued to fund

capacity-building and innovation ecosystems in agri-food sector-relevant areas, including the Centre for

Digitalisation of biology DIGIBIO to strengthen capacities in digital biology and bio sustainability in Estonia, the

European Excellence initiative TALLHEDA supporting higher education alliances in digital agriculture in

widening countries, and the Excellence Hubs EXCEL4MED, AGRI-BIOCIRCULAR-HUB and CARBONICA,

respectively focused on Mediterranean food value chains, smart agriculture and circular bioeconomy in Poland,

Latvia and Ukraine, and carbon farming for climate-resilient agriculture in Cyprus, Greece and North Macedonia.

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In addition to transnational collaborative research projects, the current Horizon Europe Pillar

II offers other key instruments, in particular co-funded partnerships, institutionalised

partnerships (including Joint Undertakings) and five ‘EU Missions’ (large-scale, time-bound

initiatives designed to deliver concrete solutions to society’s greatest challenges by 2030,

combining research with citizen engagement and policy action). These instruments are

contributing to reinforcing synergies and aligning R&I agendas between the EU, Member

States and associated countries and the private sector.

‘European Partnerships’ are strategic instruments that pool resources and strengthen

collaboration and knowledge exchange across Europe and beyond. They help reinforce the

global position for European R&I and enhance industrial investment by sharing risks and

ensuring investment predictability12.

By fostering and implementing co-funded partnerships on Agroecology13, Animal Health

and Welfare14, Agriculture of Data15, Forest16 and FutureFoodS17, the EU has been

catalysing strategic investments and collective actions around common objectives and

priorities for agricultural, forestry and rural R&I, as well as on food systems. Guided by

strategic research and innovation agendas co-created in most cases with the

Standing Committee on Agricultural Research (SCAR), which aim to ensure impactful results,

their focus is on the practical challenges faced by the sectors. These strategic partnerships have

so far been able to bring together 421 participants (242 unique participants) from 25 EU

Member States and 11 countries associated to Horizon Europe 2021-2027 and catalyse a

total budget of almost EUR 700 million, with an EU contribution of almost EUR 250 million.

The partnerships on Agroecology, Animal Health and Welfare, and FutureFoodS are in the

process of receiving top‑ups to their grant agreements. Once these amendments are finalised,

the total budget allocated to all co-funded partnerships will increase to over EUR 1 300

million, with an overall EU contribution of more than EUR 500 million.

There are two types of institutionalised R&I partnerships contributing to long-term

collaborations between the EU and private and public partners: joint undertakings (JUs), and

joint programmes between the EU and partner countries. JUs are partnerships between the

European Union and industry and/or Member States that fast-track next-generation

technologies, keeping Europe ahead in global markets. By co-funding large EU-wide projects

that no single country or sector could fund alone, and by connecting industry, SMEs, startups,

academia, and public bodies, these public–private partnerships enhance EU competitiveness,

resilience and sustainability.

Joint undertakings are set up for impact at scale: with a shared public-private investment and

risk, they build a full innovation chain from lab to market. They speed up

commercialisation, bringing innovations to Europeans faster, strengthening Europe’s industrial

edge, opening global market opportunities, while creating jobs and new income sources locally.

Building on the public-private partnership Bio-Based Industries Joint Undertaking (BBI JU)

(2014-2020) and running from 2021 to 2031, the Circular Bio-based Europe

Joint Undertaking18 (CBE-JU) is a EUR 2 billion partnership between the EU and the Bio-

12 Performance of European partnerships - Publications Office of the EU. 13 https://www.agroecologypartnership.eu/en/ - https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101132349. 14 https://www.eupahw.eu/ - https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101136346. 15 https://agricultureofdata.eu/ - https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101197332. 16 https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101272463. 17 https://www.futurefoodspartnership.eu - https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101136361. 18 CBE-JU: Circular Bio-based Europe Joint-Undertaking.

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based Industries Consortium (BIC), funding R&I projects delivering sustainable bio-based

solutions to address the challenges faced by bioeconomy actors. The main goals of the CBE JU

are to: (i) accelerate the innovation process and development of bio-based innovative solutions;

(ii) accelerate market deployment of the existing mature and innovative bio-based solutions;

(iii) ensure a high level of environmental performance of bio-based industrial systems. The

CBE-JU helps support sustainable biomass use, circularity, and the development of new

value chains for primary producers and innovative bio-based or food and feed

ingredients. Concretely, as many as 17 of its 26 ‘flagship’ projects (projects with high

technology readiness levels) support innovation and deployment in the area of food and feed

ingredients, with a significant amount of EU funding involved19.

The Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean area (PRIMA)20 is an

example of a joint programme between the EU and partner countries from the Mediterranean

area focused on water availability, sustainable agriculture and food production.

The EU launched five ‘EU Missions’ as new large-scale initiatives under Horizon Europe

2021-2027 21. They address pressing societal challenges – climate change, soil and water

health, and cancer – by going beyond traditional instruments and placing R&I in a new role.

EU missions set clear, ambitious and time-bound objectives and mobilise coordinated action

around them, engaging researchers, citizens, policymakers and stakeholders to deliver concrete

solutions. Individual R&I projects remain at the core but are integrated into a systemic

approach to achieve each mission’s goals. Citizen engagement is a key element for the EU

missions. This allows the missions to produce societal impact and long-term transformation in

line with their objectives.

One of those five EU missions is ‘A Soil Deal for Europe’ (‘Mission Soil’)22. It contributes

directly to addressing food security and the competitiveness, sustainability and resilience of

the agri-food sector by striving to achieve healthy soils by 2050. It is a large-scale initiative

focused on protecting and restoring soils and promoting sustainable management practices in

urban and rural areas. ‘Mission Soil’ pioneers, showcases, and accelerates the transition to

healthy soils through ambitious R&I actions and its goal of establishing 100 ‘living labs and

lighthouses’ by 2030. Other EU missions, such as ‘Adaptation to climate change’ and ’Oceans

& Water’, also contribute to the Commission’s strategic R&I objectives to support the agri-

food sector.

Figure 2 focuses on the type of actions programmed for agriculture, forestry and rural areas on

the one hand, and for food systems on the other hand during the period 2014-2024: RIAs, IAs

and CSAs under Horizon 2020 Societal Challenge 2, Horizon Europe 2021-2027 Cluster 6 and

Mission Soil23, co-funded European partnerships (COFUND)24, European Joint Programmes

(EJP)25 and ERA-NET26 (a co-funding instrument under Horizon 2020 to support public-public

partnerships). R&I for agriculture, forestry and rural areas under Horizon 2020 and

Horizon Europe 2021-2027 dedicated the largest share of funds to RIAs, with a small decrease

19 Projects | Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU). 20 PRIMA. 21 EU Missions in Horizon Europe - Research and innovation: Adaptation to climate change, Cancer, Climate-

neutral and smart cities, A Soil Deal for Europe, and Restore our Ocean and Waters. 22 Mission Soil platform. 23 Notwithstanding that other EU-funded projects outside the scope of this analysis contribute directly or indirectly

to R&I in agriculture, forestry and rural areas. 24 Horizon Europe COFUND includes AGROECOLOGY, EUPAHW, FutureFoodS and AgData. 25 Horizon 2020 European Joint Programme Cofund (EJP Cofund) including One Health EJP and EJP Soil. 26 Horizon 2020 ERA-net cofund, including ICRAD and ICT-AGRI-FOOD.

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between programmes (from 65 to 61%). These shares represent 158 projects and EUR 969.8

million in H2020, and 174 projects and EUR 1 118.5 million in Horizon Europe. The share of

IAs remained similar in Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe (11%) and translated into 37

projects and EUR 258.6 million and 55 projects and EUR 318.6 million, respectively. There

was a slight increase in the share of CSAs (from 11% to 14%), which totalised 69 projects and

EUR 167.7 million in Horizon 2020 and 65 projects and EUR 254.9 million in Horizon Europe.

The share of funding granted through co-funded instruments27 also slightly increased (from 7%

to 8%), from 4 projects and EUR 98 million to 3 projects and EUR 147.2 million.

Figure 2. Share of EU funding per type of action in H2020 (2014-2020) (left) and Horizon Europe (2021-

2024) (right) related to collaborative research in agriculture, forestry and rural areas (AGRI) and food

systems (Food 2030). Note that EJP and ERA-NET actions were implemented during H2020 and

COFUND during Horizon Europe 2021-2027.

The figure illustrates a shift in the type of actions funded by Food 2030- related projects. In

Horizon 2020, the emphasis was mainly on IAs (36 projects, EUR 274.7 million) compared to

RIAs (20 projects, EUR 150.5 million). Under Horizon Europe, the focus was more on RIAs

(53 projects, EUR 336.7 million) compared to IAs (16 projects, EUR 86 million). The number

of CSAs increased from 3 projects in Horizon 2020 (EUR 7 million) to 10 projects in the

current Horizon Europe (EUR 35.2 million). The number of partnerships (ERA-NETs under

Horizon 2020, COFUND under Horizon Europe 2021-2027) decreased from 8 in Horizon 2020

to 1 in Horizon Europe 2021-2027. However, the average funding per partnership increased

from EUR 5.3 million under Horizon 2020 to EUR 32 million (until 2025) under the current

Horizon Europe.

2.3. Tools to boost and facilitate impact of collaborative R&I

The EU Framework Programmes for Research and Innovation provide a set of programming

tools implemented in collaborative R&I projects that contribute to knowledge sharing and the

27 EJP and ERA-NET under Horizon 2020 and co-funded partnerships under Horizon Europe 2021-2027.

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uptake of innovation in the agri-food sector. The 2016 strategic approach to agricultural R&I

and Food 2030 have been instrumental in fostering the impact of such tools.

Introduced in the Horizon 2020 Framework Programme and reinforced under Horizon Europe

2021-2027, the multi-actor approach is a programming tool for interactive and

transdisciplinary R&I that makes the R&I process co-creative and inclusive with relevant

stakeholders including potential users of results, and thus its outcomes are more co-owned,

reliable, demand driven and relevant to society28. When included as an eligibility condition in

relevant topics, the multi-actor approach ensures the genuine involvement of farmers, foresters,

rural and other food system actors in the R&I process, making them both recipients of the new

solutions, and active contributors to the development of new knowledge, tools, and services.

The development and implementation of the multi-actor approach benefited from the

experience gained through European Innovation Partnership for Agricultural Productivity

and Sustainability (EIP-AGRI) Operational Groups, which pioneered interactive

innovation and co-creation approaches in agriculture and rural areas. This approach in Horizon

Europe 2021-2027 implies meeting seven mandatory requirements, ensuring the quality of the

co-creation process in R&I activities. It is implemented under the current Horizon Europe

Cluster 6, Mission Soil, and the CBE-JU, including under all ‘flagship’ projects with high

technology readiness levels. From 2014 to 2024, the Horizon portfolio implementing tools

related to the multi-actor approach have been used for 3 681 unique organisations,

including over 1 000 SMEs (28%)29.

The 2016 strategic approach to agricultural R&I has been instrumental in further

mainstreaming the multi-actor approach. Most projects in agriculture, forestry and rural

areas apply this approach, accounting for 195 projects in Horizon 2020 and 219 in the current

Horizon Europe to date (Figure 3 and 4). In terms of investment, it amounts to EUR 1 040.7

million in Horizon 2020 and 1 241.8 million in Horizon Europe. These projects are also the

main contributors for the shares in Societal Challenge 2 (195/213) and Pillar III (195/229) of

Horizon 2020, as well as Cluster 6 (219/322) and Pillar II (219/391) under the current Horizon

Europe.

Figure 3. The share of projects applying the multi-actor approach for agriculture, forestry and rural

areas (AGRI), Food 2030, Societal Challenges 2 and Pillar III in Horizon 2020 (left) and for AGRI,

Cluster 6 and Pillar II in the current Horizon Europe (right), considering RIAs, IAs, CSAs, EJP, ERA-

NET and COFUND

28 Multi-actor approach - Agriculture and rural development. 29 European Commission. Data from CORDIS — EU Research Results. Available at: https://cordis.europa.eu.

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Figure 4. The total number of projects applying the multi-actor approach for agriculture, forestry and

rural areas (AGRI), Food 2030, Societal Challenges 2 and Pillar III in Horizon 2020 (left) and for AGRI,

Cluster 6 and Pillar II in the current Horizon Europe (right), considering RIAs, IAs, CSAs, EJP, ERA-

NET and COFUND.

Figure 4 highlights a marked increase in the adoption of the multi-actor approach within the

Food 2030 related projects, rising from 19 projects in Horizon 2020 to 69 projects in the current

Horizon Europe. Overall (across both programmes), 60% of the Food 2030 projects have

reported applying the multi-actor approach. This can be explained by the efforts developed

under Horizon Europe 2021-2027 to include multi-actor approach as part of the eligibility

conditions.

Building on the success of the multi-actor approach, the Commission has been strongly

promoting the establishment of other specific instruments that are user-centred, directly engage

farmers, foresters, rural communities and other food system actors in collaborative R&I, and

enable place-based innovation: the Living Labs and lighthouses.

Living Labs are dynamic, open innovation ecosystems where R&I and experimentation unfold

in real-life, placing end-users at the centre of the innovation process, thus ensuring that new

solutions are demand driven. Living Labs are the key instruments used under Mission Soil and

the agroecology partnership.

Lighthouses are places to demonstrate exemplary innovative solutions, such as technologies,

practices, trainings and peer-to-peer learning, allowing testing under real-life conditions to

stimulate uptake of innovation.

Horizon tools such as cascade funding (also known as ‘financial support for third parties’ -

FSTP) under Article 207 of the Financial Regulation30 have been used to stimulate the inclusion

of small actors, such as SMEs (including farmers and foresters) in the implementation of the

projects. This kind of support rewards small actors for carrying out concrete R&I activities, in

particular those related to the testing and validation of results brought about by researchers and

innovators.

The mainstreaming of social sciences and humanities such as economics, sociology,

anthropology, management, arts, and psychology, including by promoting interdisciplinary

approaches integrating science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and

social sciences and humanities disciplines, reinforced the scope of R&I activities supporting

the agri-food sector. An important added value of the collaboration between researchers and

experts from STEM and social sciences and humanities disciplines is to take a human-centric

30 Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509 on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the Union.

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approach to addressing technical and societal challenges, ensuring that scientific advancements

deliver benefits to society. The meaningful and effective integration of research activities

involving social sciences and humanities disciplines is important to ensure the alignment of the

R&I activities with the needs and expectations of the end users, and therefore to facilitate the

adoption of the solutions proposed and increase the societal and economic impact.

Between 2014 and 2020, 52.6% of projects related to collaborative R&I in agriculture, forestry

and rural areas integrated social sciences and humanities, whereas between 2021 and 2024,

29.3%31. In this regard, projects on agriculture, forestry and rural areas under Horizon 2020

were within the average of Societal Challenge 2 and Pillar III, while for the current Horizon

Europe, the data shows a lower average, although the data is still incomplete for the whole

Horizon Europe 2021-2027 period (Figure 5). In Food 2030 projects, there has been a notable

rise in projects integrating social sciences and humanities activities and expertise, increasing

from 43 in Horizon 2020 to 62 in the current Horizon Europe.

Figure 5. Share of projects flagged with social sciences and humanities for agriculture, forestry and rural

areas (AGRI), Food 2030, Societal Challenges 2 and Pillar III in Horizon 2020 (left) and for AGRI,

Cluster 6 and Pillar II in the current Horizon Europe (right), considering RIAs, IAs, CSAs, EJP, ERA-

NET and COFUND

The effective contribution of social sciences and humanities disciplines enables the

development of more adequate solutions to the challenges and opportunities faced by

agricultural, forestry and rural communities. SSH are crucial to better understand and navigate

practitioners’ needs and conditions, and to identify barriers and enabling conditions for the

successful uptake and deployment of innovation. Behavioural analyses and agri-food sector

modelling activities help inform decision-making processes, as well as the design and impact

assessment of policies.

Monitoring and knowledge-management capacities help translate R&I outputs into policy-

relevant evidence for the agri-food sector. For example, the European Food Safety Authority

(EFSA) has a research platform that provides information on EU-funded research projects and

on external research projects involving EFSA, supporting access to evidence that could be

relevant to food safety and risk assessment32. Furthermore, the Joint Research Centre (JRC) is

an active partner in R&I projects on the agri-food sector, to facilitate the science to policy

interface.

31 Horizon Dashboard. 32 Research Platform | EFSA.

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The EU’s cooperation with third countries and actors and with international organisations

in R&I on the agri-food sector has received increased focus in the programming of Horizon

2020 and Horizon Europe 2021-2027 due to its strategic potential.

Bilateral R&I cooperation opportunities have been pursued with the African Union (AU) and

China, through the EU-AU Food and Nutrition Security and Sustainable Agriculture

Partnership (FNSSA)33, part of the AU-EU High-Level Policy Dialogue on Science,

Technology and Innovation, embedded in the Joint Africa-EU Strategy, and the EU-China

Flagship on Food, Agriculture and Biosolutions34.

Cooperation with African partners has supported the 2016 strategic approach on agricultural

R&I objectives on sustainable primary production, resilience, agricultural innovation,

knowledge exchange and food security. This cooperation has also contributed to the Food 2030

agenda, which includes nutrition, urban and territorial food systems, value chains, governance

and systemic approaches to resilience.

The experience under the FNSSA is a good example of how R&I cooperation connects primary

production, food security, nutrition, sustainability and innovation uptake across regions inside

and outside the EU. It also helps align EU internal and external action, including with wider

cooperation frameworks such as Global Gateway, while ensuring that international R&I

partnerships remain mutually beneficial and responsive to regional needs. For example, the

FNSSA benefited from reinforced synergies between Horizon Europe 2021-2027 and key

initiatives such as the AU Research Grant programme35 and DeSIRA (Development Smart

Innovation through Research in Agriculture)36, thereby supporting climate-relevant, productive

and sustainable food-system transformation in low- and middle-income countries.

3. DELIVERING ON THE 2016 STRATEGIC APPROACH TO AGRICULTURAL

RESEARCH AND INNOVATION

Farming, forestry and rural areas are core to the European way of life, competitiveness and

food security and constitute strategic sectors for the Union, supported by a common agricultural

policy (CAP)37 since 1962.

R&I play a key role in making the agricultural and forestry sectors and rural areas more

competitive, resilient, sustainable, fair and attractive and inform the design and implementation

of public policies by providing the necessary knowledge and evidence base. Investments under

Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe 2021-2027 have been aligned with successive policy

developments. R&I activities contributed to addressing R&I needs to support the successive

reforms of the common agricultural policy, the Sustainable Development Goals38, the

initiatives under the European Green Deal (including the European Climate Law39, the Nature

Restoration Law40, the farm to fork strategy41, the forest strategy for 203042, the EU

33 Partnership on Food and Nutrition Security and Sustainable Agriculture (FNSSA) - Research and innovation. 34 International cooperation with China in research and innovation. 35 Funding and support - Research and innovation - European Commission. 36 DeSIRA | Capacity4dev. 37 CAP at a glance - Agriculture and rural development - European Commission. 38 Sustainable Development Goals - European Commission. 39 Regulation - 2021/1119 - EN - EUR-Lex. 40 Regulation - EU - 2024/1991 - EN - EUR-Lex. 41 EUR-Lex - 52020DC0381 - EN - EUR-Lex. 42 EUR-Lex - 52021DC0572 - EN - EUR-Lex.

15

biodiversity strategy for 203043 and the EU soil strategy for 203044), the EU action plan on the

development of organic production45, and the long-term vision for the EU’s rural areas. More

recently, R&I contributed to the vision for agriculture and food, to the strategy for generational

renewal in agriculture46, to the strategy for a competitive and sustainable EU bioeconomy47,

and to the life sciences strategy48. Policy initiatives have also been continuously fed by

evidence from R&I, for example the Soil Monitoring Law49 or the fertiliser action plan50.

Sustained investment in R&I is essential, ensuring that solutions are scalable, accessible and

adapted to the diversity of practitioners and territories, so that no community or sector is left

behind. The vision for agriculture and food51 published in February 2025 reiterated the enabling

role of knowledge, skills, research and innovation for the transformation of the agri-food sector.

In 2016, the European Commission published a strategic approach to EU agricultural R&I

(‘the 2016 strategic approach’). The 2016 strategic approach aimed to harness EU

investments in the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation with a view to

ensuring food security in the long term; addressing the environmental sustainability and

resilience of competitive land-based primary production; boosting the sustainable growth of

rural territories; and improving the delivery of research results for policy impact.

The 2016 strategic approach built on five priority areas for agricultural R&I: 

Three of these priority areas concerned creating value from land - sustainable primary

production:

• resource management, in particular soil, water and biodiversity

• healthier plants and animals

• integrated ecological approaches from farm to landscape level

Two concerned enhancing rural innovation - modernising rural territories and policies:

• new openings for rural growth

• enhancing human and social capital in rural areas

The 2016 strategic approach, which guided the Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe 2021-2027

strategic planning52, has been instrumental in introducing the new Horizon way of

programming and implementing R&I for agriculture, forestry and rural areas. It has

promoted co-creation with all relevant stakeholders as the basis for identifying and designing

key R&I priorities and long-term impacts at various levels. This was achieved by working

closely with the Member States and associated countries, through the Horizon 2020 Societal

Challenge 2 ‘Food security, sustainable agriculture and forestry, marine, maritime and inland

water research, and the bioeconomy’ and the current Horizon Europe Cluster 6 Programme

43 EUR-Lex - 52020DC0380 - EN - EUR-Lex. 44 EUR-Lex - 52021DC0699 - EN - EUR-Lex. 45 EUR-Lex - 52021DC0141R(01) - EN - EUR-Lex. 46 EUR-Lex - 52025DC0872 - EN - EUR-Lex. 47 EUR-Lex - 52025DC0960 - EN - EUR-Lex. 48 EUR-Lex - 52025DC0525 - EN - EUR-Lex. 49 Directive - EU - 2025/2360 - EN - EUR-Lex. 50 EUR-Lex - 52026DC0310 - EN - EUR-Lex. 51 EUR-Lex - 52025DC0075 - EN - EUR-Lex. 52 European Commission: Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, Horizon Europe strategic plan 2021-

2024, Publications Office of the European Union, 2021, https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2777/083753.

16

Committee. The prioritisation and programming of R&I under the 2016 strategic approach also

benefited from the advice of expert groups, such as SCAR53, and the engagement of important

stakeholders through public and stakeholder consultations, AgriResearch Conferences54,

workshops, and project clustering events.

Three editions of the EU AgriResearch Conference took place in 2016, 2018 and 2023.

They have been instrumental for the co-creation and implementation of the long-term strategic

approach to EU agricultural R&I, in particular for the identification of R&I needs. The input

gathered during those conferences has guided R&I programmes in agriculture, forestry, and

rural areas during the second half of Horizon 2020 and under Horizon Europe 2021-2027.

Programming has thus been driven and structured to deliver solutions to the sectors’ challenges

with a coherent and complementary approach, jointly addressing:

• What are the R&I needs to address the challenges and/or seize the opportunities for

agriculture, forestry and rural areas?

• How should those needs be delivered through R&I?

The EU has invested more than EUR 3 billion in 565 R&I projects in the period 2014-

2024, led by the 2016 strategic approach, addressing key challenges for the EU’s farming and

forestry sectors and for rural areas. This investment through Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe

2021-2027 collaborative R&I delivered an array of opportunities for generating new

knowledge and innovations, such as practices and technologies, to support the competitiveness,

sustainability and resilience of the EU agriculture, forestry and rural sectors.

This section presents an overview of the EU-funded R&I activities in the area of agriculture,

forestry and rural areas implemented through collaborative R&I in Horizon 2020 (2014-2020)

and Horizon Europe (period 2021-2024), connected to the priorities identified in the

2016 strategic approach to EU agricultural R&I.

This overview is complemented by a sector-specific analysis of key collaborative R&I

implementation and statistics over the 2014-2024 period, covering Horizon 2020 Societal

Challenge 2, the current Horizon Europe Cluster 6 and Mission Soil55, as well as Horizon 2020

Pillar III and the current Horizon Europe Pillar II. This makes it possible to reflect on trends

and the impacts of the investments made to support the R&I journey towards sustainable,

competitive and resilient agriculture, forestry and rural areas.

3.1. Boosting demand-driven and interactive innovation, and the uptake of R&I results

through synergies with the common agricultural policy

Strengthening the links between science and policymaking has been at the core of the

2016 strategic approach. R&I efforts under the EU Framework Programmes for R&I help

deliver on the cross-cutting objective of the CAP to address the needs of agriculture, forestry

and rural areas, helping them become more competitive, sustainable and resilient. In this

regard, R&I actions have built on and further strengthened synergies between two main EU

policies: the EU Research and Innovation Framework Programme Horizon Europe 2021-

2027, and the CAP. Working in synergy through the European Innovation Partnership for

53 https://scar-europe.org/. 54 European Commission: Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development, 2023 AgriResearch

Conference – Knowledge, innovation and skills for sustainable horizons – 31 May-1 June 2023, Brussels –

Conference report, Publications Office of the European Union, 2024, https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2762/614982. 55 Notwithstanding that other EU funded projects outside the scope of this analysis contribute directly or indirectly

to R&I in agriculture, forestry and rural areas.

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Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability (EIP-AGRI)56, both policies have stimulated co-

creation, exchange of knowledge and innovation, ensuring demand-driven research and

impactful results facilitating uptake by practitioners.

Agricultural knowledge and innovation systems (AKIS)57 emerged as a key framework to

enable agricultural innovation both in Europe and internationally. AKIS refer to ‘the combined

organisation and knowledge flows between individuals, organisations, and institutions who use

and produce knowledge for agriculture and interrelated fields’58, including public decision-

makers alongside farmers, foresters, rural actors, researchers, educators, advisory and

extension services, the private sector, and other stakeholders. Farmers are at the centre of these

systems, within the ‘knowledge triangle’ – comprising research, education, and extension

services – empowering them to co-develop and adopt innovative, sustainable agricultural

practices.

AKIS aim at enhancing and organising knowledge flows among actors involved in agriculture

and related sectors. Within AKIS, the EIP-AGRI promotes an innovation model based on the

co-creation, knowledge sharing and multi-actor collaboration. It makes it possible to capitalise

on complementary knowledge and expertise of different actors, including farmers, foresters

and rural actors, which supports the transition from research to the deployment of the solutions

developed, thus reinforcing the innovation ecosystem.

Importantly, both Horizon Europe 2021-2027 and the CAP support the effective functioning of

AKIS, through initiatives aimed at accelerating innovation and the adoption of R&I outcomes.

Setting up and reinforcing an integrated AKIS became a mandatory element in the CAP 2023-

2027, requiring Member States to develop their national strategies for AKIS.

Under Horizon, the EU has funded a number of projects specifically to support the

implementation of AKIS across the different Member States. It has also funded thematic

networks and advisory networks to support knowledge sharing and innovation uptake.

Thematic networks collect and disseminate existing knowledge across regions and sectors,

facilitating the scaling out of proven solutions. Advisory networks connect advisors across

Member States, associated countries, and support them in sharing their knowledge and

expertise, staying up to date with cutting-edge knowledge and innovation, and contribute to

translating science into practice by making advisors better equipped to accompany farmers,

foresters and rural actors.

Building on the experience with thematic and advisory networks, EU Thematic Knowledge

Hubs are being funded under the Horizon Europe Work Programme 2026-2027. They will

encourage gathering of knowledge and advice under a cohesive thematic umbrella. This will

help users identify go-to sources for valuable thematic content and mitigate fatigue among

advisors, whose presence is often requested in multiple initiatives.

EIP-AGRI is bringing together AKIS actors with complementary knowledge - farmers,

foresters, researchers, advisors, businesses, environmental groups, consumer interest groups or

other NGOs - to co-create practical solutions for agriculture, forestry and rural communities in

innovation projects. 

Under the CAP, over 5 200 EIP operational groups have been established since 201459.

Operational groups are spaces where ideas are tested, adjusted and made to work in real

56 About EIP-AGRI projects | EU CAP Network. 57 AKIS | EU CAP Network. 58 Regulation - 2021/2115 - EN - EUR-Lex. 59 https://eu-cap-network.ec.europa.eu/operational-groups-eu-member-states_en.

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farming conditions, following the ‘interactive innovation model’60. Starting from farmers’

concrete needs, these bottom-up projects draw on existing knowledge and innovations from

EU, national or regional programmes and adapt them to local realities. More than 6 600 projects

are planned for the period 2023-2027.

In synergy, the Horizon Europe 2021-2027 Cluster 6 Work Programmes have (i) promoted the

involvement of operational groups in R&I projects through the multi-actor approach, (ii)

supported the dissemination of knowledge generated by operational groups in several

countries, and (iii) promoted links between operational groups and Living Labs. The reverse

integration - testing solutions from Horizon projects in operational groups to translate them

into practical, locally tailored solutions - appears to need more work61. Furthermore, the EU

CAP network supports the implementation of the CAP by connecting actors across Member

States, facilitating peer learning, thematic exchanges, and dissemination of best practices and

project results from Horizon projects and operational groups.

To guarantee the release of actionable outcomes from multi-actor projects, practice abstracts

have been implemented across Horizon multi-actor approach projects and operational groups

and collected in the EIP-AGRI project database, resulting in the development of over 14 000

practice abstracts. These practice abstracts - following a common EIP-AGRI format - are meant

to offer valuable practical information for projects to pass on to users for application in real-

world settings.

The establishment of place-based innovation such as living labs and lighthouses was strongly

promoted under the 2016 strategic approach, valorising their potential to reduce technical,

economic, and social risks associated with the adoption of innovative practices. Living Labs

and lighthouses are central tools in the co-funded partnerships on agroecology, agriculture

of data, and forest, and in the EU mission ‘A Soil Deal for Europe’. EIP-AGRI operational

groups provide a complementary mechanism for testing, adapting and implementing

innovations in real farming and forestry conditions, often serving as entry points for scaling

innovations developed in research projects and Living Labs.

Demonstration farms – set up both under Horizon and CAP, in certain Member States – also

deserve mention in this respect, as effective tools in providing farmers with opportunities to

exchange knowledge with their peers and with experts, jointly solving problems through hands-

on activities32, strongly influencing farmers’ decision to innovate.

Farmer involvement in R&I has also been stepped up through other means, such as through

relevant governance structures. For instance, the CBE-JU established a working group

dedicated to enhancing the role of primary producers along the bio-based value chains62.

3.2. Analysis and key achievements on priority thematic areas

In this section, key achievements of the implementation of the 2016 strategic approach in

priority thematic areas are presented, with an overview of the projects funded and selected

success stories and flagship examples of R&I activities.

To deliver on the four objectives of the 2016 strategic approach, R&I activities have been

programmed in a landscape of thematic areas, regularly reviewed based on the input of

stakeholders during the AgriResearch Conferences. Together, these thematic areas

60 Article 127 of the Regulation - 2021/2115 - EN - EUR-Lex. 61 European Court of Auditors, special report 09/2026 “European innovation partnership in the common

agricultural policy – A key tool for innovation in EU agriculture falling short of its full potential”, Publications

Office of the European Union, 2026. 62 Working group on primary producers | Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU).

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comprehensively address R&I needs on specific sector or thematic, and on cross-cutting

challenges. In this section, we provide an overview of the R&I activities funded under

Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe 2021-2027, under the 13 thematic areas defined following

the 2023 AgriResearch Conference:

1. Climate smart agriculture

2. Biodiversity friendly agriculture

3. Sustainable management of land, soil, water and nutrients

4. Sustainable management of forests

5. Healthy, sustainable and resilient cropping systems

6. Healthy, sustainable and resilient livestock systems

7. New farming, food and bio-based systems

8. Rural opportunities

9. Fostering agroecology and organic farming at the farm and landscape levels

10. Strengthening socio-economic performance and modernising policies

11. Unlocking the potential of digital and data technologies

12. Enhancing knowledge flows and skills

13. Strengthening international cooperation

3.2.1. Climate-smart agriculture

Impacts of climate change are becoming increasingly evident. People working with and on the

land are most directly affected. To limit further concentration of greenhouse gases in the

atmosphere, emissions must be cut through mitigation measures and carbon sequestration must

be strengthened, while resilience against unavoidable impacts must be built through adaptation

measures and climate smart solutions. Climate-smart solutions are innovative strategies

designed to address climate change and foster sustainable development.

EU-funded R&I is driving advances in climate-smart agriculture through projects such as

ClieNFarms, ClimateSmartAdvisors, Climate Farm Demo, ClimateSmartResearch. Projects

such as CREDIBLE, MARVIC, MRV4SOC help farmers, foresters and rural communities

adapt to changing climate conditions, reduce GHG emissions, and improve carbon removals.

Peatlands are crucial carbon sinks and natural water regulators, but decades of drainage-based

agriculture have led to CO₂ emissions, soil degradation, and water problems. Paludiculture,

sustainable cultivation on wet and rewetted peatlands, offers a nature-based solution that

restores water retention, reduces nutrient runoff, and supports biodiversity. Paludi4All, PALUS

DEMOS, and PaluWise are driving this transition by assessing socio-economic and

environmental impacts, establishing large-scale demo sites, and scaling multi-actor strategies

across Europe. Together, they aim to reduce emissions, protect water resources, and promote

resilient, low-impact farming systems.

Flagship stories

ClieNFarms (Climate Neutral Farms, 2022-2025, IA) responded to the dual challenge

facing European agriculture: reducing its contribution to climate change while building its

resilience to the droughts, heatwaves and floods that increasingly threaten agricultural

productivity. Working directly with farmers and a broad range of stakeholders including

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advisors, banks, agri-food actors and investors, the project developed, tested and validated a

portfolio of systemic farm-level climate solutions covering both livestock and crop farming.

Solutions to these challenges range from feeding animals with specific herbs or plant extracts

to reduce methane emissions, to establishing permanent vegetation cover under olive trees

to reduce soil erosion, and approaches to better manage soil, reduce fertiliser use and

improve animal nutrition and rearing. All solutions were tested and validated in real-world

scenarios and compiled into a publicly accessible Catalogue of Climate Solutions, with

locations and production systems explorable via an interactive map.

Beyond individual farm practices, the project developed transition roadmaps to help agri-

food actors adapt climate-neutral practices, a scaling toolbox providing step-by-step

guidance for doing so, microlearning content to support adoption, and policy briefs

identifying potential barriers to achieving climate-neutral production.

The project’s results continue to have impact through the EU-funded ClimateSmartAdvisors

and Climate Farm Demo projects, as well as the Farming for Climate platform. More about

the project results can be found here.

Climate Farm Demo (A European-wide network of pilot farmers implementing and

demonstrating climate smart solutions for a carbon-neutral Europe, 2022-2029, CSA)

is an ongoing pan-European initiative building the largest network of its kind to accelerate

the transition to climate-smart farming,with 1 460 pilot demo farms across 28 countries and

all major pedoclimatic zones.

The project connects farmers with more than 230 dedicated climate farm advisors who

support them in developing individual adaptation and mitigation plans, grounded in carbon

audits and tailored to each farm’s conditions. Technical and social innovations are

demonstrated to the wider farming community through six annual demo campaigns, with a

target of 4 500 demonstration events over the project’s lifetime, and new climate-smart

solutions are co-created in 10 living labs operating across Europe.

To underpin the transition with robust evidence, the project benchmarks carbon and climate

assessment tools used across the EU and is developing a monitoring, reporting and

verification process to quantify greenhouse gas reductions at farm level, with consolidated

data from 1 460 farms set to constitute a unique pan-European dataset. A framework for

rewarding mechanisms has been initiated to help equip farmers and advisors to engage with

emerging incentive systems, feeding into EU policy recommendations grounded in real field

experience.

An online knowledge repository gathers project activities, registered farms, demonstration

events and results, supporting knowledge exchange both within the network and with the

broader agricultural community. The project aims to reach 250 000 stakeholders, including

150 000 farmers,becoming a real-world laboratory for testing climate-smart practice transfer

at scale.

ClimateSmartAdvisors (Connecting and mobilising the EU agricultural advisory

community to support the transition to Climate Smart Farming, 2023-2030, CSA) is a

pan-European multi-actor network covering 27 countries. Its aim is to boost the EU

agricultural advisory community, leading to an acceleration of the adoption of climate smart

(CS) farming practices by the wider farming community within and across EU AKIS.

The project unites 1 500 advisors, 27 national coordinators, and 12 thematic leaders in a

shared effort to advance climate-smart agriculture in Europe. Its core mechanism is the

creation of 260 advisory ‘communities of practice’, peer-to-peer knowledge exchange

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groups organised around 12 thematic areas covering climate change mitigation and

adaptation.

A Farming for Climate knowledge repository, bringing together climate-smart advisory

tools, carbon assessment tools and mitigation and adaptation practices, is under development

as a lasting open resource for the advisory community.

CLIMED-FRUIT (Adaptation to climate change and mitigation for perennial crops in

Mediterranean Area, 2022-2025, CSA) had built on the results of nine EIP-AGRI

operational groups to compile and share field-tested knowledge on climate adaptation and

mitigation covering several Mediterranean perennial crops in 7 different countries (France,

Spain, Portugal, Greece, Italy, Croatia, Serbia).

This thematic network structured its work around five thematic areas: soil conservation and

carbon storage; improving crop resilience to climatic hazards; innovative practices for water

stress management and dry farming; adaptation of food chain processes to climate change;

and diversification and biodiversity preservation in Mediterranean crops.

It published a comprehensive technical review that brought together innovative strategies

and real-world results from operational groups and EU projects, covering practices ranging

from cover crops and composting techniques to smart irrigation systems and post-harvest

innovations. By translating research and on-farm experience into practical, accessible

guidance, the project aimed to equip Mediterranean farmers with concrete tools to sustain

productivity while protecting the region’s ecosystems under increasing climate pressure.

3.2.2. Biodiversity-friendly agriculture

Agrobiodiversity is a vital foundation for resilient farming systems, yet its practical uptake can

be constrained by economic, technical, knowledge-related and implementation barriers. As

farms face growing pressures from climate change, soil degradation, biodiversity loss and

market uncertainty, the challenge is to better understand how diverse crops, species, varieties,

habitats and management practices can be effectively integrated and scaled into productive,

viable and sustainable farming systems.

Wild pollinators are declining across Europe and beyond, with alarming consequences for

functioning ecosystems and agricultural production. EU-funded projects such as RestPoll,

Safeguard, ProPollSoil, and AGRI4POL address this challenge by restoring habitats,

identifying emerging threats, assessing the role of soil management and land use, and exploring

how crop varieties, agricultural practices and landscape features can better support pollinators.

To assess the impact of practices, monitoring agrobiodiversity is vital to advance sustainable

agriculture. EU-funded projects such as BioMonitor4CAP, SOB4ES, BIOservicES,

SHOWCASE and FRAMEwork address this challenge through complementary approaches:

developing advanced monitoring systems, integrating soil biodiversity indicators into land

management, assessing the role of soil organisms, testing incentives for biodiversity-enhancing

practices, and supporting farmer-led collaboration and knowledge exchange.

Soil degradation and climate change increasingly threaten biodiversity, ecosystem services and

agricultural resilience, highlighting the need for more sustainable soil management. EU-funded

projects (including those under Mission Soil) address this challenge through complementary

approaches: MultiSoil co-creates farmer-led guidelines for soil health and functional

biodiversity; SOILRES implements agroecological strategies to strengthen soil health, crop

resilience and biodiversity; SOILGUARD developed predictive tools to support policy and

management decisions.

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SoildiverAgro and EXCALIBUR advanced innovative soil management practices by

developing guidance for farmers and policymakers, testing practical solutions, and harnessing

soil biodiversity through microbial bioproducts and soil-improving approaches.

A dedicated CORDIS results pack Enabling nature-based solutions in sustainable agriculture

brings together these examples and more, highlighting how EU-funded R&I projects, alongside

key European initiatives such as the agroecology partnership and Biodiversa-plus, are

supporting the uptake of sustainable farming approaches, including agroecological and nature-

based solutions that strengthen agrobiodiversity, resilience and long-term sustainability.

Flagship stories

SHOWCASE (SHOWCASing synergies between agriculture, biodiversity and

Ecosystem services to help farmers capitalising on native biodiversity, 2020-2025, RIA)

addressed the persistent gap between scientific evidence on farmland biodiversity and its

actual adoption by the farming sector. The project established a multi-actor network of

experimental biodiversity areas across 11 sites in 10 European countries, bringing together

farmers, researchers, advisors and local communities to test and demonstrate biodiversity

management strategies under real-world conditions.

Field studies produced concrete evidence of biodiversity gains. The project developed

biodiversity indicators and key performance indicators based on easily quantifiable land-use

characteristics to support large-scale monitoring. Farmers demonstrated high willingness to

accept the indicators most strongly linked to biodiversity outcomes. A practical handbook

entitled Farming with Biodiversity was produced as an evidence-based guide for farmers,

advisors and policymakers, alongside awareness-raising materials linking biodiversity to

food security and pest control. More about the project results can be found here.

SoildiverAgro (Soil biodiversity enhancement in European agroecosystems to promote

their stability and resilience by external inputs reduction and crop performance

increase, 2019-2025, RIA) set out to demonstrate that enhancing soil biodiversity is a

practical pathway to more sustainable and resilient European agriculture, reducing

dependence on external inputs while maintaining or improving crop yields and farm

profitability.

Through 15 case studies across six European pedoclimatic zones, the project tested a wide

range of crop management practices adapted to local conditions, focusing on potato and

wheat in both monoculture and diversified cropping systems.

The project developed a predictive tool using infrared spectroscopy and basic climatic and

soil parameters to estimate soil biodiversity variables. It also developed a complementary

decision support tool integrating machine learning models in order to estimate wheat

production and soil biodiversity indices from readily accessible field data. Network analysis

of over 10 000 taxonomic units identified key relationships between specific soil organism

groups and ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration, nutrient cycling, water retention

and erosion control across different European regions. These results were translated into Best

Practice Guidelines for wheat, potato and vegetable crops, alongside policy

recommendations to accelerate adoption of biodiversity-positive practices at local and

European levels. More about the project results can be found here.

3.2.3. Sustainable management of land, soil, water and nutrients

European agriculture depends on healthy soils, reliable water availability and efficient nutrient

cycling. However, soil degradation, water scarcity, pollution and dependence on external

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fertiliser inputs are putting farm productivity, ecosystem services and food security under

pressure. EU R&I support integrated approaches that improve soil health, water resilience and

nutrient efficiency while helping farmers adapt solutions to local agro-ecological conditions.

Mission Soil: ‘A Soil Deal for Europe’

The Mission Soil ‘A Soil Deal for Europe’ aims to accelerate the transition towards healthy

soils through research, innovation, engagement and living labs and lighthouses. The mission is

proving an essential tool for generating and facilitating access to knowledge, data, and

innovative practices on soil health to farmers, foresters and other land managers and

landowners, helping them to increase their productivity, resilience and competitiveness

sustainably. Since its launch in 2021, 45 living labs have been established, contributing to the

objective of setting up 100 living labs by 2030. With 63 research and innovation projects

funded in 2021-2024 under Mission Soil, the current investment amounts to EUR 469 million,

with nearly 1 400 organisations involved.

Living labs: Mission Soil living labs are user-centred, place-based and transdisciplinary

research and innovation ecosystems that bring together land managers, scientists, citizens,

businesses and local authorities to co-design, test, monitor and evaluate solutions to improve

soil health in real-life settings. Collaboration across sites enables partners to replicate actions,

compare results, exchange good practices, validate methodologies and promote cross-

fertilisation at local and regional level.

The funded network of living labs focuses on different land uses, soil challenges and pedo-

climatic conditions. The projects in this network include LivingSoiLL, GOV4LL,

iCOSHELLs, SOILCRATES, LILAS4SOILS, Nemesis, GroundWork, TRAILS4SOIL, and

URSOILL. The projects PREPSOIL, NATI00NS, SOILL-Startup, and SOILL-Stepup support

the preparation, deployment and operationalisation of the network of living labs.

For example, the LILAS4SOILS project established five living labs in real-life settings across

six different countries to co-create and co-implement carbon farming practices based on

regional agricultural contexts. Farmers are an active part of the research process by co-creating,

testing and validating practices such as manure incorporation, reduced tillage, grassland

maintenance, cover cropping, among others. Their involvement in the R&I is partly bottom-up

implemented through an open call and cascade funding mechanism. The cross-fertilisation of

knowledge between living labs is also promoted to enhance the transfer and uptake of

innovation.

Mission Soil is also fostering a growing innovation ecosystem of stakeholders around soil

health, strengthening its ties with the private sector, including finance and funding providers,

and international organisations, such as UNESCO. The Mission Soil Manifesto, a voluntary,

non-binding commitment has gathered so far over 3 500 signatures, including nearly 700 legal

entities.

Mission Soil’s citizen engagement initiatives are also supported by a range of projects,

communication activities and information materials. Since its first edition in 2023, the

European Mission Soil Week has been a flagship event for the European soil community,

bringing together around 300–350 participants in person each year. The network of 37 Mission

Soil Ambassadors, who operate primarily at local and regional level, supports efforts to raise

public awareness of the importance of soil health and to promote the mission’s activities on a

large scale. Complementing this, the Mission Soil Investment Forum is an annual event

dedicated to improving soil health through innovative business models and strategic

investments.

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Mission Soil is also enhancing awareness of the societal role of soils, to ensure access to soil

health education and training, to strengthen citizen participation in soil and land-oriented

activities, and to reward best practices. Soil literacy is fundamental to the success of this

initiative. Through targeted communication, peer-to-peer knowledge exchange, practitioner-

led research, and digital learning opportunities, the aim is to embed soil awareness across

society, with schools, training institutions, and universities playing a central role in driving the

green transition.

Soil health is an important component of the CAP’s environmental and climate objectives.

Through conditionality requirements, eco-schemes, and rural development measures, the CAP

supports practices that protect soil, enhance soil fertility, increase organic carbon, and reduce

erosion and degradation. Mission Soil complements the CAP by developing, testing, and

demonstrating innovative solutions for soil health through research and living labs,

generating knowledge and evidence that can be scaled up and implemented through CAP

instruments across the EU.

Mission Soil also plays a central role in the implementation of the Soil Monitoring Law,

as it supports the development of soil monitoring systems, indicators, data and practical

approaches needed to safeguard and assess soil health across Europe.

As outlined in the Mission Soil Implementation Plan, the mission’s project portfolio is

organised around several complementary thematic clusters, each contributing to the mission’s

objectives.

A harmonised EU soil health monitoring framework is being developed through

BENCHMARKS, AI4SoilHealth, and WHEATWATCHER, with dedicated projects addressing

specific threats: erosion (EUROSION), desertification (TERRASAFE, MONALISA), and

nitrogen fluxes (NitroScope). Cross-cutting objectives are supported by SoilWise (which

curates an open-access knowledge and data catalogue) and SOLO (which identifies R&I

priorities for the soil health agenda).

Knowledge generation to improve soil literacy and broaden stakeholder engagement is driven

by NBSOIL, LOESS, CURIOSOIL, ECHO, SOILSCAPE, and SoilTribes.

Mission Soil has established innovation hotspots across four thematic areas:

- biodiversity: SOIL O-LIVE, SOB4ES, BIOservisES, MultiSoil, ProPollSoil, SOILRES;

- carbon farming: MaRViC, MRV4SOC, CREDIBLE, DeepHorizon, SUS-SOIL, OGCR,

CAFAMORE, ForPeat;

- soil pollution and remediation: ARAGORN, ISLANDR, EDAPHOS, SOILPROM;

- circular solutions for soil health: DeliSoil, Waste4Soil, BIN2BEAN, FENIX,

bioSOILUTIONS.

Mission Soil also addresses cross-cutting dimensions spanning new business models for soil

health (NOVASOIL, SoilValues, InBestSoil), international cooperation (AUSO), digital

innovation (PHISHES, E-SPFdigit), and territorial approaches (HuMUS, SPADES).

Mission Soil supports dedicated research into the soil–water nexus through SpongeWorks,

Path4Med, and SEACURE. Hort2thefuture and SPIN-FERT are developing sustainable,

circular alternatives to peat for horticultural production, reducing pressure on vulnerable

peatland ecosystems while supporting the EU's commitment to peatland restoration and climate

neutrality.

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Water resilience and efficient water management are becoming critical for European

agriculture as climate change increases droughts, water scarcity and variability in water

availability. Improving water-use efficiency, retention and reuse is essential to strengthen agro-

ecosystem resilience, maintain productivity and reduce pressure on natural resources.

Research in this area spans several complementary themes. Drought resilience and climate

adaptation are addressed through projects focused on improving crop resilience to water stress

via breeding, root system optimisation, and resilient farming systems (Root2Res, TOMRES,

SolACE, BRESOV). Complementing this, efficient irrigation and water-use optimisation

are pursued through the development of precision irrigation technologies, digital monitoring,

and decision-support tools to improve water efficiency at farm level (RAINS, FATIMA,

FERTINNOWA, FARMWISE, SHui, MOSES).

At landscape scale, water retention and nature-based solutions are enhanced through

projects that improve soil water retention and biodiversity, and ecosystem-based approaches to

build resilience against both droughts and floods (BOOSTER, STRATUS, SpongeWorks).

Water reuse, circularity, and integrated management are promoted across agricultural

systems and value chains through circular approaches and integrated water governance

(WATERAGRI, OPTAIN, MASLOWATEN, SuWaNu Europe, Circular4Farm, GEORGIA,

WATERPROTECT, AYUMI).

Nutrients and fertilisers are essential to sustain agricultural productivity and food security, but

their inefficient use contributes to soil degradation, water pollution, eutrophication, and

greenhouse gas emissions. At the same time, the EU remains highly dependent on imported

fertilisers and raw materials, highlighting the need for more circular, resource-efficient and

resilient nutrient management systems.

This challenge is addressed across four interconnected areas. Nutrient-use efficiency and the

reduction of environmental losses are tackled through improved fertiliser application practices

and nutrient budgeting (NutriBudget, ECONUTRI). Nutrient recovery and circular

bioeconomy initiatives recover nutrients from agricultural, urban, and industrial waste streams

to produce recycled fertiliser products (Nutri2Cycle, CIRCULAR AGRONOMICS, WalNUT).

The development of bio-based and alternative fertilisers further reduces dependency on

imported mineral inputs by bringing sustainable fertiliser products to market (RUSTICA,

SEA2LAND, FERTIMANURE, LEX4BIO). Dedicated knowledge transfer and advisory

support activities provide farmers, advisors, and value-chain actors with practical tools,

guidance, and business models to accelerate uptake (NUTRIMAN, Trans4Num).

Flagship stories

EJP SOIL (Towards climate-smart and sustainable soil management, 2020-2025,

COFUND) brought together a group of 26 leading European research institutes and

universities in 24 countries. The project has mobilised over EUR 40 million, in addition to

the EU contribution of EUR 40 million. The project addressed key societal challenges

including food and water security, climate change adaptation and mitigation, biodiversity

preservation and ecosystem services, recognising agricultural soils as a critical resource.

Through three internal and two external calls for research proposals, 26 internal and 19

external projects were selected for funding, generating a substantial body of new knowledge

on soil carbon sequestration, soil health indicators, fertilisation guidelines and the impact of

sustainable management practices across European conditions.

A roadmap for soil research in Europe was developed, consulted with national stakeholders

and updated based on a synthesis of existing research, research needs and gaps to serve as

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an agenda and implementation plan for the programme and beyond, in close collaboration

with SOLO, PREPSOIL, ORCASA and FACCE-JPI initiatives.

To support long-term monitoring and data sharing, a software framework for a harmonised

agricultural soil information system was developed alongside guidelines for mapping and

accounting soil carbon, fertility and degradation at different scales, and a network of long-

term experimental sites and soil laboratories was established.

Education and training activities included a joint PhD curriculum, topic-specific doctoral

courses and seven rounds of a visiting scientists programme, strengthening the next

generation of European soil researchers.

Policy dialogue was advanced through EU policy forums and national workshops, translating

research findings into evidence-based recommendations for practitioners and decision-

makers.

More about the project results can be found here.

SEA2LAND (Producing advanced bio-based fertilizers from fisheries wastes, 2021-

2025, IA) demonstrated the large-scale recovery and reuse of nutrients from fish processing

waste and other bio-based streams to produce safe and marketable fertilisers across several

European regions.

The project developed and validated nine bio-based fertiliser technologies adapted to

different crops and soil conditions, while involving farmers, fertiliser companies and public

authorities throughout the value chain. By combining technological innovation, field

demonstrations and regulatory support, the project showed how nutrient recycling can reduce

dependence on imported mineral fertilisers, lower environmental impacts and create new

business opportunities within a circular bioeconomy while improving soil health. More about

the project results can be found here.

More in-depth examples of Horizon R&I results in this area can be found in the 2026 Cordis

results pack on Nutrient-rich fertilisers from organic waste and renewable biomass. A

dedicated CORDIS results pack - Soil health: Reaping the benefits of healthy soils, for food,

people, nature and the climate showcases how EU-funded research and innovation projects are

advancing sustainable soil management, carbon sequestration, biodiversity and resilience of

agro-ecosystems. Complementing this, the results pack on Innovative research for sustainable

fertiliser production and nutrient management highlights solutions supporting circular nutrient

use, fertiliser efficiency and reduced dependency on imported inputs, contributing to more

sustainable and resilient farming systems.

3.2.4. Sustainable management of forests

Europe’s forests are facing growing pressure from climate change and increasing natural

disturbances such as wildfires, storms, pests, and diseases, threatening their biodiversity,

resilience, and ability to provide essential ecosystem services. At the same time, forests are

critical for climate change mitigation, carbon storage, human wellbeing, and the transition to a

circular and sustainable bioeconomy. Addressing these interconnected challenges requires

targeted research and innovation investments to protect and restore healthy, resilient, and

multifunctional forest ecosystems across Europe.

EU-funded projects are addressing these challenges. SMURF and Small4Good projects

contribute to sustainable forest management to secure resources, support biodiversity, and help

small landowners transition to new business models, while HOMED and FORSAID foster

innovation in forest health through holistic management approaches and digital technologies.

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Enhancing scientific knowledge and adaptive management on forest ecosystem services and

resilience has been key focus. INFORMA, CLIMB-FOREST, and OptFor-EU enhance science-

based knowledge on EU forests, including old-growth forests and capacities to mitigate climate

change. FORWARDS prototypes the ForestWard Observatory to demonstrate the impact of

climate change on forests, guiding decision-making for practical forest management.

OptFORESTS supports the protection and sustainable management of forest genetic resources.

Innovative technologies and new value chains are developed to unlock the economic and

environmental potential of forests through digitalization and precision tools. The core objective

of SINTETIC is to set up and demonstrate a traceability system for trees, logs and boards based

on information and communications technology innovations. Projects TIMBERHAUS and

WoodStock explore the role of timber-based construction in reducing carbon emissions and

promoting sustainable architectural practices.

Collaboration and innovation in forest governance drive the exchange of expertise and the

creation of robust research agendas across Europe. One of the main outputs of the EUFORE

project is a strategic R&I agenda (SRIA) for forestry and the forest-based sector. The SRIA

served as the basis for the European co-funded partnership on ‘FOrests, forestry, and the forest-

based sector: Research and innovation for a Sustainable Transition (FOREST)’.

To promote the sustainability and resilience of European forests, the EU CAP network focus

group on ‘Forestry and forest health’ brought together experts, practitioners, researchers,

foresters, advisors, and policymakers to exchange knowledge and identify practical solutions

and future research needs for improving forest health and resilience.

Flagship stories

European Partnership for FOrests, forestry, and the forest-based sector: Research and

innovation for a Sustainable Transition (‘FOREST Partnership’)

The FOREST partnership aims to advance research and innovation that support the transition

towards a sustainable and circular bioeconomy rooted in forest ecosystems. The partnership

aims to address fragmentation within the sector, strengthen collaboration and knowledge

exchange, and enhance the resilience of ecosystems, biodiversity, and soil health, while

improving adaptation to climate change impacts.

As a key platform for cooperation among stakeholders from Member States and Associated

Countries, the partnership will promote transnationally-coordinated R&I activities, reduce

duplication of efforts, and stimulate innovation across the sector. It is designed to support

the transition towards a more innovative, knowledge-driven, resource-efficient, productive,

and resilient forest-based economy.

The FOREST partnership represents a large-scale ten-year research programme involving

100 organisations from 28 countries during its initial phase. From 2026 to 2036, the

partnership plans to launch seven co-funded joint calls, supporting an estimated 200-250

transnational research and innovation projects involving around 400 stakeholders. In

parallel, it will establish living labs to enable real-world experimentation and innovation.

3.2.5. Healthy, sustainable and resilient cropping systems

Crops and cropping systems are facing growing pressure from climate change, biodiversity

loss, soil and water degradation, and the spread of new and re-emerging pests and diseases,

among many other challenges. These pressures rarely occur in isolation; rather, crops are

increasingly exposed to multifactorial stress, with several biotic and abiotic factors interacting

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at the same time and often reinforcing one another. Together, these challenges increase risks to

food security, farm viability and strategic autonomy. Strengthening plant health and enhancing

the sustainability and resilience of European agriculture are therefore essential.

EU-funded projects are helping address these challenges and support the transition towards

healthy, sustainable and resilient crops and cropping systems. In particular:

• projects like IPMWorks, IPM Decisions, AdoptIPM IWMPraise, Conserwa, Agrosus,

GOOD have advanced integrated pest and weed management;

• projects like SuperPests, Novaterra, WeLaser, novIGRain, and PestNu have supported

innovative approaches to control plant pests;

• projects like Viroplant, nEUROSTRESSPEP, Sagropia, NextGenBioPest, MultiSoil and

SOILRES have helped develop safer and more sustainable crop protection solutions.

Together, these projects have been delivering results including improved and innovative

management strategies, tools to support decision-making alternative control methods,

and field-tested solutions that broaden the range of crop protection options available to

farmers.

In parallel, networks and thematic actions like AdvisoryNetPest, Oper8, RENOVATE,

INNOSETA, SMARTPROTECT, and WINETWORK are bringing practical solutions and

training closer to farmers, advisors and other end users.

Various projects supporting EU Plant Health efforts, including XF-ACTORS, PRE-HLB, FF-

IPM, IPM-Popillia, MUSA, VIRTIGATION, TROPICSAFE, HOMED, REACT, Patafest,

Nem-Emerge, POMATO, CITRUSBUSTERS, EUFAWReady and BeXyl have targeted

emerging threats to plant health, including Xylella fastidiosa, Popillia japonica, Spodoptera

frugiperda, as well as other priority pests in the EU. These projects have contributed to

improved surveillance, monitoring, preparedness, risk assessment and integrated

management approaches.

In addition, projects like PurPest, FORSAID, STELLA, CERBERUS, VALITEST,

SenseApest, EmergeNOW that support the development of diagnostic tools, monitoring

methods and rapid detection capacities have improved the early detection and diagnostics of

plant pests.

Breeding plays a central role in enhancing the sustainability, adaptability and resilience of

crops and cropping systems. In this context, targeted efforts have focused on broadening the

genetic base of crops and developing varieties that better meet multiple demands, including

quality, resilience and sustainability.

• Projects like Neurice, SolACE, UNTWIST and ADAPT have supported the development

of crops better adapted to abiotic and biotic stresses and to low-input conditions.

• Root2Res, BarleyMicroBreed and BOLERO have advanced breeding strategies for

climate-resilient crops through improved root-microbiome interactions.

• IPMorama, SHIELD4Grape and GrapeBreed4IPM have supported breeding pest-

resistant and disease-resistant varieties.

• Liveseed, Ecobreed, and Bresov have increased the availability and quality of organic

seeds and developed resilient new cultivars.

• InnObreed, OrganicYieldsUp and Liveseeding aim to foster and upscale organic crop

breeding.

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Together, these projects have generated results including new breeding approaches, improved

use of genetic resources, and crop materials with enhanced tolerance, resistance and resource-

use efficiency.

The conservation, characterisation and use of plant genetic resources have been supported

through projects focusing on:

• crop wild relatives, including PRO-WILD, FRUITDIV, COUSIN;

• pre-breeding activities (BreedingValue, GEN4OLIVE, Harnesstom, and INCREASE);

• stakeholder coordination and strategic action to safeguard genetic resources, including

FarmersPride, DYNAVERSITY and GenResBridge;

• modernisation and use of gene banks and genetic collections, including AGENT and

IMAGE;

• innovation in plant variety testing, including InnoVar and INVITE.

Other projects funded focused on:

• crop diversification and new openings for regional, high-quality products and

economic development (Biovalue, Radiant, CropDiva,Divinfood);

• minor root and tuber crops (ROTATES) and orphan legumes (Prosper).

A dedicated set of projects have also been addressing protein crops to boost production and

resilience in the EU protein system, particularly through:

• value-chain development (VALPRO Path);

• ecosystem services valorisation (LEGENDARY, LegumES, VALERECO);

• intercropping (LEGUMINOSE, IntercropValuES);

• legume breeding (EUCLEG, BELIS and Legume Generation).

Forthcoming projects will focus on protein crops for feed use and the sector’s competitiveness.

More examples of results in this area can be found in the 2021 Cordis results pack on Plant

health: Keeping plants healthy while protecting the environment and the 2026 Cordis results

pack on Advanced technologies for growing resilient, sustainable crops.

Flagship stories

XF-ACTORS (Xylella Fastidiosa Active Containment Through a multidisciplinary-

Oriented Research Strategy, 2016-2021, RIA) was the first European research project

entirely devoted to fighting Xylella fastidiosa (Xf), mobilising 29 partners from 14 countries,

including 4 non-European research centres (from the United States, Brazil, Costa Rica and

Taiwan).

Large-scale genomic sequencing revealed the true origins of Xf in Europe and showed that

strains differ in aggressiveness, enabling outbreak-specific management. New insights into

host defence mechanisms opened pathways for future resistant-variety breeding. Meanwhile

microbiome analysis demonstrated that Xf actively suppresses competing microbes to

dominate the plant, a key finding for future biocontrol research. Field and laboratory studies

decoded insect vector life cycles, feeding behaviour and transmission dynamics, supporting

more targeted and environmentally sound control measures. Finally, epidemiological models

and risk maps were developed to prioritise surveillance sites, alongside improved early-

detection tools for the bacterium in the field.

XF-ACTORS is a landmark example of how European research funding can mobilise

international scientific expertise to confront a cross-border agricultural threat, generating the

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foundational knowledge needed for sustainable, long-term solutions. More about the project

results can be found here.

ADAPT (Accelerated Development of multiple-stress tolerAnt PoTato, 2020-2024, RIA)

addressed one of the most pressing challenges facing European potato production: the

increasing frequency of heat and drought events that depress yields and tuber quality even

under good agronomic practice. The project mobilised partners across Europe to combine field

trials, controlled glasshouse experiments and large-scale data analysis, always keeping

commercially grown varieties and marketable yield at the centre of evaluation.

Field trials with up to 54 potato varieties were conducted at sites in Spain, the Netherlands,

Serbia and Austria, and a survey of more than 550 growers confirmed that heat and drought are

already the dominant pressures in many production regions. Glasshouse studies using high-

throughput phenotyping and live-imaging sensor plants tracked stress signalling in real time.

Integrated data pipelines combining drone imagery, environmental sensors and molecular

readouts enabled patterns to be compared across sites, seasons and varieties, and identified

early growth traits as strong predictors of yield under stress.

These results were made openly accessible through the StressKnowledgeMap app, an online

tool organising stress-response evidence into connected maps for researchers and breeders.

More about the project results can be found here.

GEN4OLIVE (Mobilisation of Olive GenRes through pre-breeding activities to face the

future challenges and development of an intelligent interface to ensure a friendly

information availability for end users, 2020-2025, IA) addressed the growing threat of

genetic erosion in the olive sector, where the rise of high-density monocultures, emerging

diseases and climate change increasingly jeopardise long-term productivity in one of Europe’s

most culturally and economically significant crops. The project brought together 16 partners

from seven countries, supported by the International Olive Council and with FAO on its

Advisory Board, to mobilise and valorise the untapped diversity held in olive genetic resources.

More than 500 cultivars and wild or ancient genotypes were phenotypically evaluated across

five germplasm banks over four seasons, assessing productivity, stress tolerance, phenology

and oil quality, revealing previously undocumented variation in oleic acid content and phenolic

compounds with direct relevance for breeding and health claims. Genomic and transcriptomic

analyses identified molecular markers linked to resistance to Verticillium dahliae, Xylella

fastidiosa, drought and cold. Early selection markers for juvenility were validated to accelerate

breeding timelines.

Machine-learning tools were developed for cultivar and disease identification, accessible via

mobile devices, and all data were made publicly available through an open online platform

hosting a catalogue of over 500 cultivars. Two cascade funding calls engaged 25 SMEs,

fostering new public-private collaborations and innovation pathways.

A landmark outcome was the formal inclusion of the Córdoba World Olive Germplasm Bank

under the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources, ensuring long-term preservation

and equitable access to olive genetic material, with selected accessions also prepared for

deposit in the Svalbard Global Seed Vault. More about the project results can be found here.

3.2.6. Healthy, sustainable and resilient livestock systems

The livestock sector plays a vital economic and social role in the EU, representing millions of

farms. At the same time, it is confronted with many challenges stemming from climate change,

increased pressure on natural resources, spread of animal infectious diseases and zoonoses,

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misuse of antimicrobials and increased societal demand for better animal welfare and more

animal-based products.

EU-funded projects are addressing these challenges in support of healthy and resilient animals.

Progress has been made in understanding animal diseases (DELTA-FLU, PALE-Blu, PIGSs,

DEFEND, Kappa-Flu, WiLiMan-ID, COMBAT, and PREPARE4VBD), the animal immune

systems (HoloRuminant and 3D-omics), biosecurity in farms (HE-FARM and BioSecure),

early detection and diagnostics of diseases (SWINOSTICS, VIVALDI, DECIDE),

developing vaccines (SAPHIR, PIGSs, Paragone, DEFEND, VACDIVA, REPRODIVAC,

SPIDVAC).

Progress has also been made in addressing practices to implement the objectives of One

Health via EU-funded projects aiming to reduce the use of antimicrobials and antimicrobial

resistance (DISARM, ROADMAP, HealthyLivestock, AVANT, NeoGiANT).

Several EU-funded projects (Inno4Grass, EuroSheep, EuroDairy, SheepNet, BovINE and

Grazing4AgroEcology) delivered practice-driven innovations in grass-based and pasture

systems, whereas the CoCo project is addressing the integration of pastoralism and wildlife

management. Other projects (iSAGE, SmaRT, 4D4F, R4D, Eu PiG and Digi4Live) developed

sustainable practices using advanced tools (e.g. precision livestock farming, decision support

systems, digital technologies) to respond to challenges like climate change, resource use

efficiency and food security.

Several EU-funded projects are also dedicated to animal welfare practices and welfare

assessment tools to respond to the increased societal demand on animal well-being

(Hennovation, PPILOW, ClearFarm, TechCare and aWISH). Other EU-funded projects aimed

to optimise feed formulations in different breeds and management conditions, improve the feed

efficiency and explore novel feed sources (Feed-a-Gene, OK-Net EcoFeed, ProFuture,

SUSINCHAIN, and NUTRIFEEDS).

The assessment of genotype-environment interactions was the objectives of some EU-funded

projects (GENRES, GENE-SWitCH, Re-Livestock) that helped in developing innovative

breeding strategies that utilise resilience and efficiency related traits and, at the same time,

balance economic, social and environmental challenges. The SheepHeatIT and RUMINATE

projects also address how to advance animal breeding and genetics, aiming to tackle challenges

posed by climate and environmental changes (e.g., greenhouse gas emissions, heat stress).

Some EU funded projects developed apps to help livestock farmers adopt more sustainable

farming practices (mEATquality), enhance transparency in the value chain and build a feedback

loop between consumers and farmers (Code Re-farm), and enable consumers to visualise the

nutritional and environmental impact of their diets (PATHWAYS).

Emission reduction and climate adaptation drive projects like Re-Livestock and NUTRITIVE,

which test feed additives, manure management, and precision farming to cut greenhouse gases

and pollution while strengthening resilience to climate change.

Projects such as PATHWAYS and STEP UP, apply systemic approaches and provide policy

guidance through interactive platforms, scenario modelling and transition roadmaps. These

tools help stakeholders assess impacts, develop strategies, and align livestock systems with

sustainability goals. LCA, PLF and decision-support systems help measure impacts, improve

farming practices, and bridge research to practical implementation for farmers and policy

makers.

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More examples of results in this area can be found in the 2022 Cordis results pack on healthy

animals for healthy people, in the 2024 R&I report on livestock system sustainability63, and in

the 2025 report on R&I on AMR in livestock64.

Flagship stories

European Partnership for Animal Health and Welfare - EUPAHW

The EU Partnership on Animal Health and Welfare aims to provide the R&I needed by

society to support the development of sustainable livestock, poultry and aquaculture

production. Infectious animal diseases are optimally prevented and controlled with

appropriate means, antimicrobials are used prudently, and animal welfare is respected in

every phase of the production cycle.

Launched in 2024, the EU partnership on Animal Health and Welfare is anticipated to

invest (EU co-funded) EUR 360 million over ten years to boost research and facilitate

cooperation between all actors.

The scope goes beyond the animal health and welfare actors to enhance cross sector

collaboration and, through a ‘one health and one welfare’ approach, to provide societal

impact. It also contributes to EU risk assessment activities by involving the European Food

Safety Authority and of the European Medicines Agency.

The objectives of the EU Partnership on Animal Health and Welfare align with the European

Green Deal and the vision for agriculture and food for a fair, healthy, and environmentally

friendly food system. In 2026, 55 R&I projects are already on-going under the five priority

areas defined by the partnership:

- surveillance/monitoring systems and risk assessment for animal health and welfare;

- procedures, methodologies and tools to analyse animal health and welfare;

- management and husbandry guidelines on farm including aquaculture, during

transport and at slaughter;

- vaccines and treatments;

- integrated approach, including socio-economic aspects of animal health and welfare.

3.2.7. New farming, food and bio-based systems

The bioeconomy and new farming approaches offer major opportunities to make agriculture

more sustainable, resilient, and competitive, and to ensure food security. By developing bio-

based value chains, farmers can diversify their income, valorise agricultural residues, and

create new rural jobs, while innovative business models and technologies help attract

newcomers in agriculture, meet changing consumer demands and improve environmental and

social outcomes. Since 2021, 25 bioeconomy-related projects have been funded under the

current Horizon Europe Cluster 6 with a total budget of EUR 122 million. 71 projects were

funded under Horizon 2020 with a total budget of EUR 395 million.

63 European Commission: Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development, Iadecola, F., Feo, E.,

Santoni, E., Dimitrova, N. et al., Research and innovation solutions to improve livestock system sustainability

(environmental, social, economic) – Report on R&I Project Cluster Analysis, Publications Office of the European

Union, 2025, https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2762/1063453. 64 European Commission: Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development and Kazlauskaite, D., EU

funded research and innovation on veterinary aspects of the fight against antimicrobial resistance – Portfolio

analysis, Publications Office of the European Union, 2025, https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2762/1663813.

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New farming approaches offer a promising way to increase farmers’ competitiveness and

address growing global demand for food, with precision agriculture, agroecological practices,

controlled environment agriculture and digital tools enhancing productivity while reducing

resource use and environmental impact.

Understanding the complex interplay within food systems is key to driving progress across

both bio-based initiatives and new farming methodologies. Investigating food chain dynamics

and their interaction with non-food sectors can unlock synergies between the agri-food sector

and the bioeconomy.

The projects BioRural, BioRural toolkit, MainstreamBIO, RuralBioUp and SCALE-UP are

integrating small-scale bio-based solutions into mainstream practice. The PRIMARY,

HARWASTING and EMBEDED projects are revalorising biomass and waste from agrifood,

feed, and forestry industries into useful products such as fertiliser, bioenergy, and biomaterial

packaging.

The Horizon 2020 public-private partnership Bio-Based Industries (BBI) invested from 2014

to 2020 in R&I activities supporting new economic opportunities for farming and forestry from

the bioeconomy. Projects such as BeonNAT focused on innovative value chains valorising

agricultural and forest biomass for bio-based industry use, while others contributed to the

scaling of key bioeconomy infrastructures such as biorefineries in FIRST2RUN or the

development of bio-based products such as bio-fertilisers in B-FERST.

The EU has also invested, through Mission Soil, more than EUR 30 million in the circular

economy to improve agricultural and food systems’ sustainability and soil health with soil

improvers from bio-waste.

Flagship stories

Circular bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking

The vision for agriculture and food underscores the importance of the bioeconomy in

strengthening Europe’s food and agriculture sectors. Through targeted funding and strategic

initiatives, the Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU) is supporting the

decarbonisation of the sector, increasing resilience, and creating new opportunities for future

generations.

Between 2022 and 2025, CBE-JU dedicated around EUR 185 million to funding projects

addressing key challenges faced by primary producers in rolling out circular bio-based

solutions and innovations while ensuring that they benefit from the opportunities of being

part of new and innovative circular and bio-based value chains.

Those projects focus on areas such as:

• valorising agricultural and forest residues and underused crops (V-FOREST,

MANUREFINERY);

• unlocking new business opportunities (SUSTAINEXT);

• generating new income sources from unused or underutilised resources (PACE,

RUBBIO);

• developing bio-based fertilisers and crop protection alternatives to fossil-based inputs

(ReLeaf, BioCordelia, LANDFEED, ZELDA, CROPSAFE, INSOIL);

• encouraging sustainable land use (pHYBi);

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• creating local circular business models that offer new income streams and

environmental benefits for rural communities (Rural BioReFarmeries, ROBOCOOP-

EU).

The funded projects involve 76 entities from the primary sector, in which farmers represent

around 73%. More information on how bio-based innovations are strengthening EU’s food

production is available here.

CBE-JU working group on primary producers (WGPP)

In 2025, CBE-JU established a working group on primary producers to further address the

needs of the primary sector. The objectives of this initiative are to empower primary

producers in playing an active and rewarding role in circular bio-based value chains, and to

ensure they benefit from the socio-economic and environmental opportunities of the bio-

based economy.

The working group bring together around 79 representatives from across Europe, including

farmers, foresters, fishers, aquaculture producers, cooperatives of primary producers and

other entities working closely with them. It is developing an action plan, which will propose

actionable and practical solutions to address key challenges faced by primary producers to

engage in bio-based economy, such as a lack of awareness and access to infrastructure,

financial barriers, and a limited integration in value chains.

The project RootLinks (Primary Sector Working Group Support Project) supports and

facilitates the efforts of the WGPP.

Projects like C4B, PRIMED, CARINA, MAGIC and PANACEA are securing diversification,

competitiveness, resilience and sustainability of farming systems for instance through

innovative business models.

Projects such as GI SMART, THEROS, ALLIANCE, and Strength2Food help deliver evidence

and recommendations to strengthen the implementation, and improve the traceability and

impact of quality schemes (geographical indications, organic etc.) and public procurement on

the competitiveness, sustainability and resilience of EU farming systems and rural areas.

Organic food innovation labs like InnOFoodLabs and WINN-ORGANIC are reinforcing the

entire organic value chain.

The COACH, FOODRUS, FAIRCHAIN, SMARTCHAIN, CO-FRESH, agroBRIDGES, and

COCOREADO projects help create short, smart, fair and sustainable food supply chains, while

others such as FOX and SHEALTHY develop innovative on or near-farm processing solutions.

Innovative food pricing approaches to support the transition towards sustainable and healthy

food systems, for example true cost accounting, are explored in projects such as FOODCoST.

Thematic and advisory networks are helping deploy and scale innovative farm-to-food

solutions (EU4Advice, AUTHENT-NET, COREnet).

Innovative farming systems established through the urban agriculture projects EFUA and

FOODCITYBOOST and innovative farming technologies (including controlled environment

agriculture (FIT4CEA) and robotics) improve efficiency, increase farm profitability, create

jobs, and drive economic growth.

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Flagship stories

ALLIANCE (A hoListic framework in the quality Labelled food supply chain systems’

management towards enhanced data Integrity and verAcity, interoperability,

traNsparenCy, and tracEability, 2022-2025, IA) was a Horizon Europe-funded project

that developed an integrated digital framework to strengthen the integrity, transparency and

traceability of quality-labelled food supply chains, helping to combat food fraud while

supporting more sustainable and resilient agri-food systems. The project focused on organic

products and foods protected by PDO, PGI and GI labels, which are increasingly vulnerable

to fraud due to complex supply chains and growing market demand. To address these

challenges, ALLIANCE combined distributed ledger technologies, internet-of-things

sensing devices, portable authenticity testing tools, and AI-driven decision support to

improve data integrity, interoperability and evidence-based supply chain management. By

validating these technologies in real-world food supply chains, the project aimed to increase

consumer trust, enhance food safety and authenticity, and facilitate the adoption of

innovative digital solutions across the European agri-food sector.

FOODCoST (FOOD Costing and Internalisation of Externalities for System

Transition, 2022-2026, RIA) was a Horizon Europe-funded project working to develop

harmonised methods for measuring and internalising the environmental, social and health

externalities of food systems, enabling food prices to better reflect their true societal costs

and benefits. Current food prices often fail to account for impacts such as greenhouse gas

emissions, biodiversity loss, public health outcomes and social inequalities, limiting the

effectiveness of policies and market incentives for sustainable food production and

consumption.

To address this challenge, FOODCoST developed common valuation approaches, databases

and analytical tools to quantify food externalities and assess the impacts of true pricing

policies and business strategies. These methods were co-created and validated through

eleven case studies across diverse food value chains and regions, providing evidence and

guidance to support policymakers, businesses and other stakeholders in the transition

towards healthier, more sustainable and equitable food systems.

UNLOCK (Unlocking a feather bioeconomy for keratin-based agricultural products,

2021-2025, IA) was a BBI-funded project working on theconversion of poultry feather

waste into keratin-based biodegradable materials for agriculture, showing how bio-based

innovation can improve farm resilience, reduce environmental impacts and support circular

value chains.

Feathers are a largely underused waste stream: around 15 million tonnes are produced

annually, of which 75% remain uncollected, despite containing 90% keratin, a high-value

protein suitable for bioplastics and other sustainable materials. To harness this potential,

UNLOCK is optimising collection logistics and biorefinery processes to produce keratin-

based products such as seed trays, geotextiles and mulch films, which biodegrade in line

with crop cycles, enrich soils with nitrogen and reduce waste.

3.2.8. Rural opportunities

Home to 25% of the EU population and covering 75% of its territory65, rural areas face many

challenges (demographic change, service provision, digital gap, lower education and economic

opportunities). However, they can also build on many opportunities if the right enabling

conditions are in place and tapping into their potential for innovation, within and beyond the

36

agri-food sector, is necessary to contribute to Europe’s competitiveness, sustainability and

resilience. Rural areas are diverse; they need tailor-made and place-based innovation

approaches.

Since the 2016 strategic approach, the Commission dedicated a total of EUR 183 million (33

projects) to supporting rural areas under Horizon 2020 Societal Challenges 2 and the current

Horizon Europe Cluster 6. Moreover, it also provided funding of a total of EUR 250 million to

over 60 Horizon Europe 2021-2027 projects that specifically support rural communities under

the flagship action ‘Research and innovation for rural communities’, which is part of the EU

rural action plan adopted with the Commission communication on the long-term vision for the

EU’s rural areas66.

Examples of those projects include projects working on:

• solutions for better governance by improving indicators for tailored rural policies

(GRANULAR, RUSTIK);

• territorial governance and rural-urban synergies (PoliRuralPlus, RURBANIVE);

• necessary infrastructures and services: training centre on rural innovation (RURALITIES);

• smart XG, last-mile and edge solutions for remote farming, forestry and rural areas (XGain,

COMMECT);

• smart solutions for smart rural communities (FUTURAL, RURACTIVE, SMART ERA);

• innovations for climate-neutrality (ICONIC, STORCITO);

• emerging trends by investigating societal perceptions and benefits of rural life and jobs

(RURALITIC).

Projects have also advanced socio-economic issues related to the working conditions

contributing to the competitiveness and attractiveness of the jobs and the generational renewal

in rural areas:

• fostering generation renewal (RURALIZATION, PoliRural);

• boosting women-led innovation in farming and rural areas (SWIFT, GRASS ceiling,

FLIARA);

• assessing and improving labour conditions and health and safety at work in farming

(SafeHabitus);

• developing new business and production models for farmers and rural communities

(Greencoop, Nexrur);

• taking into account the wider rural community and the social inclusion in rural areas

through the social economy (SIMRA, ESIRA, SERIGO, INSPIRE).

Almost all of those projects have used the multi-actor approach, enabling rural organisations

to participate and benefit directly from R&I activities. Several led to the creation of Rural Pact

community groups lasting beyond the end of the project.

More examples of Horizon R&I results in this area can be found in the 2021 Cordis results

pack on Developing real solutions for smart and resilient rural areas in Europe.

65 Territorial typologies manual - degree of urbanisation - Statistics Explained - Eurostat. 66 EUR-Lex - 52024DC0450 - EN - EUR-Lex.

37

Flagship stories

SafeHabitus (Strengthening farm health and safety knowledge and innovation systems,

2023-2026, RIA) offers a systemic approach to Farm Health and Safety, covering physical and

mental health, extending to working conditions in general and all factors that contribute to the

attractiveness of farming and food security, aiming to identify all the needs to achieve effective

generational renewal in the agricultural sector and beyond to contribute to vibrant rural

communities.

SERIGO (Social Economy for Resilience, Inclusion and Good life in Rural areas, 2024-

2027, RIA) investigates the framework conditions leading to social exclusion (different

vulnerable groups identified and intersectional perspective) and focuses on how social

innovation approaches (in particular from the social and solidarity economy sector/actors) can

help enhance resilience, foster social inclusion, and overall improve the quality of life in rural

Europe.

FLIARA (Female-Led Innovation in Agriculture and Rural Areas, 2023-2025, RIA)

identified 200 innovations and many different barriers to women-led innovation. It published

several policy briefs addressing all the sectorial policies that can support women in their

innovation journey (education, digital access and knowledge, advisory services and networks,

financial support, political participation, work-life balance, care, social services, culture and

sports) and developed a guide to support the improved participation of women in rural and farm

innovation.

3.2.9. Fostering agroecology and organic farming at the farm and landscape levels

Agroecology and organic farming are approaches with proofed and recognised potential to

accelerate the transition to sustainable, resilient, competitive and fair farming and food systems.

These approaches have the potential to simultaneously address the social, environmental,

climate, and economic challenges of the agricultural sector, and increase its resilience, by

seeking cooperation with other parts of the food and non-food supply chains.

Compared to more conventional approaches, agroecology and organic farming place more

emphasis on the potential of farming practices, on innovation and on cooperation with other

parts of the food and non-food supply chains to address farming challenges, such as the need

to reduce the use and safety related risks of plant protection products and fertilisers.

Both agroecology and organic farming are approaches that deliver a range of valuable

ecosystem services. At the same time, they make farming an attractive activity with potential

to ensure generational renewal in the agricultural sector, by developing solutions and business

models adapted to context-specific challenges. This makes them knowledge-intensive

approaches compared to other more conventional ways of farming.

In diversified farming, projects have shown that crop diversification can help maintain or

increase productivity while reducing the need for chemical inputs.

Practical knowledge on crop combinations, crop management and alternatives for pest and

weed control has been developed through Diversify, Diverfarming, DiverIMPACTS, ReMIX,

IWMPraise, GOOD, AGROSUS, CONSERWA and Oper8.

Complementary work on agroecological approaches such as agroforestry and mixed farming

has improved understanding of how land use can contribute to climate action, address land

degradation and deliver ecosystem services including soil health, through STARGATE,

AFINET, MIXED, AGROMIX, REFOREST, DigitAF and AF4EU.

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R&I have supported the development of organic farming in line with the EU action plan on

the development of organic production67. As part of the plan, the Commission intends to

dedicate at least 30% of the budget for research and innovation actions in the field of

agriculture, forestry and rural areas to topics that specific to or relevant for the organic sector.

In the period 2021-2024, the EU invested EUR 490 million in 59 topics relevant for the organic

sector.

Projects such as LIVESEED, ECOBREED, BRESOV, LIVESEEDING and InnObreed

addressed breeding and seed-related challenges in organic systems. Scale-it, BIO-2, Organic-

Plus and RELACS have explored phase-out pathways for contentious inputs and supported

knowledge exchange among farmers, advisers and researchers. The specific needs of livestock

production under organic conditions have also been addressed, including through PPILOW,

which developed solutions to improve animal welfare.

Knowledge sharing and advisory support have also been strengthened through OK-Net Arable,

which established the OrganicFarmKnowledge platform, OK-Net EcoFeed, OH-FINE and

OrganicAdviceNet, which is establishing a network of approximately 1 000 organic advisers

across Europe.

More broadly, the role of ecosystem services, biodiversity and incentive schemes in

supporting agroecological transition has been addressed through EcoStack, SHOWCASE,

FRAMEwork, Biovalue, Super-G, CONSOLE, EFFECT and Contracts2.0.

LIFT and UNISECO have examined the drivers, benefits and challenges associated with

ecological farming systems.

More examples of Horizon R&I results in this area can be found in the 2025 Cordis results

packs: Enabling nature-based solutions in sustainable agriculture, and Accelerating

agroecology and organic farming for a more sustainable agri-food system.

European Partnership accelerating farming systems transition: agroecology living labs

and research infrastructure

This partnership is one of the key actions of the farm to fork strategy, which called for the

promotion of agroecology as one of the farming approaches with capacity to help meet the

European Green Deal objectives in relation to the agri-food sector.

The partnership’s overall objective is to unlock the potential of agroecology to achieve the

environmental, economic, climate and social challenges of EU’s farming sector. It was

kicked off on 1 January 2024 and will last until 31 December 2033. It is coordinated by

Germany (Forschungszentrum Jülich). The total tentative budget is EUR 300 million, half

of which the EU is providing).

It is a Europe-wide initiative, involving 111 partners from 31 countries. Consortium

members are national and regional authorities, ministries, funding agencies, research

performing organisations, and research infrastructures, and it constitutes a key tool to align

EU and national R&I agendas on agroecology. As part of its activities, it is funding research

and innovation projects through co-funded calls. Three calls have already been published,

covering several aspects of the agroecology transition. 38 R&I projects are currently running.

67 Communication Action plan for organic production in the EU https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-

content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:52021DC0141R(01).

39

The partnership is also building a Europe-wide network of agroecology living labs and

research infrastructures for knowledge sharing and co-creation of agroecological

innovations. The network currently involves 55 members.

One of the partnership’s key ambitions is to build a monitoring and data framework with

indicators and tools to monitor and measure the progress of agroecology transition, its social,

economic, environmental and climate performances and impacts.

The partnership is also improving the sharing and access to knowledge and innovation on

agroecology and helping to reinforce the agricultural knowledge and innovation systems for

agroecology across Europe. It is putting in place mechanisms for science-policy dialogue to

support the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of policies supporting

agroecology.

3.2.10. Strengthening socio-economic performance and modernising policies

Agricultural policies aim to address a growing number of societal challenges, including food

security, farming economic sustainability, resilience to shocks, climate and biodiversity-

friendly agriculture and vibrant rural areas. R&I, in particular involving social sciences and

humanities inform decision-making processes and policymaking on achieving these

objectives. Social sciences and humanities R&I help create an enabling environment and

conditions that support farmers, foresters and rural communities in reinforcing the

competitiveness, resilience, and sustainability of their sector.

Through behavioural and experimental research, projects explore the drivers that hinder or

foster change towards sustainable, climate-neutral and biodiversity-friendly farming systems

(BEATLES, ENFASYS, VISIONARY), and provide a set of social innovations, business

models, and recommendations and tools to foster behaviourally-informed policies (PRUDENT,

ForestAgriGreenNudge).

EU projects integrating socioeconomics explore and develop innovative markets and policy

schemes (PEGASUS, PROVIDE, CONSOLE, Strength2Food, REWARD, ECOPESIA)

offering new business models and economic opportunities for farmers who adopt more

sustainable farming practices.

Projects integrating economic modelling activities help continuously improve data, models and

policy impact assessment tools, informing the design, implementation and evaluation of

agricultural policies. Economic modelling R&I support evidence-based policies towards more

sustainable food systems (VALUMICS, ACT4CAP27, FOODCoST, SUSFANS, SUFISA) and

sustainable trade (BATModel, TRADE4SD, MATS).

Other projects explore effective policy options for achieving environmental sustainability

objectives (LANDSUPPORT, BrightSpace, LAMASUS) and reduce critical input

dependencies of the agricultural sector (AgEnRes).

Coordination and support projects (SUPREMA, Tools4CAP, MEF4CAP) help decision-makers

use data, models and other analytical tools.

Social sciences and humanities R&I also improve knowledge and understanding of the

socioeconomic context and challenges of the agricultural sector. Projects help raise awareness

and deliver solutions on important issues such as strengthening farmers’ bargaining power

(Strength2Farm), risk management (SURE-Farm) working conditions, health and safety on the

farm (FARMWELL, SafeHabitus), or generational renewal (NEWBIE, RURALIZATION,

HARVEST).

40

Mission Soil-funded projects like BIOservicES, SOB4ES, InBestSoil, SoilValues and

NOVASOIL are carrying out research on economic valuation of soil ecosystem services. Other

projects like SOILSCAPE and SoilTribes are increasing societal awareness on the importance

of soil, by involving cultural and creative industries, and by increasing capacity of public and

private institutions from national to regional and local level to engage with the wide public to

promote sustainable soil management. LOESS and CURIOSOIL projects are fostering soil

education across society, supporting behavioural change and the adoption of sustainable

practices both individually and collectively. More broadly, the Mission Soil promotes social

sciences and humanities R&I to better understand and engage the societal, cultural, and

economic mechanisms and deep societal change at a range of scales through which soil health

outcomes can be achieved68.

More in-depth examples of Horizon R&I results in this area can be found in the 2025 Cordis

results pack on socioeconomics: Supporting EU farming through behavioural and economic

analyses. Cluster events bringing together Horizon projects developing economic models in

support to evidence-based agricultural policies were also organised in 2023, 2024 and 2025.

Flagship stories

LAMASUS (LAnd use and MAnagement modelling for SUStainable governance, 2022-

2026, RIA) delivers new data and evidence on land use and management practices in the EU,

as well as on the role of policies on changes in land use and management dynamics, and their

economic and environmental impacts.

The project developed an innovative modelling toolbox with full sectorial coverage from

agriculture and forestry to the whole economy, accounting for carbon, biodiversity and other

relevant sustainability dimensions, at multiple scales. The toolbox builds on the

complementarity between economic and biophysical models and integrates novel approaches

mobilising machine learning and citizen science. The toolbox is applied to test policy scenarios

and inform decisionmakers from local to EU level, for developing, assessing, and monitoring

land-related policies across various geographical scales.

VISIONARY (Food provision through sustainable farming systems and value chains,

2022-2026, RIA) is uncovering the lock-ins holding Europe back from transitioning towards

more sustainable food systems, by considering the whole agri-food chain from farmer to

consumer. The project’s innovative approach combines experimental and behavioural

economics, system thinking and policy science, to identify barriers and appropriate behavioural

interventions.

VISIONARY translates research into innovation mainly through its science-policy interfaces,

experimental case studies and targeted capacity-building, which act as living labs where

policymakers, administrators and stakeholders co-create and test policy mechanisms. e.g. for

organic public procurement, carbon markets, biodiversity labelling and water governance. The

project helps develop new business models and institutional arrangements to support the value

chain to accelerate the transition towards sustainable food systems, more effective sustainable

food marketing initiatives, better design of advisory services, and the alignment between

agricultural and environmental organisations.

VISIONARY has already led to concrete innovations: preliminary results made it possible to

identify how aligning food policy procurement would be a key policy lever that has the

potential to facilitate system-wide change.

68 Social sciences, humanities, and the arts in the EU Mission “A Soil Deal for Europe” | Mission Soil Platform.

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3.2.11. Unlocking the potential of digital and data technologies

Digital technologies can significantly enhance agriculture, forestry and rural areas by enabling

precision management, real-time monitoring and data-driven decision-making, improving

productivity, resource efficiency and environmental performance. They can strengthen

resilience to climate and market risks through better forecasting, traceability and early-warning

systems, while supporting sustainable land and forest management. Digital connectivity and

services can also boost rural innovation and inclusion by creating new business models,

improving access to knowledge and public services, and supporting employment and quality

of life in rural communities.

Through the current Horizon Europe the EU supports the development of innovative digital

solutions in agriculture, forestry and rural areas focussing on different technologies (e.g. AI,

robotics, internet of things, etc.) and applications (e.g. pruning, spraying, irrigation, decision

making support, pest detection). For instance:

• AGRO-WELL, AGROBOOST, AgRimate, and AgRibot leverage robotics and augmented

reality to enhance working conditions and strengthen the work force in agriculture;

• projects such as CODECS and Quantifarm assess the impact of digital technologies in

agriculture;

• projects like Farmtopia, Guardians, and Phito, have been given specific support to develop

digital solutions for small and medium farms, thus helping reduce the digital divide among

farmers;

• ICAERUS, SPADE, and CHAMELEON explore the potential of drones as multi-purpose

vehicles, including for agriculture, forestry, and rural applications;

• ScaleAgData, CrackSense, and AgriDataValue capitalise on data from different sources

(e.g. sensor data) to improve competitiveness and sustainability of the EU agricultural

sector;

• CERBERUS, STELLA and FORSAID are developing and testing digital technologies for

plant and forest health monitoring and pest detection.

European Partnership of Agriculture of Data

The EU Partnership Agriculture of Data (AgData) aims to enhance agricultural practices

through innovative data-driven solutions. By leveraging advanced data analytics and digital

technologies, the partnership seeks to develop and support the uptake of digital and data

solutions, and improve competitiveness, sustainability and environmental impact in the

agricultural sector.

The initiative fosters collaboration among scientists, stakeholders and policymakers across

Member States and associated countries to develop strategies that optimise resource use and

boost the resiliency of the sector. Through research and innovation, AgData is committed to

shaping the future of agriculture in alignment with initiatives such as the European Green

Deal.

The partnership started its activities on 1 October 2025 and it is expected to run for at least

7 years. The total tentative budget is EUR 300 million, with a 30% co-funding rate from the

EU. By bringing together National Funded Use Cases and Transnational projects funded

through Open Calls, AgData is expected to contribute to several objectives outlined in its

Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA).

42

3.2.12. Enhancing knowledge flows and skills

Farmers, foresters and rural communities need faster access to knowledge, innovation and

skills to address challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, digitalisation and

generational renewal, while supporting the transition towards more sustainable and resilient

farming systems. Working in synergy with the agricultural knowledge and innovation systems

(AKIS) implemented under the CAP, EU-funded projects help bridge the gap between research

and practice, accelerating the uptake of innovative solutions by farmers, advisors and rural

communities.

EU-funded projects are strengthening AKIS by improving knowledge flows and fostering

collaboration between farmers, advisors, researchers and educators through a strong multi-

actor approach. Projects such as LIAISON and PREMIERE have guided the implementation

of this collaborative approach to research, by supporting co-creation processes, interactive

innovation and methodologies to improve collaboration and uptake of results by end-users.

More than 60 EU-funded thematic networks have played a key role in collecting and

disseminating practical knowledge in user-friendly formats across areas such as animal health

(BROILERNET, B-THENET, EUNetHorse), organic farming (OH-FINE), crop adaptation

(CLIMED-FRUIT), forestry (FORADVISE), nutrient management (NUTRI-KNOW) and

many more. These projects have fostered peer-to-peer learning and helped scale up solutions

developed at national level through CAP-funded EIP-AGRI Operational Groups across Europe

(Oper8, Soil-X-Change, AQUAGRI-KNOW).

Advisory services and skills development have also been reinforced through advisory

networks supporting advisor cross-border cooperation and access to the latest innovation

(AdvisoryNetPEST, OrganicAdviceNetwork, STRATUS, FAIRshare, COREnet). In parallel,

MODERNAKIS and ATTRACTISS are helping Member States improve governance and

innovation support services for AKIS.

Efforts have also focused on facilitating access to practice-oriented knowledge and innovation

outputs by developing a common EU-wide knowledge reservoir for agriculture and forestry,

bringing together materials from Horizon projects, EIP-AGRI Operational Groups and national

initiatives into a single platform for farmers, advisors and educators (EU-FarmBook).

A cluster event bringing together thematic networks, advisory networks, and projects was also

organised in 2025.

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Flagship stories

modernAKIS (Modernisation of Agriculture through more efficient and effective

Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems, 2022-2029, CSA) aims at improving

AKIS actors’ capacities to leverage individual, organisational and systemic resources needed

for the transformation towards more coherent, effective and efficient AKIS.

To this end, the project is building a European network of actors in AKIS from all EU

Member States as well as communities of practice in each Member State. modernAKIS

delivers comprehensive resources, tools and methods supporting key AKIS actors to improve

the knowledge flows and develop a well-functioning AKIS in line with relevant policy

objectives. One aspect of how to use a coherent, effective and context-aware approach the

project addresses is capacity building.

The project is also about releasing a co-designed benchmarking tool enabling Member States

to (i) assess and monitor their AKIS at national and regional level and (ii) benchmark them

against different scenarios, identifying innovative solutions and suitable interventions for

their individual situations.

EU-FarmBook (supporting knowledge exchange between all AKIS actors in the

European Union, 2022-2029, RIA) is developing an online, multilingual platform (EU-

FarmBook) able to bridge EU-funded research and innovation with practitioners across

agriculture, forestry and rural development.

This platform should serve as a centralised hub for practical, science-based solutions,

consolidating practice abstracts from Horizon multi-actor projects and national EIP-AGRI

operational groups, while allowing for links with national platforms to integrate locally

generated knowledge. It will serve a broad user community, including farmers, advisors,

educators, researchers and policymakers.

Availability in all 24 official EU languages, combined with real-time translation of uploaded

material, will ensure easy access across Member States and users. AI will support both search

and content upload, ensuring intuitive and efficient use of the platform for users and

contributors. The platform will also accommodate diverse knowledge formats – such as

videos, podcasts and presentations – complementing written materials and broadening

accessibility.

PREMIERE (Preparing multi-actor projects in a co-creative way, 2023-2027, CSA)

supports effective implementation of multi-actor approach in Horizon Europe, particularly

under Cluster 6. To do so, the project supports project consortia and coordinators, national

contact points, external evaluators and other innovation support services in the development

of more relevant, coherent and well-prepared project proposal. A particular focus is placed

on fostering bottom-up co-creation and ensuring active participation and effective

contribution of all relevant actors.

The project also prioritises widening participation by involving organisations with no

previous experience in multi-actor projects, including those previously involved in

unsuccessful proposals. To this end, PREMIERE provides a range of support services and

easy-to-use tools and materials, including training and capacity-building resources, serious

games, networking and brokerage events. The project has also piloted a seed-funding scheme

for proposal development, including specific measures to engage EIP-AGRI operational

groups.

44

3.2.13. Strengthening international cooperation

The European Commission is strengthening international cooperation in agricultural research

and innovation to support the transition to sustainable, resilient and competitive agri-food

sector. As climate change, biodiversity loss, soil degradation, water scarcity and food insecurity

increasingly affect regions worldwide, such cooperation is essential to speed up innovation

uptake, enhance knowledge exchange and develop solutions tailored to local needs with partner

countries.

International cooperations, which resulted in 34% of Horizon 2020 and 19% of the current

Horizon Europe projects in agriculture, forestry, rural areas having partners from third

countries during the 2014-2025 period, have delivered results and opportunities to jointly

address shared sustainability and resilience challenges in the sectors. Increasingly they have

achieved this by fostering place-based innovation and frameworks for AKIS through shared

experiences and lessons learned.

The Commission funds international projects of global relevance like the projects on African

swine fever (ASF):

• ASFaVIP, aiming to understand performance characteristics of live attenuated vaccines

for the prevention and control of African swine fever in wild boar and domestic pigs,

exploring administration routes, immune responses, and risk-benefit profiles or;

• VAX4ASF, developing a next-generation vaccine platform designed to protect against

diverse ASF virus variants while ensuring high safety and the ability to differentiate

infected from vaccinated animals (DIVA strategy). The project seeks to innovate based

on previous vaccination approaches and strategies with potential for success.

Through Horizon Europe 2021-2027 and long-standing initiatives such as the FNSSA

partnership, the EU supports collaboration in areas including sustainable agriculture,

agroecology, climate resilience, soil health, agroforestry and AKIS, while promoting multi-

actor approaches and capacity building.

Flagship stories

EU-AU Food and Nutrition Security and Sustainable Agriculture (FNSSA) partnership

The EU-AU Food and Nutrition Security and Sustainable Agriculture (FNSSA) partnership

is a long-term research and innovation partnership between the African Union (AU) and the

European Union (EU) to support the achievement of sustainable food systems, improved

nutrition, and resilient agriculture. The partnership promotes joint research, innovation,

capacity building, and knowledge exchange between Africa and Europe. Its activities focus

on sustainable agricultural intensification, nutrition-sensitive food systems, agricultural

markets and trade, and cross-cutting issues such as climate resilience and innovation uptake.

Since its launch, the Commission has mobilised over EUR 125.5 million to support 20

collaborative projects addressing shared challenges in agriculture, food security, and rural

development.

CEA-FIRST (Consortium Europe-Africa for Research and Innovation on Food

Systems Transformation, 2023-2027, CSA) aims to bring together 21 partners from Africa

and Europe in an alliance. It supports operationalisation of the International Research

Consortium (IRC) that works towards implementation of the FNSSA roadmap.

The project focuses on reducing research fragmentation and provides public access to a large

knowledge platform, and analyse R&I activities. It establishes thematic working groups in

45

line with the long-term IRC strategy aiming to provide inputs to high-level policy dialog. It

also contributes towards the update of FNSSA roadmap (2027-2036).

CANALLS (Driving agroecological transitions in the humid tropics of Central and

Eastern Africa through traNsdisciplinary Agroecology Living LabS, 2023-2026, RIA)

is promoting agroecological transitions in Central and Eastern Africa through eight multi-

actor agroecology living labs. It brings together researchers, farmers, advisory services, local

communities and policymakers, and supports more than 20 000 farmers and value-chain

actors in co-developing sustainable practices for key crops such as cocoa, coffee, cassava,

rice and maize.

The project has already contributed to strengthening local innovation ecosystems, improving

knowledge exchange and developing practical tools for assessing the environmental and

socio-economic impacts of agroecological practices. It also supports inclusive business

models and market access for agroecological products, demonstrating how EU-supported

R&I cooperation can connect science, policy and practice to deliver tangible benefits for

sustainable agriculture and rural communities.

PrAEctiCe (Potentials of Agroecological practices in east Africa with a focus on

Circular water-energy-nutrient systems, 2022-2026, RIA) focuses on accelerating

agroecological transitions by strengthening knowledge, practices and governance

arrangements that support more sustainable and resilient farming systems. It promotes co-

creation of solutions through multi-actor collaboration, involving researchers, farmers,

advisory services and policymakers, and builds on participatory approaches such as living

labs and on-farm experimentation. PrAEctiCe places particular emphasis on context-specific

agroecological practices, capacity building and knowledge exchange between European and

African partners, with the aim of improving the uptake of sustainable farming methods and

supporting long-term transformation of the agri-food sector. Through these activities, the

project contributes to bridging science, policy and practice and to reinforcing international

cooperation on agroecology and sustainable agriculture

Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA)

The PRIMA partnership is a ten-year initiative (2018-2028) partly funded by Horizon 2020

(EUR 220 million), Horizon Europe 2021-2027 (EUR 105 million) and the 20 participating

countries (which include countries from the EU, Horizon Europe 2021-2027 associated

countries and other Mediterranean partner countries, with combined funding of currently

EUR 274 million).

The ambition of this public-public partnership, mainly implemented through competitive

calls for proposals, is to mobilise the Euro-Mediterranean scientific communities,

stakeholders and public and private entities on a common R&I strategy to identify solutions

to improve water availability, sustainable agriculture and food production in a region heavily

affected by climate change.

PRIMA forms a unique platform for strengthening cooperation between the EU and third

countries on addressing common challenges to the Mediterranean region and beyond. It is

exemplary in the implementation of the water, energy, food and ecosystems (WEFE) nexus

approach. Between 2018 and 2025, PRIMA funded 2 900 beneficiaries in a total of 305

projects, including 69 on water, 129 on farming systems, 95 on agri-food value chains and

12 on the WEFE nexus. To date, PRIMA is the most ambitious joint programme to be

undertaken in the framework of Euro-Mediterranean cooperation.

46

The 2016 strategic approach helped to fund the generation of new knowledge and innovation

in key priority areas, and to support the innovation journey, from lab to fab. The achievements

of the 2016 strategic approach in this regard have been observed through the analysis of key

statistics on the investments made, and on the exploitation of the R&I results produced by the

funded projects.

3.3. Analysis and key achievements on the innovation journey

The data supporting this quantitative analysis focus on the type of actions programmed for

agriculture, forestry and rural areas during the period 2014-2024:

• Research and Innovation Actions (RIA),

• Innovation Actions (IA),

• Coordination and Support Actions (CSA),

• Actions funded with the COFUND instrument (COFUND)69,

• European Joint Programmes (EJP)70,

• ERA-NET71.

General observations are drawn based on the distribution of the funding actions over time and

within programmes, as well as on the oversubscription rate, proposals’ average score and links

with political priorities. Lastly, the analysis also focuses on data linked to the R&I journey from

‘lab to fab’ including SME engagement, results valorisation and co-investment rates.

While the 2016 strategic approach only applies after 2016, covering 2014 and 2015 in the

analysis made it possible to capture more elements as regards R&I policy, implementation and

development aspects through Horizon 2020 and the current Horizon Europe.

The final three years of Horizon Europe Framework Programme (2025-2027) are not

considered in this analysis, so the data presented below is likely to change by the end of the

Framework Programme. The data underpinning this analysis is publicly available as it was

entirely sourced from the Horizon Dashboard.

Annex I describes the methodology in detail. The lists of projects considered for the purpose

of the analysis in the scope of agriculture, forestry and rural areas on the one hand, and food

systems on the other hand, can be accessed online as supplementary material to this staff

working document.

3.3.1. Excellence of R&I project proposals: an analysis of oversubscription rates

The different types of actions programmed and funded during the period 2014-2024, attracted

significant interest from applicants, as indicated by the ratio excellent/funded, which provides

insights into the number of excellent proposals72 evaluated per funded proposal.

To add value to this analysis, the average score per proposal was also assessed. This analysis

focused on RIAs, IAs and CSAs. For coherence it considered single-stage and two-stage

separately. The data related to two-stage topics refers exclusively to the second and final stage

69 Horizon Europe COFUND includes AGROECOLOGY, EUPAHW and AgData. 70 Horizon 2020 European Joint Programme Cofund (EJP Cofund) including One Health EJP and EJP Soil. 71 Horizon 2020 ERA-net cofund, including ICRAD and ICT-AGRI-FOOD. 72 Excellent proposals: proposals that in the last evaluation of the proposal status are classified as Main = selected

to be funded; Reserve = selected to be funded, in case one of the ‘main’ does not succeed to sign the grant

agreement; No Money = accepted as attain all the thresholds and scores in terms of excellence, impact and

implementation, but cannot be funded due to lack of budget.

47

of evaluation, as it is only at that stage that proposals are complete and considered fully

evaluated73.

The data offers an overview of the number and quality of proposals received. The ratio of

excellent to funded proposals was greater than one to one for all categories except CSA in

Horizon 2020 (Figure 6). In other words, for each proposal that was funded, there was at least

one excellent proposal that was not funded.

The average ratio, for RIAs, IAs and CSAs across programmes, types of action and stages,

was 1:2. This means that, for each proposal funded, two excellent proposals did not get

funded.

When considered separately across programmes and stages, RIAs had a ratio of 1:2, IAs 1:3

and CSAs 1:1. The ratio and the average score were both highest for IAs. Detailed data are

available in Figure 6.

Figure 6. Ratio of excellent versus funded proposals and average score per programme, type of action and

number of evaluation stages of topics in agriculture, forestry and rural areas74.

In addition, an in-depth analysis focused on the top 20% RIAs and IAs topics with the highest

ratio in four groups: H2020 single-stage, H2020 two-stage, Horizon Europe single-stage and

Horizon Europe two-stage. The top 20% corresponded to 52 topics, which were categorised

and grouped as regards the focus of the research themes they covered (Figure 7). A ratio greater

than one was observed across all research themes and in particular for livestock, soil and plant

protection.

73 Horizon Dashboard. R&I Proposals: Scope and limitations. 74 Note that for the two-stage calls, the data refers exclusively to the second stage which evaluates the proposals

on their three dimensions: excellence, impact and implementation.

48

Figure 7. The distribution of the top 20% topics with highest ratio of excellent proposals versus funded

proposals clustered per thematic area.

3.3.2. Type of actions: Research and Innovation Actions, Innovation Actions, Coordination

and Support Actions, and investments in EU policy priorities

In four years, the current Horizon Europe has already funded Horizon 2020 for RIAs, IAs and

CSAs projects (table 1). The number of projects also registered an increase for RIAs and IAs

and a slight decrease for CSAs, although the Horizon Europe Work Programmes 2025 - 2027

will contribute further to these figures.

Table 1. The distribution of projects and EU funding for RIAs, IAs and CSAs in agriculture, forestry and

rural areas per framework programme.

Type of

Action

Number of

projects

H2020 

Number of

projects

HE

EU funding

H2020

EU funding

HE

RIA 158 174 EUR 969 873 151.45 EUR 1 118 507 581.71

IA 37 55 EUR 258 692 593.22 EUR 318 610 182.81

CSA 69 65 EUR 167 748 586.52 EUR 254 944 676.64

Figure 8 shows the distribution of types of action over time by call deadline year, with a focus

on RIAs, IAs and CSAs.

49

Figure 8. The distribution of collaborative projects in agriculture, forestry and rural areas and EU funding

of RIAs, IAs and CSAs, per call deadline year, in the period 2014-2024. The dashed line separates H2020

and the current Horizon Europe years.

Table 2 offers a closer look at the data on the average growth rate of number of projects and

EU funding based on a year-on-year analysis with more information on the evolution of these

elements over time. The number of projects and EU funding for agriculture, forestry and rural

areas under Horizon 2020 and the first phase of the current Horizon Europe increased on

average 15% and 20% a year, respectively. IAs increased more than the other types of actions.

The number of IAs increased mainly between 2016 and 2020, from one project funded in 2016

to 17 projects in 2020.

Table 2. The average annual growth of number of projects in agriculture, forestry and rural areas, and

EU funding for type of action, based on a year-on-year analysis in the period 2014-2024. *Note that

during the first two years (2014, 2015) there were no IAs programmed and therefore, the figures below

for IAs address the period 2016-2024.

Type of action Projects EU funding

RIA 13% 15%

IA* 90% 56%

CSA 14% 26%

Total programme 15% 20%

In addition, the funding dedicated to these types of actions contributes to the different trackers

monitored within Horizon Europe 2021-2027 to ensure investments in fields linked to legal

commitments and strategic priorities. The R&I funding for agriculture, forestry and rural areas

had essential contributions for the climate and biodiversity trackers, while also integrating

digital and AI, as showcased in Figure 9.

50

Figure 9. The share of total funding dedicated to the climate, biodiversity, digital and AI trackers during

Horizon Europe (2021-2024), considering RIAs, IAs, CSAs, and COFUND

3.3.3. From lab to fab: co-investment, SME engagement and valorisation of results

This section explores Horizon data that provides information on the projects’ innovation

journey. The analysis explores co-investment rates and the ability of projects to attract

additional funding sources at proposal stage, the projects’ results and their exploitation

into scientific and commercial outputs.

Horizon programmes’ ability to mobilise additional sources of funding can be measured

through the co-funding by participants in R&I projects, referred to as the ‘leverage factor’. This

indicator is the ratio between the total costs borne by partners with their own funding (other

than the EU budget) and the EU budget contribution (i.e. the ratio of other funding to EU

funding).

This analysis includes a comparison between Horizon 2020 Societal Challenge 2 and the

current Horizon Europe Cluster 6 and between Horizon 2020 Pillar III and the current Horizon

Europe Pillar II. It focuses exclusively on projects under the types of action: RIA, IA, CSA,

EJP, ERA-NET and co-funded partnerships. It therefore excludes any actions linked to Pre-

Commercial Procurement (PCP), Public Procurement of Innovative Solutions (PPI), SME

instrument and Joint Undertakings (JU).

The capacity to leverage additional funding is closely linked to the types of actions

programmed, as funding actions like COFUND actions or IAs require by default funding

resources external to the EU budget funding. For example, IAs require a co-investment of 30%

from organisations that are not non-profit legal entities. The same does not apply, for example,

to RIAs which can have an EU funding rate of 100% and, therefore, the leverage factor equals

zero. On this basis, a comparison of shares of types of actions across agriculture, forestry and

rural areas, Cluster 6 and Pillar II programmed in the period 2014-2024 can provide valuable

input.

The data shows that the leverage factor for agriculture, forestry and rural areas is lower than

the average for Societal Challenge 2 of H2020 and Cluster 6 of the current Horizon Europe,

and lower than it is overall for Horizon 2020 Pillar III and the current Horizon Europe Pillar II

(Figure 10).

51

Figure 10. The leverage factor for the agriculture, forestry and rural projects (AGRI) of this analysis,

overall for Societal Challenges 2 and Pillar III in Horizon 2020 (left) and overall for AGRI, Cluster 6 and

Pillar II in the current Horizon Europe (right), considering RIAs, IAs, CSAs, EJP, ERA-NET and

COFUND.

EU funding per type of actions shows that a higher share of planned R&I projects in agriculture,

forestry and rural areas is dedicated to RIAs and CSAs than the average shares under Horizon

2020 and the current Horizon Europe (Figure 11). Conversely, the share of EU funding

dedicated to IAs is much lower, 17% compared to 29% under Horizon 2020 Societal Challenge

2 and the current Horizon Europe Cluster 6 and 33% under the current Horizon Europe Pillar

III and Pillar II. For EJP combined with ERA-NET in agriculture, forestry and rural areas, the

share represents 7% compared to 6% and 3%, and COFUND of 8% compared to 9% and 6%,

in Societal Challenge 2 / Cluster 6 and Pillar III / Pillar II, respectively.

Considering this information, the lower leverage factor and therefore, co-investment within

projects on agriculture, forestry and rural areas seems to result from the lower use of IAs,

which require a co-investment of 30% from organisations that are not ‘non-profit legal

entities’.

Figure 11. The share of EU funding per type of action and programme, for agriculture, forestry and rural

projects (AGRI), Societal Challenge 2, Cluster 6, Pillar III of H2020 and Pillar II of Horizon Europe in the

period 2014-2024. 

The analysis examines in particular the involvement of SMEs within the R&I-funded projects,

and the share of EU funding directed to SMEs. An observed trend is the lower share of funding

52

to SMEs in comparison to the share of SMEs’ participation, which indicates that SMEs are

funded below the average beneficiary. This trend is noted in all programmes

(Figures 12 and 13).

Figure 12. The share of SME participation for agriculture, forestry and rural areas (AGRI),

Societal Challenge 2 and Pillar III in Horizon 2020 (left) and for AGRI, Cluster 6 and Pillar II in the

current Horizon Europe (right), considering RIAs, IAs, CSAs, EJP, ERA-NET and COFUND

Figure 13. The share of EU funding provided to SMEs for agriculture, forestry and rural areas (AGRI),

Societal Challenge 2 and Pillar III in Horizon 2020 (left) and for AGRI, Cluster 6 and Pillar II in the

current Horizon Europe (right), considering RIAs, IAs, CSAs, EJP, ERA-NET and COFUND.

Nonetheless, the data provides a limited overview of SMEs. It overlooks the participation and

funding of SMEs through tools like sub-contracting or financial support to third parties which

is used to engage and involve small actors (like farmers and landowners) in R&I projects.

Furthermore, the SME definition does not consider the SME activity, which may differ

significantly within R&I projects, from a farm or technology-oriented startup to a

communication service provider, which limits the interpretation of the results. Additionally,

this analysis does not include types of actions which are designed to involve the private sector

such as joint undertakings.

The exploitation and valorisation of R&I results of Horizon projects can be assessed through

the analysis of indicators such as the number of projects that published peer-reviewed scientific

articles and registered intellectual property rights (IPR) applications.

53

A data analysis across programmes shows limitations considering the different stage of both

programmes, as not all H2020 projects are already concluded, and the current Horizon Europe

calls are still ongoing. Furthermore, peer-reviewed publications and IPR applications are

typically produced towards the end of the projects and thus require time to be reviewed and

reported.

Nonetheless, within programmes, and in comparison, with Societal Challenge 2/Cluster 6 and

Pillar III of Horizon 2020/Pillar II of the current Horizon Europe, agriculture, forestry and rural

areas related R&I activities presented a higher share of projects reporting peer-reviewed

publications in H2020 compared to overall Horizon 2020 Societal Challenge 2 and Pillar III

(Figure 14). That trend is reversed in the current Horizon Europe context, which is still

ongoing: for this reason, final conclusions cannot be drawn.

Figure 14. The share of projects that reported peer-reviewed publications for agriculture, forestry and

rural areas (AGRI), Societal Challenges 2 and Pillar III in Horizon 2020 (left) and for AGRI, Cluster 6 and

Pillar II in the current Horizon Europe (right), considering RIAs, IAs, CSAs, EJP, ERA-NET and

COFUND.

The data for IPR applications is very limited, because how advanced both programmes were.

In H2020, 4.5% of R&I projects on agriculture, forestry and rural areas led to an IPR

application, while R&I projects under Societal Challenge 2 performed better than H2020 Pillar

III overall, with 7.3% of funded projects reporting IPR applications (Figure 15).

54

Figure 15. The share of projects that reported IPR applications for agriculture, forestry and rural areas

(AGRI), Societal Challenges 2 and Pillar III in Horizon 2020 (left) and for AGRI, Cluster 6 and Pillar II in

the current Horizon Europe (right), considering RIAs, IAs, CSAs, EJP, ERA-NET and COFUND.

Between 2014 and 2024, a total of 32 intellectual property rights applications valorising

innovations from R&I projects in agriculture, forestry and rural areas were registered, including

13 trademarks and 10 patents. The research areas with the highest number of intellectual

property rights applications are agricultural waste, co-products and by-products, plant

protection and genetic resources, with five in each of those areas (Table 3).

55

Table 3. The distribution of the IPR applications resulting from R&I projects for agriculture, forestry

and rural areas. N = Number.

IPR Type Research Topic N Programme

PatentEnsuring sustainable use of agricultural waste, co-

products and by-products 5 H2020

TrademarkInnovations in plant protection 5 H2020

OtherGenetic resources and pre-breeding communities 5 H2020

PatentIncrease overall transparency of processed agri-food

products 3 H2020

TrademarkEU-China cooperation on IPM in agriculture 3 H2020

TrademarkTraditional resources for agricultural diversity and the

food chain 2 H2020

OtherCitizen science for soil health 2

Horizon

Europe

2021-2027

OtherNew and emerging risks to plant health 1 H2020

PatentGenetics and nutrition and alternative feed sources for

terrestrial livestock production 1 H2020

PatentValidation of diagnostic tools for animal and plant

health 1 H2020

TrademarkLegumes - transition paths to sustainable legume-based

farming systems and agri-feed and food chains 1 H2020

TrademarkNew and emerging risks to plant health 1 H2020

TrademarkOrganic breeding – Increasing the competitiveness of

the organic breeding and farming sectors 1 H2020

Registered

Design

EU-China international cooperation on nature-based

solutions for nutrient management in agriculture 1

Horizon

Europe

2021-2027

An indicator that can provide further insights into the R&I projects’ results exploitation

potential, and more particularly on the development maturity of the solutions, tools or

technology developed is the technology readiness level achieved by the end of a project. Data

on projects’ technological readiness levels is only available for the current Horizon Europe,

and partially, as reporting this information is not a mandatory requirement.

Fewer projects related to agriculture, forestry and rural areas report their technology

readiness levels than projects under the current Horizon Europe Cluster 6 and Horizon Europe

Pillar II (Figure 16). The low level of reporting technological readiness levels hampers a robust

analysis of how EU-funded R&I in those sectors has been facilitating the innovation journey.

Nonetheless, the reporting took place mostly in projects from 2023 and 2024, 31 out of 42

projects in agriculture, forestry and rural, which shows a positive trend. Furthermore, the share

of projects reporting technology readiness levels may significantly vary and increase as the

programme progresses, and several projects reach their final reporting period.

56

Figure 16. The share of projects reporting technology readiness levels for agriculture, forestry and rural

areas (AGRI), Cluster 6 and Pillar II in the current Horizon Europe. No data available for H2020.

4. DELIVERING ON THE FOOD 2030 RESEARCH AND INNOVATION

FRAMEWORK

4.1. Relevance of food systems and Food 2030 legacy

4.1.1. Relevance of Food systems

The European Union has a world-leading food system driven by advances in life sciences and

supported through all European framework programmes for research and innovation including

Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe 2021-2027 , private sector-led research and innovation and

excellence in entrepreneurship. It provides safe, nutritious and sustainable food to its citizens.

However, in the context of intensifying global competition, climate pressures and geopolitical

uncertainty, Europe’s ability to deliver safe, healthy, nutritious and sustainable food is no

longer just a policy objective, it is a matter of strategic autonomy and economic security.

Safe, healthy, nutritious and sustainable food systems are essential for the EU and its policy

priorities, in particular for ‘sustainable competitiveness and prosperity’ and ‘sustaining our

quality of life’.

The food and drink industry is the largest manufacturing industry in the EU in terms of

turnover, value added and employment. It is also a critical source of innovation, prosperity

and territorial cohesion. In 2023, it had a turnover of EUR 1 523 billion and generated EUR

296 billion of added value, nearly 10% higher than that of the agriculture sector. It

employed 4.8 million people, making it a leading employer in the EU, in 309 000 enterprises,

accounting for 14% of all manufacturing enterprises.

An important characteristic of the food and drink industry is the large share of small and

medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). In 2023, 80% of the EU’s food and drink manufacturers

alone were micro-enterprises, with fewer than 10 employees. SMEs make up 99% of food and

drink industries, contribute 39% of the industry turnover and provide 57% of its employment75.

In 2023, there were 2.7 million enterprises wholesaling, retailing and serving food and

beverages in the EU; they employed 17.1 million people and added EUR 549 billion of value.

75 FoodDrinkEurope-Data-Trends-2026-report-digital.pdf.

57

On average, people in the EU each spent EUR 4 290 on food, beverages and services serving

food and beverages in 2023; this was 8.8% more than in 202276.

A competitive and future-proof food system depends on research and innovation and

especially cutting- edge technologies: from biotechnology (including plants, microorganisms,

fungi etc.) to AI and digitalisation (e.g. smarter data collection and digital solutions), and from

sustainable processing and packaging to promotion of circularity and the development of new

business models. By closing the ‘innovation gap’, Europe can take a leading role, not just keep

pace, in the global transformation of food systems. At the same time, these innovations will

strengthen Europe’s resilience and preparedness, ensuring food systems are better equipped to

handle future challenges.

Food systems shape livelihoods, drive economic development, affect public health, and

determine how communities experience and adapt to climate change. At the same time, the

global food systemaccounts for almost 30% of total global greenhouse gas emissions77, the

largest contribution coming from agriculture and the land use/land-use change sector (71%),

with distribution, processing, consumption and end-of-life disposal accounting for the

remaining 29%. Food systems alone are responsible for the transgression of 5 of the 9 planetary

boundaries, the Earth's limits beyond which human activity threatens the planet's stability and

survival, and are a major contributor to the pressure on the others78. For these reasons, it is

imperative that food systems become more sustainable in all three dimensions of sustainability.

To act on climate and biodiversity in a meaningful and lasting way, we must address food

systems transformation with the same urgency, visibility, and political momentum as energy

transitions and nature protection, in ways that strengthen food security and nutrition, climate

resilience, and equitable development. This has been outlined in the thematic assessment report

on the interlinkages among biodiversity, water, food and health of the Intergovernmental

Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES)79.

Food 2030 is the Research and Innovation (R&I) framework of Horizon 2020 and Horizon

Europe 2021-2027 for food systems transformation, dating back to 2016. It was designed to

tackle complex challenges that cannot be solved by any Member State alone or are

complementary to Member States initiatives and that require overcoming disciplinary, sectoral,

institutional and regulatory silos, as well as to exploit potential.

Food 2030 is part of a wider and evolving EU and global policy agenda, in which public

research and innovation underpin the transition to competitive, sustainable and resilient food

systems and a stronger bioeconomy. This aligns with the Draghi and Letta reports80’ focus on

competitiveness, innovation, decarbonisation, security, a stronger Single Market (including the

‘fifth freedom’ for research, innovation and education), and is complemented by the EU

startup and scaleup strategy81. Recent initiatives further support food-systems

transformation, notably the life sciences strategy82, the vision for agriculture and food83, the

76 Key figures on the European food chain – 2025 edition - Key figures - Eurostat. 77 Crippa, M., Solazzo, E., Guizzardi, D. et al. Food systems are responsible for a third of global anthropogenic

emissions. Nat Food 2, 198–209 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s43016-021-00225-9. 78 Rockström J, Thilsted S, Willett W et al. The EAT–Lancet Commission on healthy, sustainable, and just food

systems.The Lancet, 2025; 406, 1625-1700, the 5 boundaries transgressed are: land, biodiversity, climate, blue

water flows, and biogeochemical flows. 79 Thematic Assessment Report on the Interlinkages among Biodiversity, Water, Food and Health | IPBES secretariat. 80 The Draghi report on EU competitiveness and Enrico Letta - Much more than a market (April 2024). 81 EU Startup and Scaleup Strategy. 82 Life Sciences Strategy. 83 Vision for Agriculture and Food.

58

strategy for a competitive and sustainable EU bioeconomy84, the Biotech Act I85 and the

2025 Food and Feed Safety Simplification Omnibus86, as well as the safe hearts plan87

promoting healthier diets.

Through a systemic, cross-sectoral R&I approach, Food 2030 operates through 11 thematic

pathways for action, while delivering co-benefits across four cross-cutting priorities: 1)

Nutrition and health; 2) Climate and sustainability; 3) Circularity and resource efficiency; 4)

Innovation and communities.

Food 2030 priorities

Nutrition and health

• Promoting healthier and more sustainable diets that prevent diet-related non-communicable diseases.

• Diversifying the offer of proteins sourced from existing and new ingredients.

• Meeting diverse, cultural and specific needs through a place-based dietary shift.

Climate and sustainability

• Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and biodiversity loss.

• Improving air and water quality.

• Reducing dependence on imports (leading to less deforestation) and external inputs (e.g. less use of

chemical fertilisers), for positive impacts on the climate.

Circularity and resource efficiency

• Decreasing the resource footprint across all sectors.

• Reducing food waste through the potential reintroduction of by-products into the food chain as

alternative protein sources (e.g. use of microorganisms or fungi on food waste).

Innovation and communities

• Triggering innovation, new jobs, business models, value-added products and services.

• Meeting the needs, values and expectations of society, especially vulnerable groups, in a responsible

and ethical way.

• Improving the resilience and performance of food systems.

Food 2030 11 Pathways for Action

1. Governance for food systems change

2. Urban food systems transformations

3. Food from the ocean and freshwater resources

4. Alternative proteins for dietary shifts

5. Food waste and resource-efficient food systems

6. The microbiome world

7. Nutrition and sustainable healthy diets

84 Strategy for a Competitive and Resilient EU Bioeconomy. 85 EU Biotech Act 1. 86 Simplification of legislation - Food Safety - European Commission. 87https://health.ec.europa.eu/non-communicable-diseases/cardiovascular-health_en#eu-cardiovascular-health-

plan-the-safe-hearts-plan.

59

8. Food safety systems of the future

9. Food systems Africa

10. Data and digital transformation

11. Zero-pollution food systems

4.1.2. Legacy of Food 2030 and synergies with other Union programmes and activities

According to the independent experts’ evaluation of Food 203088, carried out in 2025 and

further confirmed by an EU Survey conducted in 2026 targeting food systems stakeholders (see

Stakeholders’ outreach chapter), the intervention logic of Food 2030 has been pioneering,

aligning with EU strategic priorities and working across multiple topics, including urban food

policy, food safety, alternative proteins for diversified diets or the microbiome world.

Food 2030 has achieved significant milestones by adopting a holistic approach to food

systems, addressing intricate interactions between ecological, economic, and social objectives.

It has allocated approximately EUR 770 million in funding89 under Horizon 2020 and Horizon

Europe for research and innovation projects, resulting in valuable scientific contributions and

bringing new scientific knowledge in the form of publications, living labs90, robust policy

support91, innovative business models92, ICT tools93, and innovative foods94.

Additionally, Food 2030 has excelled in stakeholder engagement and community building

by employing the multi-actor approach, participatory methods and place-based solutions,

enabling support from local stakeholders and enhancing behavioural change. Social sciences

and humanities, Living Labs95 and the multi-actor approach ensured a broad engagement

of diverse stakeholders. This approach has also extended to the creation of a vibrant

community, bolstering food systems science and education. One example is the Food 2030

stakeholders mailing list, with nearly 2 000 subscriptions. It has also facilitated cross-European

cooperation through the Horizon Europe 2021-2027 FutureFoodS96 co-funded partnership,

uniting 83 partners across 29 countries and a 30% EU contribution of around EUR 95 million

mobilising another EUR 200 million in Member States’ funding. Launched in June 2024, it

88 European Commission: Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, Shaping the future of food research

and innovation – Insights and recommendations from Food 2030 experts, Publications Office of the European

Union, 2025, https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2777/8711448. 89 Until Horizon Europe Work Programme 2023/2024, excluding the funding allocated to the co-funded

FutureFoodS partnership. 90The project HealthyFoodAfrica improved the sustainability and resilience of food systems and innovated

practices and governance arrangements in ten localized, context-specific Food System Labs across ten African

cities. The LIKE-A-PRO project has established Living Labs in 11 European countries to engage with consumers

and explore barriers and opportunities related to the uptake of alternative proteins. 91The REFRESH project contributed to policymaking by integrating its group of experts into the EU Platform on

Food Losses and Food Waste, which informed the process of updating the Waste Framework Directive to include

food waste reduction targets. 92The project IFISHIENCI produced business models showcasing the potential of valorisation of waste from

Recirculating Aquaculture Systems in bio-based industries. 93The project FUSILLI produced an ICT tool for behavioural change in the form of a social game, developed

through a mobile app, to encourage citizens to adopt a healthy diet. 94The project REALM produced novel sensors to monitor the growth and physiological state of microalgae in

real-time. 95 Search the TRANSIT resource hub - Transformative Social Innovation Theory. 96 FutureFoodS.

60

resulted from the preparatory work carried out under the CSA FoodPathS97 (funded under

Horizon Europe) with the support of the Standing Committee on Agricultural Research

(SCAR).

Most Food 2030 projects were supported through thematic Societal Challenge (H2020) and

through Cluster 6 (Horizon Europe 2021- 2027), but it has also benefited from synergies with

the broader EU R&I and innovation ecosystem, particularly in relation to market uptake,

evidence generation, monitoring and science-for-policy support. This includes the support from

the European Innovation Council and the European Food Safety Authority described in Section

2.1.

In addition, the JRC’s EU Food System Monitoring Dashboard98 monitors the sustainability

of the EU food system from an environmental, economic and social perspective, based on a set

of indicators and operates in close connection with FutureFoodS’ Food systems Observatory

for forward-looking analysis and KPI development aligned with Food 2030’s objectives. To

complement this monitoring for advancing competitive sustainable food systems, Food 2030

has also been working with the well-established EC Knowledge Centre for Global Food and

Nutrition Security99 and the Knowledge Centre for Bioeconomy100.

EIT Food101 (the knowledge and innovation community mentioned in Section 2.1) accelerates

market uptake by supporting startups and innovation programmes aligned with Food 2030 (e.g.

food waste reduction, protein diversification, circularity) developing activities on educational

aspects e.g. related to healthy diets which were linked to the Food 2030 priorities. Food 2030

also contributed to the New European Innovation Agenda (which the European Commission

adopted in 2022) through the development of the ‘Regional Innovation Valleys for

Bioeconomy and Food Systems’ concept note102.

Food 2030 also aligns thematically with the Smart Specialisation Strategy (S3) thematic

platform on agri-food103. The thematic platform and its partnerships bring together regions

sharing R&I priorities, all within the framework of the Smart Specialisation Strategy under

cohesion policy. In those regions, the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) plays a

key role in supporting R&I capacities and strengthening their R&I ecosystems Also, the

Interregional Innovation Investment (I3) instrument104 is supporting innovation across the

agriculture and food sector, helping regions turn Smart Specialisation priorities into concrete

market solutions. Among more than 70 projects, the I3 Instrument already supports a growing

portfolio that contributes to Europe's bioeconomy and agri-food transition; this includes the

AquaLoops4Med, Biotech4Food, and VALUE4PACK projects.

97 Co-creating the prototype 'Sustainable FOOD Systems PArTnersHip' | FOODPathS | Project | Fact Sheet | HORIZON |

CORDIS | European Commission. 98 EU Food System Monitoring Dashboard. 99 Global Food and Nutrition Security. 100 Bioeconomy Knowledge Centre. 101 EIT Food | Accelerating Food Innovation for a Future-Fit Food System - EIT Food. 102 European Commission: Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, Regional innovation valleys for

bioeconomy and food systems, Publications Office of the European Union, 2023,

https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2777/93434. 103 Inforegio - S3 Smart Specialisation: Agri-food. 104 Interregional Innovation Investments (I3) Instrument.

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4.1.3. Analytical evidence on Food 2030 delivery and impact proxies

Assessing the long-term systemic impact of Food 2030 requires structured time-series data,

which are not yet fully available. In their absence, this analysis uses a set of proxy indicators

based on observable project outputs that can reasonably be linked to delivery, uptake and

potential impact. These include the number of projects with living labs, coordination and

support actions (CSAs, such as networks and alliances), and innovation actions (IAs), based

on Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe 2021-2027 projects under Food 2030 until Work

Programme 2023-2024.

Another source of information is a survey conducted in collaboration with the European

Research Executive Agency (REA) in 2024-2025. Over 100 coordinators of projects (most of

which resulted directly from Food 2030 programming) funded under the societal challenges

part of Horizon 2020 and Pillar II of Horizon Europe 2021 – 2027 responded to a questionnaire

on market uptake and social innovation emerging from the projects.

Food 2030 focused on post-farmgate food system actors post farm gate. As explained above,

the food and drink industry includes a large share of small and medium-sized enterprises

(SMEs). As such, Food 2030 sought to engage SMEs in its funded projects.

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Figure 17: SMEs participation and funding among the Food 2030 projects

Figure 18: Shares of SMEs participation and funding among the Food 2030 projects

Figures 17 and 18 show a growing involvement of SMEs in Food 2030 projects, alongside a

corresponding increase in funding allocated to them. Under Horizon 2020, SMEs accounted

for 21.5% of participants (372 SMEs), compared with 22.6% in Horizon Europe 2021-2027

(362 SMEs). Financially, this represents a rise from EUR 84.2 million (17.8% of the total net

EU contribution) to EUR 100.6 million (20.5%).

No Food 2030 related projects under Horizon 2020 reported their technology readiness levels,

but 24 Food 2030 projects under Horizon Europe 2021-2027 did (14 RIAs and 10 IAs).

Impacts of Food 2030 can also be observed through the number of projects that have produced

peer-reviewed scientific articles and registered intellectual property rights (IPR) applications

at the end of the projects.

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Figure 19: Share of Food 2030 projects that produced peer-reviewed publications and registered IPR

Figure 20: Number of IPR and peer-reviewed publications coming from Food 2030

Figures 19 and 20 show the number of peer-reviewed publications and IPR reported by Food

2030 projects, as well as the share of Food 2030 projects that produced peer-reviewed

publications and registered IPR. While Horizon Europe 2021-2027 related projects appear to

have significantly fewer IPR applications and peer-reviews exist outputs, this can be attributed

to the fact that these deliverables usually come towards the end of a project, and many Horizon

Europe projects are still ongoing. As such, a meaningful comparison between Horizon 2020

and Horizon Europe on this indicator is not yet possible.

That said, Food 2030 related projects have generated 18 IPR applications and 1 160 peer-

reviewed publications under Horizon 2020, and 2 IPR applications and 134 peer-reviewed

publications under Horizon Europe 2021- 2027. About 82% of the Food 2030 projects under

Horizon 2020 produced peer-reviewed publications and about 13% of them registered IPR.

Under Horizon Europe 2021-2027 so far, about 39% produced peer-reviewed publications and

2.5% registered IPR. By 2024, there were about 8.8 peer-reviewed publications per Food 2030

project.

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Figure 21: The share of total funding dedicated to the climate, biodiversity, digital and AI trackers during

Horizon Europe (2021-2024), considering RIAs, IAs, CSAs, and COFUND

Figure 21 shows that about 66.9%, 20.7%, 21.9% and 12.3% of the Food 2030 funding in

Horizon Europe (2021-2024) was at least indirectly dedicated to climate, biodiversity, digital

and AI issues respectively.

4.2. Analysis and key achievements

The impact of Food 2030 will be showcased along the four Food 2030 priorities and

exemplified by successful EU-funded projects and their concrete outcomes.

Figure 22 shows to which degree each pathway addressed its own ambitions for the four

Food 2030 priorities105. Communities and nutrition are covered most by different pathways,

while the pathway on food systems in Africa appears to be the most cross-cutting.

105 European Commission: Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, Shaping the future of food research

and innovation – Insights and recommendations from Food 2030 experts, Publications Office of the European

Union, 2025, https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2777/8711448, overview page 20. The assessment considers the degree to

which each pathway addressed its own ambitions with regards to the four priorities covering Horizon 2020 and

Horizon Europe. The dots represent the presumed level of attention with smaller dots representing lower attention,

and larger ones representing higher attention. The figure is informed by an analysis of gaps and contributions as

identified by the independent pathway experts.

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Figure 22 Degree to which each pathway addressed Food 2030’s four priorities

The 2023 innovation investment gap study106 reports that, under FP7 and Horizon 2020,

around 36% of EU funding in food systems R&I activities aligned with the Food 2030

priority on climate/environmental sustainability, while 27% of the EU funding in food systems

R&I activities aligned with the Food 2030 priority on circularity/resource efficiency. By

contrast, Figure 22 suggests that Horizon Europe gives relatively greater weight to nutrition

and communities, indicating a shift in emphasis between the two EU funding programmes,

while maintaining the systemic logic of Food 2030.

106 European Commission: Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, SPI and IPSOS, Food systems –

Research and innovation investment gap study – Policy report, Publications Office of the European Union,

2023, https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2777/888905.

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Figure 23 EU-public food-systems R&I funding per Food 2030 priority under Horizon 2020

4.2.1. Nutrition and sustainable healthy diets

Introduction

The target under this priority is to drive a dietary shift that ensures healthy diets and more

optimal nutrition, while acknowledging that health and sustainability are intrinsically linked.

Key issues under this priority include tackling all forms of malnutrition, from undernutrition

to obesity, and improving diets for the general population and specific population groups

(including children, older people, and people placed in vulnerable situations). Food

affordability is key, given that in the EU over 42 million people cannot afford a quality meal

every second day107. Access to adequate, safe, sustainable and nutritious food is fundamental

for the whole population and particular attention must be given to groups at higher risk of food

insecurity or exclusion. This is essential to support health promotion and disease prevention.

What Food 2030 enabled108

EU-funded projects supported healthy diets by advancing the state of the art in personalised

nutrition and diet-related disease prevention and health promotion.

Several projects developed personalised nutrition interventions and associated products and

technologies (NUTRISHIELD, STANCE4HEALTH, PREVENTOMICS, PROTEIN),

including innovations linking diet to individual health profiles using omics

(dataNUTRISHIELD, STANCE4HEALTH) and digital delivery such as AI-enabled apps and

wearables and communication technologies (CoDiet, PROTEIN). The microbiome pathway

was integrated by investigating how plant-based and fermented-derived food can modulate gut

microbiome to prevent metabolic diseases (DOMINO) and by assessing the nutritional impact

of microbial fermentation on pulse-based diets (HealthFerm).

Projects also targeted urgent public health challenges, such as obesity (STOP, SWEET) and

tackling malnutrition in older people (PROMISS), while promoting sustainable dietary

107 Eurostat, 2023. 108 Based on assessment of external expert report: European Commission: Directorate-General for Research and

Innovation, Shaping the future of food research and innovation – Insights and recommendations from Food 2030

experts, Publications Office of the European Union, 2025, https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2777/8711448.

67

patterns through different approaches including diet’s true cost (FEAST, PLAN’EAT,

SWITCH).

Food 2030 supported food safety by advancing the state of the art and final applications to

benefit the EU food sector, consumers, industry, and to provide policy recommendations. In

the field of food safety, knowledge consortia worked closely both with the EFSA on the

development of risk assessment platforms (FoodSafety4EU) and with the industry and even

filed patents, e.g. for new kitchen tools and appliances (SafeConsumE).

Projects under the Alternative Proteins pathway aimed to diversify our dietary habits with

alternative protein sources109 (plant-based, fungi, microbes, meat from cell cultures, insects,

macroalgae and microalgae, etc.). These projects help tackle global challenges such as climate

change, natural resource scarcity, food security and sustainability, and malnutrition110.

Diversifying our protein sources can also help build food system resilience and can also reduce

reliance on imported proteins. Lastly, as alternative protein products could also reduce the risk

of zoonotic diseases and antimicrobial resistance, the R&I investment in this area, also helps

boost the ‘One Health’ approach.

Relevant projects fostered healthy diets beyond Europe, by analysing the food needs and

choices of 10 000 urban and rural consumers to support more plant-based diets, developing 26

ingredients/products with improved authenticity and safety solutions (e.g. smart storage and

bio-based packaging), and delivering tailored nutritional recommendations and consumer

nutrition-awareness campaigns (FOODLAND).

In addition, the projects funded under Cluster 6 of Horizon Europe 2021- 2027, are also in

complementarity with other projects under Cluster 1 ‘Health’, the ERA4Health111

partnership, as a proof of synergies to reinforce the link between healthy diets, nutrition and

prevention of certain diseases such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular and mental health

diseases and disorders.

Flagship stories

Pathway: Alternative proteins for dietary shifts

Giant Leaps (2022-2026, RIA) is a project with 30 partners that seeks to accelerate the

dietary shift from animal-based proteins to alternative dietary proteins and to improve

people’s well-being and health, by providing strategic innovations, methodologies, and

open-access datasets.

The project advances multidisciplinary work on alternative proteins, spanning food

processing, sustainability assessment, consumer research, data infrastructure, and

health-related studies. It analysed current food consumption in 28 European countries to

evaluate nutritional adequacy and quality, and environmental sustainability. Several

scientific articles published include Which are the most promising protein sources for meat

alternatives? and A review of the toxicological effects and allergenic potential of emerging

alternative protein sources. The work carried out so far covers a broad range of approaches,

110 Bending the curve of land degradation to achieve global environmental goals | Nature. 111 ERA4Health Partnership.

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including microbial fermentation, enzymatic processing, solid-state fermentation,

extrusion, and high-pressure technologies.

Six categories of food prototypes have been developed, supporting the dietary transition

towards alternative protein sources. Prototypes of vegan burgers, meatball analogues, a

cheese spread analogue, egg replacers for bakery products, and milk and yogurt alternatives

have been developed. While the prototypes offer promising opportunities for food

innovation, optimizing taste and texture remains a key area for further development to ensure

consumer acceptance and satisfaction.

LIKE-A-PRO (2022-2026, IA) explores the production of new food products from

alternative protein sources such as rapeseed, mealworms, krill, microbes, mushrooms,

fermented fungi and peas. It also investigates the consumers’ needs and ways to meet

them with new products (Food system maps for 13 countries). The project involves 45

project partners. Notable achievements have been reached so far including the upscaling

and characterisation of several alternative protein ingredients, the development of an

extensive portfolio of pilot-scale food products, and the large-scale implementation of Food

Environment Living Labs across 11 countries. These activities produced robust evidence

on consumer behaviour, food environments, nutritional quality, safety, regulatory

feasibility, and socio-environmental impacts, thereby strengthening both the scientific and

policy relevance of the project. In several cases, results went beyond the originally planned

scale, such as the number of food prototypes developed and the breadth of outreach and

engagement activities. A total of 63 pilot-scale food prototypes were developed across 22

product types, exceeding initial targets.

Both of these projects, and others, are also part of the Horizon4Proteins collaboration, and

Horizon Magazine dedicated an article promoting the key findings in this area.

Pathway: Nutrition and sustainable healthy diets

CoDiet (2023-2026, RIA) created the largest collection of biomedical data, verified by

both AI and human experts, including unique categories of information. This data has been

used to train specialized AI models for reviewing medical literature, helping us understand

the connections between diet, disease risk factors, and biological mechanisms,

particularly metabolic syndrome.

A pilot study running in the UK, Greece, Ireland, and Spain has been conducted to test new

technologies to monitor diet and non-communicable diseases (NCD) risk using (i)

passive cameras and biomarkers from blood and urine for dietary assessment, and (ii)

integrated genetic, metabolomics, and metagenomics data with non-invasive sensors for

NCD risk monitoring.

This project is also part of the research multidisciplinary network, the European Cluster of

Obesity Research Projects (OBEClust) aiming to increase the impact of obesity research in

Europe, with a focus on prevention.

FEAST consortium (2022-2027, RIA) involves 15 countries, 35 partners and 13 living labs.

It supports the EU's just transition to healthy diets produced by sustainable food systems. It

seeks to make it easy for everyone in Europe to eat delicious, healthier and more sustainable

food along the entire chain from the production systems to the final consumers.

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It maps and monitors dietary patterns for the general population as well as for vulnerable

groups and it identifies the micro-level factors influencing individual food choices and

behaviours. It also analyses in detail the geographical, socio-economic, behavioural, and

cultural drivers that shape dietary habits at both the individual and group levels.

It provides a toolkit with examples of strategies and interventions that can be used to address

drivers and barriers to healthier and more sustainable eating habits. Key

recommendations for food companies, governments and communities use the Healthy Food

Environment Policy Index (Food-EPI). it also provides a practical handbook containing

the experiences gained from the living labs for the co-developed interventions focussing on

food, health and sustainability.

4.2.2. Circularity and resource efficiency of food systems

Introduction

This priority focuses on achieving circularity and resource efficiency within food systems,

emphasising the need for sustainable practices to reduce and valorise the staggering 58 million

tonnes of food waste generated annually in the EU112, with an associated market value

estimated at EUR 132 billion113. This involves a commitment to minimising food loss and

waste, enhancing recycling processes, and rethinking food packaging to adopt biodegradable

options. It also responds to rising consumer demand for more transparent, sustainable and

locally relevant food choices, while supporting shorter and more resource-efficient supply

chains. An integral aspect of this priority is reducing water and energy consumption to boost

resource efficiency across all sectors of the food systems. Climate change may aggravate food

systems problems in countries with delicate food security balances and relatively high levels

of vulnerability to climate change due to the large-scale use of scarce resources (water, land,

etc.)114.

What Food 2030 enabled115

Food 2030 projects supported circular and resource-efficient food systems and healthier food

choice while reducing pollution and waste. They:

• promoted change to cut spoilage and encourage healthier consumption habits

(SISTERS, CHORIZO);

• enabled practical solutions such as diet planning and food-bank optimisation to

improve access (ZeroW);

• strengthened food security by increasing redistribution of edible food and reforming

standards, combined with behaviour-driven interventions to reduce avoidable losses

(REFRESH, ZeroW);

112 Eurostat, 2025. 113 SWD (2023)421. 114 Ensuring Access to Safe and Nutritious Food for All Through the Transformation of Food Systems - Science and

Innovations for Food Systems Transformation - NCBI Bookshelf. 115 Based on assessment of external expert report: European Commission: Directorate-General for Research and

Innovation, Shaping the future of food research and innovation – Insights and recommendations from Food 2030

experts, Publications Office of the European Union, 2025, https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2777/8711448.

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• quantified greenhouse-gas reductions enabled by waste valorisation and reuse

pathways (SCALIBUR, FOLOU).

Under this priority, the microbiome plays a specific role in tackling food waste, as the

microbiome influences the rate of food breakdown, and contributes to the decomposition of

organic matter. Projects like CIRCLES and SIMBA harness microbial ‘circular actions’ to

optimise food production cycles, using beneficial microbes to break down organic side-streams

and convert them into high-value nutrients, thereby reducing the environmental footprint of the

food system. Microbes also have the potential to break down plastic waste and convert it into

useful by-products such as biofuels or biodegradable materials. This approach has the potential

to not only reduce plastic and chemical pollution but also create new sources of sustainable

materials and energy.

Food 2030 also supported the development of sustainable fisheries and aquaculture in the

ocean and freshwater ecosystems. This included advancing predictive capacity supporting

ecosystem-based fisheries (EcoScope) following the maximum sustainable yield principle

(SEAwise). Science-based feeding and breeding in aquaculture was also advanced

(NewTechAqua, FutureEUAqua).

Flagship stories

Pathway: The microbiome world

DOMINO (2023-2028, RIA) is designed to scale high-potential microbial innovations into

commercial applications. While earlier research focused on mapping microbial ecosystems,

DOMINO applies those findings to build a climate-neutral food chain.

The project uses established tools such as the CuratedFoodMetagenomic database to harness

beneficial bacteria as natural preservatives for fermented foods. One core aim is to develop

optimised, health-promoting products that improve digestion and safety while offering

chemical-free alternatives in line with the EU vision for agriculture and food. DOMINO also

prioritises waste valorisation, using advanced technology to convert food side-streams and

waste into high-value ingredients. By turning knowledge into scalable solutions, the project

helps bring a decade of scientific breakthroughs closer to the consumer market and builds

strategically on the results of MASTER.

Pathway: Food safety systems of the future

WATSON (2023-2026, RIA) takes a full-chain systems-based approach, from producer to

consumer. Its main aim is to deliver a transformative traceability framework that integrates

data-driven services, intelligence-based toolsets and risk-estimation approaches, enabling food

safety authorities to identify and prevent fraudulent activities. The pilot demonstration and

validation campaigns enabled the deployment of the Watson solutions in real operational

environments across six important value chains (wine, honey, olive oil, meat, dairy, and fish).

Supporting policy with scientific evidence: in support of the Watson project, the JRC has

consolidated 2 445 food fraud incidents reported since 2016 (as of January 2026) into a

single, harmonised dataset and developed an interactive application to facilitate exploration

and analysis. The platform enhances pattern detection and supports early identification of

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emerging risks.The policy briefs have mapped critical fraud vulnerabilities across supply

chains (including other value chains at high fraud risk (i.e. mushrooms, coffee, cocoa and

spices) beyond the Watson framework). The project launched a communication campaign in

Euronews series under the name of Food Detectives116.

FoodSafety4EU (2021-2023, CSA) aimed to build a permanent, collaborative EU Research &

Innovation platform connecting food safety stakeholders across Europe. The platform has 42

formal members, over 80 collaborating institutions and more than 10 EU projects, expanding

its impact across nearly all Member States and associated countries. Through a dynamic,

participatory approach, FS4EU succeeded in structuring, mobilizing, and engaging a wide

network of actors spanning authorities, scientists, industry, and civil society.

A key achievement of the project is the development of a dynamic Strategic Research and

Innovation Agenda (SRIA), updated annually through the EU Food Safety Forum, which has

become a central science–policy–society interface. Importantly, the SRIA evolved consistently

with the European Commission’s policy framework and its latest update specifically focuses

on bridging the gap between research and innovation to strengthen EU competitiveness.

To ensure long‑term sustainability, FoodSafety4EU established a non‑profit legal entity

(PIC 872618306) powered by the Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche in Italy to support a

permanent structure. It continues to engage and proactively stimulate the participation of the

EU Food Safety community through the organization of the annual EU Food Safety Forum.

Pathway: Food from the ocean and freshwater resources

Pathway: Food waste and resource-efficient food systems

116 https://www.euronews.com/the-food-detectives.

AWARE (2022-2026, RIA), is developing fish farming in recycled water and is showing

that producing fish for human consumption is feasible in any city, with no impact on natural

habitats and no dependence on natural freshwater availability. Specifically, AWARE created

the first European case study for reclaimed water aquaponics in the town of Castellana Grotte

(Puglia, Italy) within a wastewater treatment plan using a multitrophic aquaponics

recirculation system. To promote the public awareness that fishes and plants grown with

properly treated wastewater can be safely consumed, good for the environment and for human

health. It will publish a study on health safety of fishes and vegetables consumption. It will

eventually add a new value chain for the farm-to-fork production of fish and vegetables to the

local economy, providing new jobs and a cheaper food production pipeline.

IMPRESS (2023-2027, IA) focuses on zero-waste, sustainable aquatic food value chains

using low trophic species and innovative circular solutions. To date it has conducted a pan-

European survey to analyse consumer preferences, habits, barriers, and attitudes toward

seafood, plant-based, and aquatic plant-based products across six countries. It also optimised

extraction of chitin and chitosan from shrimp shell waste and fish protein isolates,

hydrolysates, and lipids from haddock waste using eco-friendly technologies. High value

polysaccharides and proteins were recovered from macroalgae via biorefinery approach. A

combination of microalgal extract and microalgae-derived oil demonstrated liver-protective

properties. Collagen was extracted from lumpfish. Mussel cooking and fish processing

wastewater were valorised to extract proteins.

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ZeroW (2022-2025, IA) provided significant contributions to preventing and reducing food

waste and enhancing the sustainability of food supply chains.

Specifically, it demonstrated innovative food loss and waste reduction solutions in nine living

labs along real-life food chains to effectively address the multidimensional issue of food

waste. These real-life Living Labs embedded systemic innovations with the potential to lead

to fundamental changes in both social dimensions (values, regulations, attitudes) and technical

dimensions (infrastructure, technology, tools, processes) and in the relations between them.

At the end of the project, seven of the nine living labs have chosen commercialisation routes,

and five are anticipating revenue growth for the partners involved.

4.2.3. Climate-smart and environmentally sustainable food systems

Introduction

This priority emphasises the responsible use and management of natural resources - water, soil,

land, and sea - in our entire food system while staying within the planetary boundaries, ensuring

their availability for future generations. This priority aims to enhance research and innovation

to support climate-smart food systems that adapt to climate change, conserve and restore

natural resources and ecosystem functions, and reduce environmental degradation while

contributing to climate change mitigation. By encouraging and developing sustainable and

innovative practices, this priority helped to develop food systems that are resilient,

environmentally sustainable and capable of contributing to climate mitigation and adaptation.

What Food 2030 enabled117

Projects supported climate-smart and environmentally sustainable food systems by supporting

greenhouse gas emission mitigation, reducing ecosystem pressure, including greenhouse gas

reduction quantifications from waste valorisation and reuse (SCALIBUR, FOLOU, ZeroW,

CIRCLES). Improved resource use (ToNoWaste, SIMBA) fostered climate adaptation and

mitigation. The environmental impact of specific alternative proteins was also addressed

(GIANT LEAPS).

Beyond Europe, projects supported biodiversity goals by valorising local varieties and species,

as well as contributing to the implementation of agro-ecological practices, precision irrigation

and protection systems, biodegradable mulching, food safety and integrated aquaculture

(FOODLAND, HealthyFoodAfrica, HealthyDiets4Africa, InnoFoodAfrica, UPRISE,

FS4AFRICA).

Flagship stories

Pathway: The microbiome world

MASTER (2019-2023, IA) pioneered the use of microbiome-based DNA sequencing to map

microbial relationships across marine, plant, soil, rumen, and food systems. This Horizon 2020

117 Based on assessment of external expert report: European Commission: Directorate-General for Research and

Innovation, Shaping the future of food research and innovation – Insights and recommendations from Food 2030

experts, Publications Office of the European Union, 2025, https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2777/8711448

73

initiative bridged the gap between frontier science and commercial use, yielding over twenty

innovations to improve the quality and sustainability of agri-food chains.

Key outputs included a high-efficiency DNA extraction kit and the

CuratedFoodMetagenomic database, a vital tool for detecting microorganisms in food

processing environments. In the agricultural sector, researchers developed microbial strains to

fight crop pathogens and biofertilisers to boost grass quality. The impact extended to

aquaculture, where probiotic strains improved fish growth and animal husbandry, where

microbiome modulation enhanced nutrient extraction while cutting methane emissions.

By exploring fermentation as a natural preservative, MASTER also laid the groundwork for

safer, health-promoting food products. These achievements provided the blueprints now being

scaled by successor projects like DOMINO or HoloRuminant.

Pathway: Zero-pollution food systems

MAGNO (2024-2027, RIA) is supporting decision-making around food packaging,

contributing to the European Green Deal and EU 2030 Climate Target Plan objectives. It aims

to improve the sustainability and efficiency of food packaging, promote directions for new

policies and increase social innovation.

The project will examine plastic packaging value chains and create an ecosystem digital twin

to provide innovative and circular business strategies drawing a map of different scenarios

ahead. It will use a multi-actor approach by involving researchers, food business operators,

packaging producers, developers, converters, recyclers, consumers and local authorities to

prevent and reduce plastic packaging pollution in Europe and the Mediterranean Sea.

Pathway: Food waste and resource-efficient food systems

PRECIOUS (2024-2028, RIA) and WASTEWISE (2024-2028, RIA) are expected to deliver

robust, harmonised data on the environmental footprint of food waste across the food supply

chain, with a particular focus on greenhouse gas emissions.

They will apply the life cycle assessment methodologies to identify and assess effective

prevention and reduction pathways, contributing to climate mitigation, biodiversity protection

and resource efficiency. Their work will also support the integration of food waste reduction

measures into key EU policy instruments, including national energy and climate plans, thereby

advancing the Food 2030 priority on environment and helping to achieve the EU’s 2030 climate

targets.

4.2.4. Innovation and empowerment of communities

Introduction

Transforming food systems requires systemic change involving actors across the entire food

system, including innovators, industry, researchers, public authorities, civil society, local and

regional authorities, and citizens.

The food sector is moderately innovative overall, with strong pockets of innovation (alternative

proteins, functional foods, fermentation, digital traceability, and sustainable packaging) but

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slower diffusion than sectors like technologies or pharma. R&I intensity is generally low,

especially among SMEs, because margins are tight, the sector is risk-averse and failure is

costly. Large multinationals typically invest more in R&I than smaller firms, while SMEs and

startups tend to be the carriers of niche or disruptive innovation. Nevertheless, uptake of

innovations can be quick when innovations reduce cost, risk, waste, or labour.

Food retail and distribution, another part of the food system, shows faster change in customer-

facing and digital areas (loyalty schemes, personalisation), than core logistics. E-commerce has

driven significant experimentation. Automation is growing (self-checkouts, micro-fulfilment,

warehouse robotics, vertical farming, etc.), but rollout is capital-intensive. Supply-chain

visibility and traceability technology is expanding, yet hindered by interoperability and

supplier readiness. Overall, uptake of innovation is shaped by legislations and compliance

(food safety, labelling, etc.) and consumer trust.

This priority focuses on promoting a healthy, place-based innovation ecosystem that supports

the creation of innovative and digital technologies, new business models and solutions with

societal benefits and market potential. This approach aims to foster resilient and empowered

local and regional communities, generate employment across the EU, and support vibrant

urban, rural, and coastal economies. Research and innovation challenges under this priority

include fostering food governance innovation at all levels, empowering local authorities,

facilitating social innovation, combating food poverty, and ensuring sustainable, accessible

food in marginalised communities. It also emphasises citizen science, education, skills and

capacity development, including data-driven solutions.

What Food 2030 enabled118

EU Food 2030 projects helped translate R&I investments into direct policy change. EU

funding enabled cities to make formal political commitments to food, adopt food policies and

dedicated budgets, and set-up of food policy councils charters and municipal food commissions

(CLEVERFOOD, FUSILLI).

Job creation was fostered by local activities; for example, FoodSHIFT2030 led to the creation

of jobs based on continued Living Lab activities. There are examples of effective industry

involvement, with several patents filed e.g. for new kitchen tools and appliances as a direct

result of the project (SafeConsumE). SMEs and business development were supported by

connecting food companies with technology and the IT community (S3FOOD,

Data4Food2030).

A range of projects contributed with digital and technology innovations. ALLIANCE, and

HOLIFOOD were early examples of blockchain and AI technologies within the food safety

and quality domain. Other projects on microbiomes advanced pan-European interoperability

in data, standards and tools for scalable solutions in food safety, sustainability and

microbiome applications (e.g. SymbNET, Holofood, 3D-omics, HealthFerm). Digital

innovations use metadata from in-situ and/or remote sensors and omics technologies to

develop and demonstrate next-generation food safety and traceability systems

(FoodSafety4EU, FoodSafeR SAFFI, DiTECT).

118 Based on assessment in external expert report: European Commission: Directorate-General for Research and

Innovation, Shaping the future of food research and innovation – Insights and recommendations from Food 2030

experts, Publications Office of the European Union, 2025, https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2777/8711448.

75

Community-driven innovations feature prominently under the pathway on urban food

systems, deployed through living labs (e.g. Cities2030, FUSILLI, FOODCLIC), but also

through governmental and social innovations such as installing food policy councils or

drafting advisory plans for food systems governance (FOODSHIFT2030).

Community empowerment was enhanced through networks for knowledge sharing and

enhanced collaboration(e.g.SWEET, CO-CREATE, FOSSnet) and innovative citizen

education by bringing science and food choices into public spaces with accessible learning

formats, combining experiential outreach, digital learning platforms and training for citizen

science (e.g.SUMMER; AquaVitae, FOSTER).

Food 2030 created policy impact beyond the project level, it inspired local and regional food

policies, such as the Flemish Food Strategy, which based their four strategic pillars on the Food

2030 priorities.

In addition, on 20 March 2024, the Commission adopted the Communication Building the

future with nature: Boosting Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing in the EU’119. Under

Horizon Europe 2021-2027, the Commission introduced a biotechnology and

biomanufacturing monitoring flag to monitor how Horizon Europe impacted the

implementation of the Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Communication. Under Pillar II,

Pillar III (EIC) and CBE JU, the HE Work Programme 2025 provided funding of around EUR

100 million in the food area.

Flagship stories

Pathway: The microbiome world

MicrobiomeSupport (2018–2022, CSA) created a harmonised framework for microbiome

research across 33 countries; today, it continues to operate as an autonomous association.

The project acted as the ‘architect’ of the field, mapping global research to eliminate redundant

funding and effort. A major milestone was the Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda

(SRIA) publication, which aligns microbiome R&I efforts at the global level.

The project's scientific leadership is highlighted by high-impact publications, including a

‘manifesto’ for microbiome innovations in Nature Microbiology and a standardized

‘microbiome definition’ in the journal Microbiome. These contributions provided a unified

language and vision for the bioeconomy. The project also laid the groundwork for an

International Microbiome Consortium to serve as a permanent resource for policymakers.

Pathway: Urban food systems transformations

Cities2030 (2020-2024, IA) succeeded in empowering cities, regions, stakeholders and citizens

to take ownership of their food systems and create a more equitable, sustainable, and food-

secure future by creating local ecosystems. It established ‘city-region food systems’ across 42

policy and living labs in 18 countries forging 296 partnerships with very local-specific

interactions, engaging 12 000 citizens while drawing in 115 additional ‘follower-cities’.

The project generated 29 technological innovations to assist policy makers and citizens. These

included blockchain technology for improved food traceability, IT devices for urban agriculture

monitoring and digital tools for optimized food supply chain management. A capacity-building

programme supported broad uptake. Key was a S2CP technological platform, organised

119 COM/2024/137 final.

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around 13 adaptable components that can be tailored to local needs. The platform supports

decision-making processes and communities’ engagement, as well as economic actors (SMEs,

producers) at local level. The S2CP platform submitted its product to the JRC’s ‘Innovation

Radar (IR)’, which identified two tools of the platform as having ‘Business Ready’ market

maturity and ‘Exploring’ value creation opportunities.

FoodE (2020-2024, IA) created citizen-led city region food systems (CRFS) and has created

new job opportunities in EU cities through the implementation of pilot projects (e.g. urban

agriculture parks, vertical farms, aquaponic farms, small scale fishery in school canteen,

circular economy restaurants, urban bee keeping), also involving fragile and disadvantaged

social groups. It developed an app to facilitate citizens’ active engagement in identifying,

monitoring and assessing CRFS initiatives, to achieve involvement and an effective shift to

local food consumption. A citizen-science approach raised citizens awareness on CRFS

sustainability and on the environmental impact of dietary habits and enable them to become

key actors in this respect.

An interesting example in community building across projects was the creation of a ‘Family’

of five projects funded under the urban pathway (i.e. CITIES2030, FOODTRAILS,

FUSILLI, FoodSHIFT2030 and FoodE), which led to the development of joint products (such

as a video and a policy brief), with support by the Horizon Booster.

CULTIVATE (2023-2026, IA) supports food security and resilience by deploying an online

social innovation platform, the Food Sharing Compass. Designed with and for food sharing

initiatives (from seed sharing and social dining to surplus food redistribution and community

composting), policymakers, food supply actors, researchers and citizens, the Food Sharing

Compass will identify costs, benefits and impacts of FSIs; help actors navigate governance

architectures and ensure appropriate policies and regulations of food sharing.

Pathway: Governance for food systems change

CLEVERFOOD (2023-2026) is driving a transformative shift towards a fairer, healthier, and

more sustainable European food system by mobilising citizens, farmers, entrepreneurs,

policymakers, and researchers across nine countries (Belgium, Denmark, Greece, Hungary,

Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, and Spain). The project is fostering regenerative,

resilient, and plant-based food systems through an interlinked multi-level structure of policy

labs and living labs, ensuring systemic change from production to consumption.

By co-creating governance models, advancing food policies, and accelerating social and

technological innovations, CLEVERFOOD is breaking down barriers to sustainability. Its

policy labs facilitate peer-learning programmes, multi-stakeholder dialogues, and cross-

governance collaboration, while its living labs drive sustainable value chains, impact

investment, and technology adoption, all measured through robust transition progress

frameworks.

A key achievement is the CLEVERFOOD online platform, which has already united over

70 EU-funded initiatives with a combined investment exceeding EUR 450 million, fostering

synergies for large-scale impact. CLEVERFOOD also builds long-term capacity through

education and public engagement activities. Wider mobilisation includes citizen science,

influencer campaigns and an interactive exhibition, alongside competence centres.

FoodPathS (2022-2025)was the preparatory action for the Horizon Europe partnership on

food systems transformation, FutureFoodS. Ithas developed a virtual Knowledge Hub of

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food system labs and an interactive funders map to connect diverse funders including

regional actors and foundations. It has produced guidance on how to implement a systems

approach in transnational calls and align funding strategies on food systems. These insights

were transferred to the FutureFoodS Partnership, which launched its first call for proposals in

2024.

The project has also delivered a strategic research and innovation agenda for FutureFoodS

providing guidelines for science to policy interfaces, food system observatories and R&I,

policy and education collaboration (RIPE concept). It has delivered a handbook on guidelines

and lessons learned for building a partnership in the food domain.

Pathway: Data and digital transformation

FOODITY (2023-2025) supported 12 projects that participated in their funding

programme in demonstrating alternative paths to overcoming existing tools and platform’s

limitations to citizens’ rights to personal data sovereignty:

For example, MyNutri empowers healthier, sustainable food choices through personalised

AI-driven insights. The android application uses Open Food Facts for product data and

includes a carbon foodprint scoring. The app solution was co-developed and tested with 150

consumers to ensure matching user needs and expectations.

Another example is SEBP, a digital platform that connects sustainable producers with

socially responsible companies through employee benefit programs. It has a producer portal

for managing product listings, a company portal with basic impact reporting, and an employee

portal with an online shop offering sustainable products. The platform integrates real-time

ecological, economic and social ethics, empowering informed choices and enhancing

corporate sustainability reporting.

DRG4Food (2022-2025, RIA), empowers a fair and responsible European Food Register,

fostering citizen sovereignty and creating a data-driven food system. For the consortium

technology acts as an empowering enabler, providing the means to achieve a wide variety of

innovative and valuable use cases. These use cases range from customised food provision,

food waste reduction, and improved transparency.

For example, the SAfeNutriKids use case has developed a responsible, AI-powered nutrition

education platform for children aged 6-12 years. The solution integrates a gamified-based

frontend and an AI-based personalisation chat function to deliver age-appropriate, culturally

adaptive content.

A second use case is NutriSight, an open model to extract nutrition information from images

by automating the process using a machine learning model. The application ‘Open Food

Facts’ is available in the app store.

Pathway: Food systems Africa

HealthyFoodAfrica (2020-2025, RIA) aimed at building more sustainable, equitable and

resilient food systems in 10 African cities. This project was part of the African Union –

European Union High-Level Policy Dialogue on Science Technology and Innovation under the

Partnership on Food and Nutrition Security and Sustainable Agriculture.

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It developed food system labs in Benin, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda and Zambia on:

nutrition and consumption, sustainable production, postharvest, food safety, value chain

governance, novel products and processes. It worked with smallholders, aquafarmers, SMEs,

women, youth, street vendors, consumers, NGOs, scientists and policymakers to enhance the

capacity of producers and food chain actors to deliver diverse, nutritious, high quality,

affordable foodstuffs.

4.2.5. Cross-cutting achievements

Beyond the four priorities, Food 2030 has made significant contributions to horizontal

objectives of Horizon Europe 2021- 2027, in particular Cluster 6: ‘Food, Bioeconomy,

Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment’, by shaping not only what food-systems

R&I addresses, but also how it is performed.

Social sciences and humanities are vital for understanding societal needs and delivering

public benefit are widely integrated across Horizon Europe 2021-2027 Cluster 6. In the

European Commission’s monitoring report on the integration of social sciences and humanities

for 2021-2023 Horizon Europe 2021-2027 projects120, Cluster 6 was one of the two clusters

with the highest number of social sciences and humanities participants (21%). In the Horizon

Europe Work Programme 2026/2027, 38% of topics are expected to include a social sciences

and humanities dimension, with topics under Food 2030 in line with this average. As consumers

shape demand and trends, they are central to food systems transformation. Accordingly, social

sciences and humanities have been integrated into topics engaging citizens and consumers,

including those on dietary shifts, local and regional food systems transformation and the

deployment of enabling technologies.

The multi-actor approach is inherent to the application of a systemic approach, and ensures

all stakeholders are included. The concept refers to a transdisciplinary R&I approach that

actively involves a wide diversity of sectors (from primary production to food waste

management) and stakeholders (including researchers, policymakers, representatives from the

public and private sectors, NGOs and civil society)121. Nearly all Food 2030 projects under

Horizon Europe demanded the multi-actor approach and encouraged applicants to apply it. An

external expert evaluation concluded that multi-actor collaborations are critical to the ongoing

success and impact of the Food 2030 research and innovation framework. However, more

structural support and guidance is required to fully exploit its impact122. This is also consistent

with the broader strategic approach to R&I in agriculture, forestry and rural areas, where the

multi-actor approach is recognised as an important mode of knowledge creation, uptake and

implementation.

One application of the multi-actor approach is Living Labs123, defined as practice-driven,

place-based organisations that facilitate and foster open, collaborative research and innovation

and real-life environments where both open innovation and user innovation processes can occur

121 European Commission: Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, Shaping the future of food research

and innovation – Insights and recommendations from Food 2030 experts, Publications Office of the European

Union, 2025, https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2777/8711448. 122 European Commission: Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, Shaping the future of food research

and innovation – Insights and recommendations from Food 2030 experts, Publications Office of the European

Union, 2025, https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2777/8711448. 123 Search the TRANSIT resource hub - Transformative Social Innovation Theory.

79

and where bottom-up driven R&I can be designed and implemented. The external expert

evaluation32 highlights that Living Labs have played an important role in facilitating

meaningful, and, at times, sustained multi-actor activities. However, it also notes concerns

regarding the proliferation and fragmentation of networks and the related risk of stakeholder

fatigue.

The EU-funded project CLEVERFOOD has established a Food 2030 Connected Lab

Network for living labs, communities of practice and other co-creation initiatives working on

transforming the food system at the local, regional and national level. The Horizon Europe co-

funded Partnership on food systems FutureFoodS establishes a Knowledge Hub of Living

Labs, incorporating the CLEVERFOOD network and ensuring consistency. Living labs are

inherent to several projects under different pathways such as Africa (HealthyFoodAfrica),

healthy diet and nutrition (PLAN’EAT).

International cooperation is a fundamental aspect of Food 2030. An analysis of urban food

system projects124 in 2023 showed that 25 Member States were represented by city initiatives

involved in food transformation with partnering cities in Africa, South America and China.

Still, initiatives lacked Eastern European participation that should be further focussed on in the

future.

The dedicated pathway on Africa reflects the long-standing AU–EU cooperation on food and

nutrition security and sustainable agriculture and recognises that food systems transformation

requires joint work on shared challenges such as nutrition, sustainable production, resilience,

trade and innovation uptake. This pathway enhanced international cooperation between the

European Union (EU) and the African Union (AU) through the partnership on Food and

Nutrition Security and Sustainable Agriculture (FNSSA) as part of the AU-EU High-Level

Policy Dialogue on Science, Technology and Innovation.

Since its launch in 2017, the FNSSA partnership has channelled investments in areas such as:

sustainable intensification of agriculture; agriculture and food systems for nutrition; expansion

and improvement of agricultural trade and markets. The establishment of the International

Research Consortium (IRC-FNSSA) -a hosted, networked institution governed by the IRC

Statutes (2025)- has transformed the FNSSA from a coordination platform into a long-term,

inclusive mechanism for joint AU-EU research governance. Together with the forthcoming

FNSSA Roadmap for 2027-2036, the FNSSA partnership serves as a cornerstone of the AU-

EU STI cooperation, driving innovation, policy alignment, and sustainable development across

both continents. On the urban side, AfriFOODlinks and INCiTiS Food exemplify how AU-EU

cooperation advances locally-driven approaches to food system transformation anchoring

global ambitions in concrete, city-level change.

Under the Food 2030 framework, the governance pathway aimed to strengthen the coherence,

coordination and effectiveness of actions across policy domains, governance levels and

stakeholder groups, recognising that food systems are shaped by a complex interplay of

regulatory frameworks, market incentives and societal behaviours. Through support to multi-

level governance structures, participatory approaches and policy innovation, this pathway

facilitates collaboration between public authorities, research actors, private sector stakeholders

and civil society (e.g. RefreSCAR, FOSTER, CLEVERFOOD). It also promotes the alignment

of research and innovation outcomes with policy development and implementation, thereby

addressing the persistent gap between knowledge generation and systemic uptake. This

124 European Commission: Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, Urban food system transformation

in the context of Food 2030 – Current practice & outlook towards 2030, Fabbri, K.(editor) and Vandrich,

J.(editor), Publications Office of the European Union, 2023, https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2777/507125.

80

contributed to food systems transformation across local, regional and other territorial

contexts, including through place-based approaches, city and regional initiatives, and

governance models adapted to different institutional and socio-economic settings.

Innovative governance mechanisms at various levels have been deployed in different projects

beyond the dedicated pathway for action. Often, these projects are linked to Living Labs which

serve as a collaborative place for co-creation, for encouraging regional innovation governance

and for helping stakeholders to align their education and R&I agendas to better address the

barriers and opportunities of food systems transformation. This suggests that governance

innovation should be treated as a transversal enabler across Food 2030 and future Food 2040

activities, supporting thematic objectives wherever coordination, uptake, scaling or policy

alignment are required. The main R&I needs identified under nearly 20 EU-funded projects

working on urban food systems transformation was innovation on governance125.

A range of technologies support Food 2030 objectives, including the application of data, AI,

digital and other instrumental technologies. The 2024 Communication ‘Boosting

Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing in the EU’126 aimed to unlock the full benefits of

biotechnologies and biomanufacturing for industrial competitiveness.

Food 2030 has anticipated some of those challenges through specific topics under the Horizon

Europe Work Programme 2025 - one dedicated on consumer education on food biotech127 and

another on the application of precision fermentation through microorganisms128. In addition, in

2025 the EIC Accelerator challenge launched a topic on food from precision fermentation and

algae129 with a budget of EUR 50 million. The public and private partnership CBE JU invested

in biotechnologies projects such as the PLENITUDE flagship project130 which aimed to

produce affordable plant-based proteins for human consumption by integrating an aerobic

fermentation plant with a conventional first-generation biorefinery.

However, despite growing interest, commercial development and market uptake of

fermentation-based proteins remain limited, and only a few microbial protein products have

been authorised in the EU. The results hint towards an untapped market opportunity and

potential for more R&I investment and valorisation support.

CBE JU has also contributed to the broader innovation landscape relevant to Food 2030 by

supporting bio-based solutions for food and feed ingredients, including alternative proteins and

ingredients derived from low-cost sustainable feedstocks, microalgae and macroalgae. While

CBE JU does not cover direct food production, its portfolio includes projects that support

biotechnology, circularity, industrial scale-up and the development of new food and feed

ingredient value chains. Based on the CBE JU portfolio, food and feed ingredients represent

21% of both EU contributions and projects funded, covering 48 projects and EUR 291.4

million in EU contributions. These activities complement Food 2030 objectives by supporting

125 EU funded projects un urban food systems under Food 2030 - cluster workshop, 10 March 2026. 126European Commission, Building the future with nature: Boosting Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing in the

EU, COM(2024) 137 final, Brussels, 20 March 2024. 127 HORIZON-CL6-2025-02-FARM2FORK-13 “Raising citizen awareness on alternative proteins derived from

biotechnology”.

128 HORIZON-CL6-2025-02-FARM2FORK-14: Nutrients produced by microorganisms utilising primarily CO2

from the air, with the support of biotechnology.

129 Food from precision fermentation and algae | Programme | HORIZON | CORDIS | European Commission. 130 PLENITUDE | Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU).

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resource efficiency, protein diversification, circularity, industrial deployment and the

valorisation of R&I results131.

The following table provides detailed information on the number of projects funded in this area

as well as the EU contribution.

Table 4. CBE JU projects on food and feed ingredients by action type and technology readiness level (TRL).

CBE JU projects in

food and feed

ingredients

FLAG

TRL 8

flagship

biorefineries

IA-DEMO

TRL 6-7

Demonstration

pilots

RIA

TRL 5

In lab testing

Total

EU contribution EUR 74 473 166 EUR 144 304 635 EUR 72 657 484 EUR 291 435 285

Number of projects 5 24 19 48

5. STAKEHOLDER OUTREACH

Stakeholder engagement has been a core feature of both the 2016 strategic approach to

agricultural R&I and Food 2030. Across both processes, engagement with Member States,

associated countries, researchers, farmers, foresters, rural actors, food-system stakeholders,

industry, SMEs, civil society, public authorities and citizens has helped identify priorities,

strengthen ownership, support co-creation and improve the relevance of EU-funded research

and innovation.

Stakeholder engagement and feedback played an important role for the preparation of the

new EU strategic approach to R&I for competitive, resilient and sustainable agriculture,

forestry, rural areas, and food systems. This section summarises the main stakeholder

engagement activities conducted to support the new R&I strategic approach.

5.1. Updating the 2016 strategic approach to agricultural R&I: stakeholder outreach

5.1.1. Open consultation

On 15 December 2025, during the session on the ‘future of EU agri-food: data & innovation

for food security’ of the EU Agri-Food Days 2025, the Commission launched an

open consultation through an online survey to support the preparation of a new

strategic approach to agricultural R&I. Stakeholders were invited to share their perspectives on

five main areas by 25 January 2026:

1. R&I as an enabler of the vision for agriculture and food

2. Strengthening the EU R&I ecosystem

3. Accelerating the uptake of new knowledge and innovation

4. Stronger cooperation in Europe and beyond

5. Future thematic priorities and approaches for R&I

701 contributions from farmers, foresters, rural organisations and actors, researchers,

businesses, non-governmental organisations, citizens and public authorities were

collected. A report presenting an analysis of the results was prepared and published in April

131 Note that CBE JU does not support R&I on direct food production, as per its Strategic Research and Innovation

Agenda (SRIA).

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2026132. The results show strong support for a broader and more forward-looking agenda,

with up to 94% of respondents backing this approach. There is also clear support for better

assistance to startups, scaleups, and SMEs, with up to 82% in favour, as well as strong demand

for faster and more practical uptake of innovation by farmers on the ground, reaching up to

88%.

At the same time, the findings send a clear signal that research results need to be translated

more effectively into market-ready innovations. The feedback received helped inform the new

R&I strategic approach on key challenges, opportunities and priority areas for future R&I to

support competitive, resilient and sustainable agriculture, forestry and rural areas.

5.1.2. EU AgRI 2040 Conference

Building on the previous editions of the AgriResearch conference in 2016, 2018 and 2023, the

European Commission is preparing the fourth edition, EU AgRI 2040: Future-proofing EU

Agri-Food through research and innovation, to be held on 24 and 25 September 2026 in

Brussels, Belgium.

On this occasion, the new strategic approach to R&I in agriculture, forestry, rural areas, and

food systems will be presented. The conference will kick-off a process of working with

stakeholders to identify priorities for future R&I on agriculture, forestry and rural areas to be

addressed under the next EU Research and Innovation Programme Horizon Europe 2028-2033

and the new European Competitiveness Fund, in support of the ambition of the

vision for agriculture and food.

5.2. Food 2030 stakeholder outreach

Stakeholder outreach has been an important building block and a key success factor of

Food 2030, combining targeted dialogue with EU-funded project communities, Member State

expert bodies, and broad multi-stakeholder consultations. Additionally, stakeholder outreach

has been intensified in view of preparing the next-generation R&I strategic approach for food

systems, ‘Food 2040’.

Cluster workshops

A range of cluster workshops of EU-funded Food 2030 projects served to obtain a state-of-

play of activities under dedicated action pathways, and an overview to further define R&I

needs.

A Food 2030 clustering workshop (on 10 September 2025) on food safety and food fraud

projects aimed to exchange knowledge about project achievements and possible new research

and innovation needs. The cluster event also helped to increase the collaboration and synergies

among the project coordinators and scientific community in areas such as food safety, food

fraud, food safety in Africa, regulatory aspects on food safety and novel technologies

applied to specific food sectors.

A Food 2030 cluster workshop (24 October 2025) gathered Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe

projects to exchange results and strengthen synergies on food waste and resource-efficient

food systems. Projects showcased innovations across the supply chain, including digital

tools, smart packaging, behavioural approaches and microbiome solutions. New projects are

linking food waste reduction with environmental footprint analysis and climate impacts. Key

challenges include industry engagement, consumer involvement and fragmented policy

132 Strategic approach - Agriculture and rural development.

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frameworks. The discussions highlighted the importance of collaborative, multi-actor research

and innovation to accelerate systemic change, improve resource efficiency and support

evidence-based policymaking towards sustainable, circular and climate-resilient food systems.

A Food 2030 cluster workshop on urban food systems (10 March 2026) representing nearly

20 projects under Food 2030 showcased a range of impacts on community empowerment,

relevant local and regional food policies, development of innovative tools to support citizens

in their positive decision-making, better and more impactful communication and positive food

environments. Key R&I needs identified include strengthened multi-level and cross-

sectoral food system governance with clear political commitment, stronger links between

local innovation and national/EU policy, improved monitoring, and trustworthy citizen-

centred digitalisation, including reliable and transparent AI tools that support public

engagement and better decision-making in food systems.

The cluster workshop on food from the ocean and freshwater resources (16 March 2026)

represented 17 projects and showcased impacts like reduced pressure on aquatic ecosystems,

more realistic fish stock assessments, new algae-based food products, consumer awareness

and connection of all actors along the aquatic food value chain. Involving companies and all

relevant stakeholders from the very beginning of projects was highlighted as crucial for the

successful uptake and valorisation of the project’s outputs. Key R&I needs identified include

traceability systems and fully digitalised catch documentation that will enhance

transparency and consumers’ trust. More research is needed, among other things, on

climate-related and other natural risks affecting aquatic food value chains.

Cluster workshops were also organised on healthy diet and nutrition, on alternative proteins

and on microbiome. Their discussions focused on the R&I gaps and challenges, as well as the

potential impact of the recommendations on legislative revisions and next steps. Some project

coordinators highlighted the development of new technologies for producing innovative

products based on alternative proteins. When developing such products tough, several aspects

need to be taken into account (e.g. safety aspects, consumers perception and acceptance).

5.2.1. EU survey

Further stakeholders’ input was collected through an EU-wide survey to complement evidence

from the workshops and to help validate emerging priorities and action pathways. A report

presenting an analysis of the results was published in July 2026133. The consultation gathered

more than 600 responses, alongside 63 detailed written contributions from across the agri-

food landscape, including research institutes and academia, food manufacturing and

processing, NGOs, government and policy actors, farming organisations, consumer and

advocacy groups, and civil society.

The respondent profile showed very high participation from research and academia (52%), with

more limited responses from SMEs and startups. Awareness of Food 2030 was also uneven

across respondent groups. Overall, 57.6% of respondents reported being unaware of Food

2030, while lack of awareness remained substantial among individual citizens (44.1%).

Taken together, the survey and written contributions suggest continued support for the food-

systems approach introduced by Food 2030, while pointing to the need for a more focused

and operational update. Across sectors, stakeholders called for better alignment with real-

133 European Commission: Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, Gallina, A. and Pelissier, P.-M.

(eds), Building FOOD 2040 stakeholder input for the new EU R&I strategic agenda for food systems – Analysis

and synthesis of the results from the open consultation survey, Publications Office of the European Union, 2026,

https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2777/2306913.

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world food systems, clearer objectives and impacts, stronger links to scale-up, deployment and

competitiveness, and improved monitoring of progress. There was also broad support for

simplifying and streamlining the current pathway architecture.

The feedback indicates that future priorities should focus more on post-farmgate

environmental impacts, healthier diets, resilience and preparedness, circularity, protein

diversification, and the uptake of innovation, including digital solutions. Open responses

and written submissions also highlighted issues seen as insufficiently covered in the current

framework, notably governance, territorial approaches, fairness, strategic autonomy, and the

conditions needed for deployment. Notably, 59 of the 63 written submissions identified new or

insufficiently covered areas beyond the existing Food 2030 pathways.

Overall, the feedback suggests that Food 2040 should retain the systemic logic of Food 2030

while providing a clearer, more implementation-oriented framework with stronger attention

to competitiveness, health, resilience and public value.

5.2.2. Food 2040 workshop

A Food 2040 stakeholder workshop took place on 25 March 2026 in Brussels and brought

together 80 representatives from academia and RTOs, public institutions, interest groups

(European Technology Platforms, agri-food associations, etc.) and the private sector

(particularly SMEs and startups). Two dedicated panels on policy and innovation and new

technologies set the scene ahead of two consecutive breakout sessions to provide input for

shaping the Food 2040 priorities and its related action pathways.

In the first breakout session participants agreed that while the Food 2030 approach remains

essential, it is no longer sufficient alone. The systems-based perspective was praised as a

key achievement, but concerns were raised about lagging implementation, with calls for

future work to be more operational, measurable, and aligned with current risks. Moderators

noted broad support for retaining the systemic logic in Food 2040 priorities, while

strengthening the framework - particularly around competitiveness, resilience, risk

management, justice, and governance. Governance emerged as a dominant theme, with some

advocating it as a standalone priority and others as a foundational layer shaping the entire

framework. Debates also arose over digitalisation and AI: while many viewed them as critical

cross-cutting enablers, others warned against treating them as vague solutions without clear

mechanisms to ensure trustworthy, impactful outcomes.

The second breakout session focused on updating the pathways for action while maintaining

a food systems approach. Participants agreed on retaining the strongest Food 2030 building

blocks but suggested merging, broadening, or reframing certain pathways to better address

current challenges and opportunities. Governance, technology, and digitalisation were widely

seen as cross-cutting enablers that should be integrated across all pathways rather than treated

as standalone themes. There was also strong support for reinforcing the territorial

perspective, ensuring greater emphasis on rural, regional, and local food systems alongside

urban priorities.

Participants also called for a stronger focus on implementation, scale-up and

competitiveness. The workshop highlighted the need to go from generating research to

accelerating uptake through demonstration infrastructures, public-private cooperation,

innovation-friendly regulation, investment conditions and skills development. In that context,

stakeholders emphasised that Food 2040 should better address food manufacturing and

processing, market uptake, and the conditions needed to translate innovation into broader

societal and economic value.

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A third major conclusion concerned the scope of future priorities. Many participants called for

stronger integration of health, sustainable diets, food environments and protein

diversification, as well as greater attention to circularity, zero pollution, strategic autonomy,

resilience and Europe’s role in global food systems. At the same time, several discussions

underlined the need to address social innovation, behavioural change, fairness and

governance capacity more explicitly.

Overall, the breakout sessions suggest that Food 2040 should have a more operational and

future-oriented architecture: fewer silos, stronger cross-cutting enablers, and clearer

pathways for delivery, competitiveness and public impact.

5.3. Consultation of the Standing Committee on Agricultural Research

The Standing Committee on Agricultural Research (SCAR) is an important source of strategic

R&I policy advice from the Member States and associated countries to the European

Commission on European agriculture, fisheries, food, forestry and wider bioeconomy. It is a

catalyst for the coordination of national R&I programmes and contributes to strengthening

the integrated European Research Area. The committee played an important role in

implementing the 2016 strategic approach to agricultural R&I and Food 2030.

The SCAR plenary, organised twice a year, brings together delegates from more than

35 countries represented in the SCAR to discuss R&I policy development and SCAR working

groups activities, and take strategic decisions. The working groups are the backbone of the

SCAR. Focusing on specific priority areas134, they bring together nominated national experts

from across Europe. Together, they co-create R&I agendas, develop inspiring studies, provide

recommendations on R&I policy, highlight priority R&I needs and gaps and exchange on

experiences and best practices.

For example, the SCAR Sustainable Animal Production working group developed the ERA-

NET on Sustainable Animal Production Systems (SusAn)135, with an EU contribution of EUR

5 million and an overall budget of around EUR 16 million. The SCAR Agroecology, SCAR

Animal Health and Welfare, SCAR Food Systems and SCAR Forest working groups have been

key platforms for co-creating the strategic R&I agendas of four Horizon Europe 2021-

2027 partnerships: agroecology living labs and research infrastructures; animal health

and welfare; FutureFoodS; and FOREST. Since its creation in 2010, SCAR AKIS has been

a key working group for the Commission, Member States and associated countries to discuss

and exchange best practices on the functioning of EU AKIS, the integration of the multi-

actor approach, and synergies between Horizon programmes and the CAP136.

The SCAR foresight reports are important sources of advice to the Commission in designing

its R&I actions under the different R&I framework programmes. The latest report, the

5th SCAR Foresight Report focused on ‘Resilience and Transformation’137.

134 During the 2016-2026 period, the working groups of SCAR were the following: SCAR Agroecology,

SCAR AKIS, SCAR Agricultural Research towards greater impact on global challenges (ARCH), SCAR

Bioeconomy, SCAR FISH, SCAR Food Systems, SCAR Forest, SCAR Sustainable Animal Production, SCAR

Animal Health and Welfare, SCAR Task Force on Proteins, SCAR Task Force on Foresight, SCAR Task Force

on Startup and Scaleup. 135 European Research Area on Sustainable Animal Production Systems | SusAn | Project | Fact Sheet | H2020 |

CORDIS | European Commission. 136 Strengthening EU AKISs: 5th mandate report of the SWG- AKIS (2019-2022) Documents. 137 Report of the 5th SCAR Foresight Exercise Expert Group.

86

Another achievement was the SCAR Protein Task Force’s report on protein diversification,

which provided actionable recommendations and strategic directions to guide future R&I

agendas toward a more autonomous, sustainable and resilient European protein system.

5.3.1. 2026 SCAR consultation workshop to support the preparation of the new R&I strategic

approach

A SCAR consultation workshop on 27 February 2026 focused on supporting the development

of the EU’s new R&I strategic approach on agriculture, forestry, rural areas, and food systems.

The workshop included four breakout sessions on future thematic priorities for

agriculture, forestry and rural R&I, on boosting the uptake of R&I results by farmers,

foresters and rural actors, Food 2040 priorities and pathways, and the valorisation of

agricultural and food-systems R&I results into business creation, startups and scaleups.

Detailed outcomes and recommendations are available in the dedicated workshop

report138.

5.3.2. Establishment of a new SCAR task force on startup and scaleup

In January 2026, SCAR established a dedicated task force on startup and scaleup, representing

15 Member States and associated countries, in support of the development of the new R&I

strategic approach. The focus was on providing advice on improving the valorisation of R&I

results into business creation, startups and scaleups in the agri-food sector. The task force

collected case studies from relevant startups and scaleups across Europe and identified sector-

specific challenges and opportunities and delivered targeted R&I recommendations139.

6. CONCLUSION

The evidence presented in this Staff Working Document shows that the 2016 strategic approach

to EU agricultural R&I and Food 2030 have both played important roles in shaping EU-funded

research and innovation under Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe 2021-2027 in support of

agriculture, food systems, forestry, and rural areas. In line with the strategic planning of

Horizon programmes and ensuring transparent prioritisation with Member States through

Programme Committees, the 2016 strategic approach to EU agricultural R&I and Food 2030

have helped structure investments, mobilise research communities, support co-creation

with stakeholders, and valorise the knowledge, tools, methods and innovations emerging

from Horizon-funded activities.

The 2016 strategic approach to agricultural R&I has contributed to strengthening the

knowledge and innovation base for competitive, resilient and sustainable agriculture,

forestry and rural areas. More than EUR 3 billion were invested in 565 R&I projects in the

period 2014-2024 to support these strategic sectors. By mobilising and reinforcing tools

supporting inclusive and impactful research and innovation activities and strengthening

synergies between Horizon Europe 2021-2027 and the common agricultural policy, it helped

place farmers, foresters and rural actors more centrally in the R&I process and supported

the uptake of knowledge, practices, technologies and services in real-life settings.

European farmers, foresters, and rural actors are inherently innovative and continually adapting

to the changing context. However, the adoption of innovation remains a challenge140 for

138 Summary of the SCAR consultation workshop on European Commission’s R&I strategic approaches related

to the agri-food system. 139 Startup & Scaleup Task force. 140 OECD (2023), Policies for the Future of Farming and Food in the European Union.

87

these sectors. Barriers to uptake of innovation at farm level include economic risks, uncertainty,

compatibility with existing practices, trust in knowledge sources and reluctance to change, all

of which are and largely influenced by the region’s diverse agricultural structure141. Socio-

economic factors - such as the diversity of farming systems, the prevalence of small actors,

ageing and gender imbalance, limited investment capacities and weaker broadband

connectivity in rural areas as compared to urban ones further hinder effective uptake of

knowledge and innovations142. This calls for more support for the uptake of R&I results.

Food 2030 has provided a pioneering food-systems R&I framework, helping to connect

nutrition and health, climate and sustainability, circularity and resource efficiency, and

innovation and communities. It has supported systemic, cross-sectoral approaches,

stakeholder engagement, living labs, coordination and support actions, innovation actions, and

synergies with other EU initiatives. It has also created a strong basis for the development of

Food 2040, supporting a more integrated approach to food-systems R&I, including processing,

distribution, retail, consumption, food waste, healthy and sustainable diets, circularity and

innovation uptake.

This analytical work supports the preparation of the new Communication on the strategic

approach to R&I in agriculture, forestry, rural areas and food systems. It takes stock of

achievements, implementation experience and stakeholder input from both R&I strands. It

highlights opportunities to strengthen the innovation ecosystem, improve the uptake and

valorisation of R&I results, and better connect agricultural, forestry, rural and food-systems

R&I along the innovation and investment journey, from knowledge generation to deployment

and scale-up.

The 2016 strategic approach to agricultural R&I and Food 2030 address different parts of the

agri-food sector. However, recent stakeholder consultation activities point to several

common needs for the future: more operational frameworks, stronger links between research

and deployment, better alignment with users, stronger monitoring, stronger governance

capacity, and greater attention to competitiveness, resilience and territorial realities.

Across both areas, several shared lessons emerge. The EU R&I strategic approach supported

by this SWD should maintain a systemic and multi-actor perspective while strengthening

implementation, uptake, scale-up and valorisation. It should better connect research with

deployment, market and policy uptake, and support the enabling conditions needed for

innovation to generate public value. This includes stronger attention to skills, investment,

demonstration, regulatory interfaces, monitoring, digital tools, governance capacity and

territorial innovation ecosystems.

Stakeholder engagement also shows that future frameworks need to respond to a changed

strategic context. In the areas of the agri-food sector, competitiveness, resilience,

sustainability, strategic autonomy, health, circularity, fairness and public trust are

increasingly interconnected. Addressing the challenges faced by those areas requires

continued cooperation and close engagement with Member States and associated countries,

and sustained dialogue with all actors, including the private sector.

Building on the achievements and implementation experience of the 2016 strategic approach

to EU agricultural research and innovation and Food 2030, the new strategic approach to EU

research and innovation for competitive, resilient and sustainable agriculture, food systems,

forestry and rural areas should provide an updated and more integrated framework for

141 WIPO (2026) https://doi.org/10.1007/s13165-023-00440-7https://doi.org/10.1787/32810cf6-en. 142 OECD (2023), Policies for the Future of Farming and Food in the European Union.

88

future R&I investments. It should help strengthen Europe’s innovation and investment

journey, boost the uptake of new knowledge and solutions, and support competitive, resilient,

sustainable and inclusive agriculture and food systems in Europe and beyond.

89

7. ANNEXES

Annex I-Data Analysis Methodology

2016 strategic approach to agricultural research and innovation

The data used to conduct this analysis was sourced from the Horizon Dashboard, a publicly

available data platform managed by the European Commission. The period covered is 2014–

2024. The chosen timeframe allows the analysis to fully include the Horizon 2020 programme

(2014-2020), and a period with robust data on Horizon Europe (2021-2024). The year 2025

was excluded as several administrative procedures and two-stage calls are still ongoing, and

the information is constantly being updated.

The dataset ‘AGRI’ was obtained by applying the filters described below.

• Call deadline year: 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024.

• Programme: Horizon 2020 or Horizon Europe 2021-2027.

• Thematic priority description: Food security, sustainable agriculture and forestry,

marine and maritime and inland water research and the bioeconomy; or Food,

Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment.

• Simplified types of action: RIA, IA, CSA, COFUND-EJP, ERA-NET-Cofund; or

HORIZON - COFUND, HORIZON-CSA, HORIZON-IA, HORIZON-RIA.

The output was then filtered by the projects that relate to the context of the 2016

strategic approach to EU agricultural R&I. For transparency and replicability reasons,

a full list can be accessed online as supplementary material to this staff working

document.

To enable a coherent comparison between programming and funding with Societal Challenge

2, Pillar III, Cluster 6 and Pillar II, the filter ‘type of actions’ was used and only the following

types of action were used: RIAs, IAs, CSAs, EJP, ERA-NET and COFUND.

The dataset ‘Societal Challenge 2’ was obtained by applying the filters described below.

• Call deadline year: 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021.

• Programme: Horizon 2020.

• Thematic priority description: Food security, sustainable agriculture and forestry,

marine and maritime and inland water research and the bioeconomy

• Simplified types of action: RIA, IA, CSA, COFUND-EJP, ERA-NET-Cofund.

The dataset ‘Cluster 6’ was obtained by applying the filters described below.

• Call deadline Year: 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024.

• Programme: Horizon Europe 2021-2027.

• Thematic priority description: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and

Environment.

• Simplified types of action: HORIZON-COFUND, HORIZON-CSA, HORIZON-IA,

HORIZON - RIA.

The dataset ‘Pillar III’ was obtained by applying the filters described below.

• Call deadline year: 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021.

• Programme: Horizon 2020.

• Pillar description: Societal Challenges.

• Simplified types of action: RIA, IA, CSA, COFUND-EJP, ERA-NET-Cofund.

90

The dataset ‘Pillar II’ was obtained by applying the filters described below.

• Call deadline year: 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024.

• Programme: Horizon Europe 2021-2027.

• Pillar description: Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness.

• Simplified types of action: HORIZON-COFUND, HORIZON-CSA, HORIZON-IA,

HORIZON-RIA.

Food 2030

The data used to conduct this analysis was sourced from the same Horizon Dashboard, a

publicly available data platform managed by the European Commission. The period covered is

2014-2024; the chosen timeframe allows the analysis to fully include Horizon 2020 programme

(2014-2020), as well as a period with robust data on Horizon Europe (2021-2024).

It should be noted that Food 2030 was created in 2016, with the first calls launched in 2017.

Yet, food systems related projects existed and were launched with the same objectives as those

laid down in Food 2030 prior to the creation of Food 2030 (2014-2016). It is important to also

capture the outcomes and data of these projects to get a complete analysis.

The dataset used for the analysis was obtained by filtering, in the dashboard, the projects that

relate to the context of the Food 2030 framework since 2014.

ET ET

EUROOPA KOMISJON

Brüssel, 8.9.2026 COM(2026) 453 final

KOMISJONI TEATIS EUROOPA PARLAMENDILE, NÕUKOGULE, EUROOPA

MAJANDUS- JA SOTSIAALKOMITEELE NING REGIOONIDE KOMITEELE

Teadusuuringute ja innovatsiooni uus strateegiline lähenemisviis, et tagada

põllumajanduse, metsanduse, maapiirkondade ja toidusüsteemide

konkurentsivõimelisus, vastupidavus ja kestlikkus

ELi põllumajandusliku toidutööstuse tulevikukindlaks muutmine raamistike „AgRI

2040“ ja „Food 2040“ kaudu

{SWD(2026) 271 final}

1

1. ELi PÕLLUMAJANDUSE, METSANDUSE, MAAPIIRKONDADE JA

TOIDUSÜSTEEMIDE ALASTE TEADUSUURINGUTE JA INNOVATSIOONI UUS

KONTEKST

Põllumajanduslik toidutööstus,1 mis hõlmab põllumajandust, metsandust, maapiirkondades

teostatavaid tegevusi ja laiemaid toidusüsteeme, on Euroopa Liidu (EL) ning selle toiduga

kindlustatuse, kestlikkuse ja konkurentsivõime jaoks strateegiline vara. Sellega tagatakse

450 miljoni Euroopa elaniku pidev varustamine piisava, taskukohase, ohutu, tervisliku ja

kvaliteetse toiduga. Lisaks on sellel oluline roll kliimamuutustega seotud ohtude leevendamisel ja

nendega kohanemisel, toetades samal ajal loodusvarade kestlikku majandamist, ringsuspõhist ja

kestlikku biomajandust ning ülemaailmset toiduga kindlustatust.

2023. aastal lõid ELi põllumajandus- ja toidusüsteemid rohkem kui 1 triljon eurot lisaväärtust ning

andsid tööd ligikaudu 30 miljonile inimesele (15 % kõigist töökohtadest ELis2). See hõlmab

4,8 miljonit inimest 309 000 toiduaine- ja joogitööstuse ettevõttes, mis on ELi suurim

tootmissektor3 ning mille käive oli 1,5 triljonit eurot ja mis andis 296 miljardit eurot lisaväärtust.

Maailma suurima põllumajanduslike toiduainete eksportijana oli ELi põllumajanduslike

toiduainete kaubandusbilansi ülejääk 2025. aastal 50 miljardit eurot4.

Maapiirkonnad, kus elab 25 % ELi elanikkonnast ja mis hõlmavad üle 75 % ELi territooriumist,

on kestliku majanduskasvu ja innovatsiooni peamine tõukejõud5. Metsad ja muu metsamaa

katavad peaaegu 44 % ELi territooriumist ning on Euroopa elanike tervise, elurikkuse,

maapiirkondade elatusvahendite, kultuuripärandi, majandusliku jõukuse, kliimamuutuste

leevendamise ja nendega kohanemise ning tulevaste keskkonna- ja tervisekriiside ennetamise

jaoks esmatähtsad.

Ülemaailmse juhtpositsiooni säilitamiseks peab sektor kiiremini uuendusi tegema ja

moderniseerima. Hoolimata aja jooksul suurenenud kulutustest teadus- ja arendustegevusele6

seisab Euroopa teaduse tipptase põllumajanduslikus toidutööstuses, näiteks digi- ja tehisintellekti

rakenduste valdkonnas, silmitsi probleemidega. Kui praegune olukord jätkub ning lõhe

1 Käesolevas teatises kasutatakse põllumajandusliku toidutööstuse terminit laias tähenduses, mis tähendab, et see

hõlmab põllumajandust, metsandust, toidusüsteeme ja maapiirkondi. 2 Eurostat, „Key figures on the European food chain – 2025 edition“, 12. detsember 2025,

https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/products-key-figures/w/ks-01-25-049. 3 FoodDrinkEurope, „Data & Trends:EU Food and Drink Industry – 2026 Edition“, 2026,

https://www.fooddrinkeurope.eu/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/FoodDrinkEurope-Data-Trends-2026-report-

digital.pdf. 4 ELi põllumajanduslike toiduainete kaubanduse seire: areng 2025. aastal, Euroopa Komisjon, 2026.

Põllumajanduslike toiduainetega kauplemise andmed hõlmavad ainult kaupu, ent ei hõlma kalandust, vesiviljelust

ega metsandust. 5 COM(2025) 75 final. 6 OECD, „Agricultural Policy Monitoring and Evaluation 2024“, 2024, Pariis,

https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/agricultural-policy-monitoring-and-evaluation-2024_74da57ed-en.html.

2

innovatsiooni ja kasutuselevõtu vahel püsib, jääb põllumajanduse kogutootlikkuse kasv tulevikus

eeldatavasti tagasihoidlikuks.

See osutab sellele, et teadusuuringute ja innovatsiooni väljundid ei kajastu piisavalt

proportsionaalses tootlikkuse kasvus,7 kestlikkuses ega ressursitõhususes. Lisaks on

investeeringute puudujääk Euroopas üha suurem, ehkki Euroopa on teatavates põllumajandusliku

toidutööstuse tehnoloogiasegmentides jätkuvalt suhteliselt konkurentsivõimeline. Investeeringud

põllumajandusliku toidutööstuse tehnoloogiasse vähenesid Euroopas 2020.–2024. aastal 67 %

võrreldes Ameerika Ühendriikide ja Kanada kõrgema tasemega (50–70 %)8. Selleks et vähendada

oma sõltuvust teistest suurriikidest, eelkõige toidutootmises kasutatava tehnoloogia puhul, peab

EL veelgi suurendama oma strateegilist autonoomiat, arendades tehisintellektisuutlikkust

põllumajandus- ja toidusüsteemide jaoks.

ELi põllumajanduslik toidutööstus tegutseb üha keerukamas ja kiiresti muutuvas

keskkonnas. Geopoliitilist olukorda iseloomustavad kõikuvad sisendi- ja toormehinnad ning

märkimisväärne sõltuvus kolmandatest riikidest mitte ainult tehnoloogia, vaid ka

põllumajanduslike sisendite, eelkõige väetiste, energia ja valgusööda osas. Nendele probleemidele

lisanduvad tööjõu vananemine ja vähenemine, millega kaasneb sooline tasakaalustamatus, ning

surve maakasutusele ja loodusvaradele, ning neid süvendavad kliimamuutused, saaste ja

elurikkuse vähenemine. Käimas on struktuurimuutused alates uutest tehnoloogiapõhistest

põllumajandus- ja toidutootmismeetoditest kuni uuenduslike väärtusahelate ja uute ringmajanduse

ärimudelite tekkeni biomajanduse sektoris ning tehisintellekti ja biotehnoloogia kasutamiseni.

Teadusuuringutel ja innovatsioonil põhinev kestlik konkurentsivõime on kesksel kohal nii

põllumajandus- ja toidualases visioonis kui ka Euroopa bioteaduste strateegias. Visioonis

kutsutakse üles ajakohastama teadusuuringute ja innovatsiooni 2016. aasta strateegilist

lähenemisviisi põllumajanduse ja metsanduse valdkonnas ning maapiirkondades, et paremini

suunata investeeringuid, viia tulevased prioriteedid kooskõlla teaduse arenguga ja kasutada ära

uusi võimalusi. Bioteaduste strateegia eesmärk on muuta EL 2030. aastaks ülemaailmseks

innovatsioonikeskuseks tervishoiu, biotehnoloogia, toidu ja biotootmise valdkonnas, sealhulgas

meelitades algatuse „Vali Euroopa“ kaudu ligi talente. Strateegias anti ka teada, et praegusele

raamistikule „Food 2030“ tuginedes töötatakse välja toidusüsteeme käsitlev uus täiendav

teadusuuringute ja innovatsiooni strateegiline tegevuskava. See tegevuskava toetab

konkurentsivõimeliste, kestlike ja vastupidavate toidusüsteemide arendamist. Letta aruandes ja

Draghi aruandes rõhutati vajadust tugevdada ELi ühtset turgu ja suurendada selle

konkurentsivõimet, mis on oluline ka põllumajandusliku toidutööstuse jaoks.

Konkurentsivõime suurendamiseks tuleb kasutusele võtta tervikliku väärtusahela

lähenemisviis, mis toetab ELi idu- ja kasvufirmade innovatsiooniteekonda alates

7 Euroopa Komisjon, põllumajanduse ja maaelu arengu peadirektoraat, „EU Agricultural Outlook 2025–2035“,

Euroopa Liidu Väljaannete Talitus, Luxembourg, 2025, https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2762/4491268. 8 AgFunder, „Global Agrifoodtech Investment Report 2025“, AgFunder, San Francisco, CA, 2025,

https://agfunder.com/research/agfunder-global-agrifoodtech-investment-report-2025/.

3

teadusuuringutest kuni turuni. Strateegiline lähenemisviis on üles ehitatud kahele tihedalt seotud

raamistikule, mis on esitatud käesolevas teatises ning mille eesmärk on käsitleda ELi

põllumajandusliku toidutööstuse teadusuuringute ja innovatsiooni ökosüsteemi süsteemsel ja

valdkonnaülesel viisil.Need raamistikud on „AgRI 2040“, milles keskendutakse

põllumajandusele, metsandusele ja maapiirkondadele, ning „Food 2040“, milles keskendutakse

toidusüsteemidele, sealhulgas kalandusele ja vesiviljelusele. Käesolevas teatises tuginetakse

raamistikke „AgRI 2040“ ja „Food 2040“ toetavate avalike konsultatsioonide tulemustele, mis on

kokkuvõtlikult esitatud komisjoni talituste töödokumendis9. Mõlema raamistiku ühiseid

temaatilisi küsimusi käsitletakse koos. Raamistike „AgRI 2040“ ja „Food 2040“ raames

määratakse kindlaks konkreetsemad tegevusvaldkonnad, keskendudes kõrgetasemelistele

poliitikasuunistele, ilma et see piiraks järgmiste mitmeaastaste finantsraamistike rakendamist.

2. EDUKA JA OMAVAHEL ÜHENDATUD ELI TEADUSUURINGUTE JA

INNOVATSIOONI ÖKOSÜSTEEMI KUJUNDAMINE

2.1. „Laborist tootmisse“ lõhe ületamine

Põllumajandusliku toidutööstuse konkurentsivõime, vastupidavuse ja kestlikkuse

tagamiseks on hädavajalik tugev innovatsioonipõhine ökosüsteem. See tugineb avatud,

õiglasele ja koostööl põhinevale omavahelisele seotusele väärtusahela eri segmentides alates

põllumajandustootjatest kuni tarbijateni.

Euroopa loob kvaliteetseid teaduslikke teadmisi põllumajandus- ja toidusüsteemide kohta. Tema

konkurentsivõimet pärsivad aga ebapiisavad erainvesteeringud teadusuuringutesse ja

innovatsiooni10 ning varajase etapi teadusuuringute tulemuste aeglane kasutamine

ärivõimalusteks. VKEde ülekaal, piiratud investeerimissuutlikkus ja suur tööjõumahukus on

täiendavad turustamise takistused, mis on iseloomulikud just põllumajandus-, metsandus- ja

toidusüsteemidele11.

Põllumajandusliku toidutööstuse innovaatilistel VKEdel ja idufirmadel12 on head võimalused

töötada välja, kohandada ja laiendada lahendusi eri olukordades. Samal ajal on nende osalemine

programmi „Euroopa horisont“ projektides ja projektitulemuste väärindamine endiselt

9 Komisjoni talituste töödokument „Analytical overview of the achievements of the 2016 strategic approach to

agricultural R&I and Food 2030 R&I framework and insights from stakeholder consultation activities,

accompanying this strategic approach“. 10 Euroopa Komisjon ja Heitor, M. (toim), „Align, act, accelerate:Research, technology and innovation to boost

European competitiveness“ (Kooskõlla viimine, tegutsemine, kiirendamine: teadusuuringud, tehnoloogia ja

innovatsioon Euroopa konkurentsivõime suurendamiseks), Euroopa Liidu Väljaannete Talitus, Luxembourg, 2024,

https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2777/9106236. 11 Euroopa Komisjon: Euroopa Innovatsiooninõukogu ja VKEde Rakendusamet, Technopolis Group, IDEA Consult,

„Monitoring industrial ecosystems – Agri-food – Analytical report – 2024 edition“ (Tööstusökosüsteemide seire –

põllumajanduslik toidutööstus – analüütiline aruanne – 2024. aasta väljaanne), Euroopa Liidu Väljaannete Talitus,

2025, https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2826/4766674. 12 Kuigi idu- ja kasvufirmad kvalifitseeruvad sageli VKEdeks ELi VKEde määratluse tähenduses, käsitletakse neid

käesolevas teatises analüütilistel ja poliitilistel eesmärkidel eraldi kategooriatena.

4

piiratud13. Killustatud rahastamine,10 regulatiivne keerukus ja ebapiisav toetus kõrgemal

tehnoloogilise valmiduse tasemel on endiselt peamised tõkked, mis takistavad teadusuuringute

tulemuste muutmist turuvalmis toodeteks ja teenusteks ka põllumajanduslikus

toidutööstuses.

Selles jaos pakutakse välja meetmed, mis tugevdavad teadusuuringute ja innovatsiooni

ökosüsteemi alates varajase etapi innovatsioonist kuni turuleviimiseni, võimendades

teadusuuringute tulemusi ning toetades turuleviimist ja idufirmade kasvu ELi põllumajanduslikus

toidutööstuses kooskõlas ELi idu- ja kasvufirmade strateegiaga. Selles tuginetakse raamistikke

„AgRI 2040 ja „Food 2040“ toetava avaliku konsultatsiooni tulemustele ning sidusrühmadelt ja

liikmesriikidelt saadud tagasisidele, sealhulgas alalise põllumajandusuuringute komitee idu- ja

kasvufirmade rakkerühmalt saadud teabele.

Investeeringute edendamine ning teadusuuringute ja innovatsiooni tulemuste väärindamine

põllumajanduslikus toidutööstuses

Komisjon püüab muuta ELi rahastatavad teadus- ja innovatsiooniprojektid rohkem

ettevõtlusele suunatuks, lisades projektikonkurssidesse asjakohaseid elemente, suurendades

erasektori ja turuekspertide osalemist taotluste hindamisel ning stimuleerides teadusuuringute ja

innovatsiooni tulemuste väärindamist ja kasutamist. Ilma et see piiraks käimasolevaid

läbirääkimisi mitmeaastase finantsraamistiku üle ja tulevaste ELi rahastamisprogrammide

rakendamist, uurib komisjon võimalusi, kuidas vähendada turule sisenemise tõkkeid ning

suurendada VKEde ja idufirmade osalemist programmi „Euroopa horisont“ projektides. Need mehhanismid võiksid hõlmata astmelise rahastamise14 ja muude lihtsustatud

haldusmenetluste suuremat kasutamist, nähtavust ja kättesaadavust ning tugevamat toetust

konsortsiumide loomiseks.

Komisjon haldab põllumajanduslikus toidutööstuses teadusuuringute ja innovatsiooni raames

rahastatavate projektide portfelli nii, et selles võetakse selgemalt arvesse tehnoloogia arengu

kõrgemat taset,15 ühendades innovatsiooni valmidusastme hindamise igale arenguetapile

kohandatud sihipärase toetusega.

13 Komisjoni talituste töödokument „Analytical overview of the achievements of the 2016 strategic approach to

agricultural R&I and Food 2030 R&I framework and insights from stakeholder consultation activities,

accompanying this strategic approach“. 14 ELi rahastamis- ja hankeportaal, „Financial Support for Third Parties (FSTP)“ (Rahaline toetus kolmandatele

isikutele). 15 Tehnoloogia kasutusküpsust hinnatakse tavaliselt tehnoloogilise valmiduse tasemete skaala abil, mis näitab, kui

kaugele on tehnoloogia alates varastest teadusuuringutest kuni kasutuselevõtuni jõudnud. Tehnoloogilise valmiduse

tasemed määratakse kindlaks vastavalt programmi „Euroopa horisont“ juhendile (Euroopa Komisjon, 2025).

5

Komisjon uurib selliste kasvuvõimaluste väljatöötamist,16 mis seovad omavahel eri

rahastamisallikad, et toetada sujuvat investeerimisteekonda põllumajanduslikus toidutööstuses.

Need püüdlused tugevdavad kavandatavaid tihedaid seoseid programmi „Euroopa horisont“ ja

tulevase Euroopa Konkurentsivõime Fondi vahel, tagades samal ajal võimaluse kasutada

rakendusvahendina ECFi InvestEU instrumenti. Eesmärk on kiirendada turustamist ja tugevdada

põllumajandusliku toidutööstuse innovatsiooni kogu ELis.

Komisjon püüab saavutada ka suuremat koostoimet organisatsioonide ja platvormidega, mis

võivad kasutuselevõttu toetada, sealhulgas näiteks toiduvaldkonna teadmus- ja

innovatsioonikogukonnaga, Euroopa Innovatsiooninõukoguga (EIC), Euroopa

ettevõtlusvõrgustikuga ja selle õigusjärglasega, st võrgustikuga EU4Business Euroopa

Konkurentsivõime Fondi raames või Euroopa tehnoloogiaplatvormidega (nt ETP Food for Life).

Euroopa Innovatsiooninõukogul on keskne roll murrangulise innovatsiooni toetamisel.

Edendatakse täiendavaid viise, et tugevdada sidemeid teadusalaste koostööprojektide ja

Euroopa Innovatsiooninõukogu vahendite vahel. Komisjon uurib ka innovatsiooni kiirtee

uuendatud kava, mis hõlmab väiksemaid konsortsiume, lühemat toetuse määramiseni kuluvat

aega, kõrgemaid tehnoloogilise valmiduse tasemeid ning idufirmade ja muude VKEde,

põllumajandustootjate, metsandusettevõtjate ja tööstuse suuremat osalemist.

Samuti luuakse mehhanism, mille abil teha varakult kindlaks teadusuuringute ja

innovatsiooni sellised paljutõotavad tulemused, millel on kaubanduslik potentsiaal.

Väljavalitud tulemused võivad saada lihtsalt, kiirelt ja paindlikult lisarahastust, et ületada lõhe

teadusuuringute ja varases etapis turusobivuse hindamise vahel.

Selleks et toetada selliseid innovatsioonis osalejaid nagu teadlased, novaatorid, ettevõtjad,

idufirmad ja muud VKEd, uurib komisjon täiendavaid meetmeid, näiteks innovatsiooniosakuid,17

et tugevdada nende koostööd Euroopa, riiklike ja piirkondlike ettevõtlusinkubaatorite,

kiirendite, eluslaborite18 ja katsetehastega. Nende meetmetega pakutaks kohandatud,

nõudlusest lähtuvat toetust koolitusele, ärimudeli arendamisele, kliendiuuringutele,

intellektuaalomandile ja sihipärastele rahastamisvõimalustele ning juurdepääsu testijatele ja

äripartneritele.

16 Struktureeritud ja dokumendipõhine raamistik, millega kaardistatakse ja seotakse olemasolevad rahastamisvahendid

ja toetusmeetmed eri etappides (tehnoloogilise valmiduse tasemetel), suunates innovatsiooni alates

teadusuuringutest kuni turuleviimise ja laiendamiseni ning aidates VKEdel ja idufirmadel teha kindlaks asjakohased

rahastamisvõimalused ja neile juurde pääseda. 17 Innovatsiooniosakud on väikesed paindlikud toetused innovatsioonis osalejatele, et nad saaksid juurdepääsu

välistele ettevõtte loomise ja kiirendamise tugiteenustele, ning need aitavad muuta paljutõotavad ideed elujõulisteks

ja turuvalmis ettevõteteks. 18 Eluslaborid on kasutajakesksed kohapõhised ja valdkonnaülesed teadusuuringute ja innovatsiooni ökosüsteemid,

mis kaasavad asjaomaseid partnereid süsteemsetesse teadusuuringutesse ning lahenduste ühisesse kavandamisse,

katsetamisse, seiresse ja hindamisse tegelikes tingimustes. Eluslaborid on loodud selliste algatuste raames nagu

mullakokkuleppe missioon, agroökoloogia partnerlus ja muud programmist „Euroopa horisont“ rahastatavad

meetmed.

6

Intellektuaalomandi puhul uurib komisjon sihipärasemat toetust märkimisväärse

turupotentsiaaliga projektidele, mis on kriitilistes etappides, tuginedes sellistele olemasolevatele

ressurssidele nagu Euroopa intellektuaalomandi kasutajatugi, programmi „Horisont“

intellektuaalomandi eeldiagnostikateenus ja programmi „Horisont“ tulemuste kiirendi.

Eksperimenteerimise, regulatiivse õppimise ja innovatsiooni toetamine põllumajanduslikus

toidutööstuses

Kiired eksperimenteerimistsüklid võivad märkimisväärselt kiirendada üleminekut ideedelt

kasutuselevõetavatele ja majanduslikult elujõulistele lahendustele. Komisjon uurib täiendavalt

rahastamisvõimalusi, et hõlbustada juurdepääsu katse- ja eksperimenteerimistaristutele,

näiteks eluslaboritele ja innovatsioonikeskustele, ning innovatsiooni toetavatele

riigihankekavadele.See võimaldaks idufirmadel ja muudel VKEdel prototüüpe kiiresti tegelikes

tingimustes valideerida.

Lisaks eksperimenteerimisvahendite, näiteks regulatiivsete katsekeskkondade19

laialdasemale kasutamisele ja tihedamale koostööle ELi riskihindamisasutustega (nt Euroopa

Toiduohutusamet) on vaja täiendavaid investeeringuid teadusuuringutesse ja innovatsiooni, et

toetada riskihindamise meetodeid. Selle eesmärk on rakendada regulatiivseid teadmisi vajalike

kohanduste tegemiseks (sh andmenõuded ja/või alternatiivsed regulatiivsed nõuded), et toetada

turustamiseelset heakskiitmist ja lubade andmist põllumajandusliku toidutööstuse uuendustele,

sealhulgas taimekaitsevahenditele, söödale ja toidule (sh geneetiliselt muundatud organismidest

saadud toodetele). Komisjon küsib asjaomastelt ELi riskihindamisasutustelt ja vajaduse korral

nende riiklikelt partneritelt korrapäraselt teavet põllumajandusliku toidutööstuse uuenduste

riskihindamisega seotud teadusuuringute ja innovatsiooni vajaduste kohta.

Pikaajalised koostööpõhised ja omavahel seotud teadusuuringute ja innovatsiooni ökosüsteemid

on tõendanud oma lisaväärtust, sealhulgas selliste ELi missioonide kaudu nagu Euroopa

mullakokkuleppe missioon, institutsionaliseeritud partnerlused ühisettevõtetena ja kaasrahastatud

partnerlused. Kooskõlas käimasoleva hindamisega20 uurib komisjon, kuidas saaks partnerlusi

veelgi võimendada, et kaasata prioriteetsetesse valdkondadesse täiendavaid era- ja avaliku

sektori investeeringuid. Alalisel põllumajandusuuringute komiteel võiks olla suurem roll

teadmiste vahendajana, et hinnata ELi teadusuuringute ja innovatsiooni suutlikkust (tugevusi ja

nõrkusi) põllumajandusliku toidutööstuse eri sektorites.

Teadusuuringute Ühiskeskuse hallatava põllumajanduse, metsanduse, maaelu arengu ja

toidusüsteemide innovatsiooni ja ümberkujundamise teaduskeskuse loomisega toetab

19 Komisjon on dokumendis COM(2025) 1022 final esitanud Euroopa biotehnoloogiamääruse ettepaneku raames

üldiste toidualaste õigusnormide määruse sihipärased muudatused, nähes ette tingimused, mille alusel võib

toiduahela kontekstis luua regulatiivseid katsekeskkondi. 20 Euroopa Komisjon, teadusuuringute ja innovatsiooni peadirektoraat, „Public consultation on Joint Undertakings,

Art. 185 initiatives, and thematic priorities for European Partnerships under Horizon Europe 28-34“, 10. juuli 2026,

https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/news/all-research-and-innovation-news/public-consultation-joint-

undertakings-art-185-initiatives-and-thematic-priorities-european-2026-07-10_en.

7

komisjon ELi ja liikmesriikide põllumajandusliku toidutööstuse innovatsioonipoliitikat ja sektori

sidusrühmi (alates tootjatest kuni ettevõtjateni), tehes kindlaks peamised innovatsioonivõimalused

põllumajanduslikus toidutööstuses, analüüsides majanduslikku mõju ning turu ja kasutuselevõtu

lünki ning andes sidusrühmadele tõenditel põhinevaid ja rakendatavaid teadmisi, et toetada

strateegiliste otsuste tegemist eesmärgiga tugevdada ELi innovatsioonisuutlikkust.

Liikmesriike innustatakse kaaluma, kuidas nad saaksid kasutada oma tulevasi riiklikke ja

piirkondlikke partnerluskavasid, et veelgi tugevdada ja tõhustada toetavat innovatsiooni

ökosüsteemi põllumajanduslikus toidutööstuses, näiteks investeerides suutlikkuse suurendamisse,

inimressurssidesse ja sellistesse innovatsiooni võimaldavatesse taristutesse nagu katserajatised.

2.2. Teadmiste ja innovatsiooni omaksvõtu kiirendamine põllumajandustootjate,

metsandusettevõtjate ja maapiirkondade osalejate seas

ELi toiduga kindlustatuse ning põllumajanduse, metsanduse ja maapiirkondade

konkurentsivõime, kestlikkuse ja vastupidavuse tagamiseks on oluline innovatsiooni

omaksvõtt.

Põllumajandus- ja toidualase visiooni eesmärkide saavutamiseks peab innovatsioon minema

üksikutest projektidest kaugemale, levima piirkondade vahel ja lõimuma igapäevastesse tavadesse. See nõuab edenemist kolmes mõõtmes: i) laiendamine, levitades end tõestanud lahendusi

rohkematele kasutajatele ja asukohtadele, ii) suurendamine, kujundades poliitikat ja õigusnorme,

et toetada innovatsiooni omaksvõttu, ning iii) süvendamine, suunates uued tavad, väärtused ja

veendumused ühiskonda.

Ühise põllumajanduspoliitika (ÜPP) vahendite abil on võimalik stimuleerida nõudlust

uuenduslike lahenduste järele, toetades põllumajandustootjaid uue tehnoloogia, kestlike tavade ja

digivahendite kasutuselevõtul ning innovatsiooni rakendamisel tänu investeerimistoetusele. ELi

põllumajanduse teadus- ja innovatsioonipoliitika, mis toimib tihedas vastastikuses täiendavuses

praeguse ÜPPga, on loonud tugeva aluse teadmiste ja innovatsiooni koosloomisele ja

levitamisele. Sidusrühmad rõhutavad siiski jätkuvalt vajadust sihipäraste täiustuste järele, et

kiirendada teadusuuringute ja innovatsiooni tulemuste kasutuselevõttu21.

21 Euroopa Komisjon, põllumajanduse ja maaelu arengu peadirektoraat, „Future-proofing EU agri-food through

research and innovation – Summary of the results of the open consultation“, Euroopa Liidu Väljaannete Talitus,

Luxembourg, 2026, https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2762/2404939.

8

Põllumajandustootjate juhitud innovatsiooni toetamine mitme osalejaga lähenemisviisi ja

eluslaborite kaudu

Põllumajandustootjad võtavad suurema tõenäosusega kasutusele uuendusi, mis on loodud

nendega ühiselt, mida on katsetatud tegelikes tingimustes ning mida toetavad nõustamisteenused

ja vastastikune teabevahetus22. Viimase kümne aasta jooksul on mitme osalejaga

lähenemisviisist23 saanud programmide „Horisont 2020“ ja „Euroopa horisont“ raames

rahastatavate põllumajanduse, metsanduse ja maapiirkondade teadus- ja innovatsiooniprojektide

põhielement, mis on muutunud kohustuslikuks rohkem kui 70 % asjakohaste

projektikonkursside puhul24. Eluslaborid on samuti edendanud pikaajalist valdkondadevahelist

koostööd kohapõhise eksperimenteerimise kaudu, mis hõlmab tehnilist, sotsiaalset ja

käitumuslikku mõõdet.

Endiselt on siiski probleeme, sealhulgas projektide ebajärjekindel rakendamine, takistused

asjaomaste osalejate varajasel ja sisulisel kaasamisel ning tulemuste ebaühtlane

kasutuselevõtmine.

Komisjon viib läbi uuringu, et hinnata olemasolevate vahendite mõju innovatsiooni levitamisele

ja omaksvõtule. Tulemuste põhjal püüab komisjon ühtlustada mitme osalejaga lähenemisviisi ja

eluslaborite termineid ja meetodeid ning tugevdada hindamis- ja järelevalvemehhanisme

projekti tasandil.Komisjon kavatseb uurida programmi „Euroopa horisont“ (2028–2034) ja

tulevase Euroopa Konkurentsivõime Fondi raames viise, kuidas toetada asjaomaste osalejate

varajast ja sisulist kaasamist taotluste esitamisele eelnevate toetusmeetmete kaudu, mis

hõlbustavad konsortsiumide loomist, ning lihtsustatud rahalise toetuse kaudu, et tagada

põllumajandustootjate ja muude sidusrühmade projektides osalemise õiglane tunnustamine ja

tasustamine. Tugevdada tuleks seost sotsiaal- ja humanitaarteadustega, et toetada kaasavaid

koosloomeprotsesse. Jätkuvalt soodustatakse põllumajandustootjate organisatsioonide, ühistute,

nõustamis- ja teabeleviteenistuste ning põllumajanduskodade osalemist teadus- ja

innovatsiooniprojektides. Komisjon uurib ka koostööplatvorme, et viia põllumajandustootjad ja

teised praktikud paremini kokku projektidega, milles kasutatakse mitme osalejaga lähenemisviisi.

Alt-üles-innovatsiooni toetamiseks edendab komisjon algatusi, millega valideeritakse

traditsioonilisi teadmisi ja praktikute juhitud lahendusi, kaasates samal ajal

põllumajandustootjaid uuenduste katsetamisse eri piirkondades. Nende jõupingutuste tulemuseks

22 Euroopa Komisjon, põllumajanduse ja maaelu arengu peadirektoraat – üksus A.3, „Study on outcomes achieved by

EIP-AGRI Operational Group projects under the CAP“, ELi ÜPP võrgustik, 2024, https://eu-cap-

network.ec.europa.eu/publications/study-outcomes-achieved-eip-agri-operational-group-projects-under-cap_en. 23 Mitme osalejaga lähenemisviis on interaktiivsete, valdkondadevaheliste ja vastutustundlike teadusuuringute ja

innovatsiooni vorm, mille eesmärk on muuta teadusuuringute ja innovatsiooni protsess koosloovamaks ja

kaasavamaks, kaasates aktiivselt asjaomaseid osalejaid kogu teadusprojekti vältel, et muuta tulemused ühisemaks,

usaldusväärsemaks, nõudluspõhisemaks ja ühiskonna jaoks asjakohasemaks. 24 Komisjoni talituste töödokument „Analytical overview of the achievements of the 2016 strategic approach to

agricultural R&I and Food 2030 R&I framework and insights from stakeholder consultation activities,

accompanying this strategic approach“.

9

peaksid olema praktilised suunised, et toetada uuenduste laiemat kasutuselevõttu. Projektides

tuleks süstemaatiliselt hinnata ka kavandatud uuenduste kasutuselevõtu majanduslikke,

keskkonnaalaseid ja ühiskondlikke kulusid ja tulusid, tehes samal ajal kindlaks elujõulised

ärivõimalused, et vastata paremini kasutajate või turu vajadustele. Lisaks kaardistab komisjon

olemasolevad katse- ja näidistaristud, sealhulgas ELi ja riiklikud eluslaborid, näidisfarmid ja

juhtalgatused. Aidates põllumajandustootjatel ja praktikutel teha kindlaks asjakohased asukohad

ja ressursid, parandab see lähenemisviis nende juurdepääsu asjakohastele taristutele ja edendab

vastastikust õppimist.

Koostoime tugevdamine: kestliku ja omavahel ühendatud innovatsiooni ökosüsteemi loomine

Komisjon tugevdab veelgi seoseid praeguse ja tulevase programmi „Euroopa horisont“ ja

ÜPP vahel, edendades riiklike kontaktpunktide ja ÜPP võrgustike vahelist süstemaatilist suhtlust,

eelkõige kasutades rohkem põllumajanduse tootlikkust ja kestlikkust käsitleva Euroopa

innovatsioonipartnerluse (EIP-AGRI) korraldatud üritusi. Jätkuvalt antakse toetust, et innustada

Euroopa innovatsioonipartnerluse töörühmade osalemist teadus- ja

innovatsiooniprojektides ning hõlbustada projektide tulemuste levitamist ELi temaatiliste

teadmuskeskuste kaudu, et need tulemused oleksid kasutajatele võrdlusaluseks ja vähendaksid

põllumajandusnõustajate koormust25.

Tugevdatakse eluslaborite ja töörühmade vahelist sünergiat, et toetada uuenduslike lahenduste

kohandamist kohalikul tasandil. See hõlmab eluslaborite innustamist kaasama töörühmade

partnereid ning koostöös liikmesriikidega edendama eluslaborites saadud tulemuste

kasutuselevõttu ja kohandamist töörühmades26. Samuti tuleks tugevdada sidemeid eluslaborite ja

tulevaste ELi temaatiliste teadmuskeskuste vahel, et aidata laiendada kohalikul tasandil katsetatud

uuendusi üle kogu ELi.Tuleks soodustada koostööd katse- ja eksperimenteerimisrajatistega,27

et kiirendada digitaalsete uuenduste kasutuselevõttu põllumajanduses, metsanduses ja

maapiirkondades.

Praktiliste teadmiste mõju ja ulatuse maksimeerimine

25 ELi temaatilised teadmuskeskused, mida edendatakse ja mis on määratletud programmi „Euroopa horisont“

6. teemavaldkonna „Tööprogramm aastateks 2026–2027“ (C(2025) 8493 final) all, on projektid, mis on kavandatud

toimima temaatiliste teadmiste kesksete allikatena. Need peaksid hõlbustama juurdepääsu temaatiliste

teadusuuringute tulemustele, uuenduslikele lahendustele ja parimatele tavadele, võimestades nõustajaid tipptasemel

teadmistega ning pakkudes rohkelt võimalusi koostööks ja vastastikuseks täiendavuseks põllumajanduse

teadmussiirde- ja innovatsioonisüsteemis osalejate vahel. 26Euroopa Komisjon, põllumajanduse ja maaelu arengu peadirektoraat, mitteametlik dokument „Exploring potential

synergies between Horizon Europe projects using Living Labs and Lighthouses applied to agriculture, the Common

Agricultural Policy EIP-AGRI Working Group projects and other similar initiatives:Mission Soil example“, 2026,

https://mission-soil-platform.ec.europa.eu/resource-library/non-paper-lls-and-ogs-synergies. 27 Valdkondlikud tehisintellekti katsetamise ja sellega eksperimenteerimise rajatised programmi „Digitaalne Euroopa“

raames, näiteks agrifoodTEF.

10

Komisjon jätkab teadmushoidlate ning koostalitlusvõimeliste ja kasutajakesksete taristute

tugevdamist, et tagada üksikasjalikumate, kontekstipõhiste ja praktikas selgitatud teadusuuringute

ja innovatsiooni tulemuste pikaajaline kättesaadavus ja kasutatavus.

EIP-AGRI praktiliste kokkuvõtete28 vorming vaadatakse läbi, et suurendada

juurdepääsetavust, selgust ja asjakohasust.Projekte julgustatakse eraldama vahendeid, et

muuta teadusuuringute ja innovatsiooni tulemused praktikutele suunatud käsiraamatuteks, mida

tuleks vastastikku hinnata, et tagada kvaliteet ja asjakohasus kasutajate jaoks. Samuti julgustatakse

neid kasutama rohkem digivahendeid ja tehisintellekti, et toetada praktiliste järelduste laiemat ja

arukamat levitamist.

Programmi „Euroopa horisont“ temaatiliste ja nõustamisvõrgustike kaudu välja töötatud

koolitusmaterjalid tuleks integreerida riiklike põllumajanduse teadmussiirde- ja

innovatsioonisüsteemide (AKIS) koolitusprogrammidesse, et toetada kvaliteetseid

põllumajandusettevõtjate nõustamisteenuseid. Samuti on oluline tugevdada sidemeid

nõustajate ja ülikoolide vahel, et kohapealne nõustamine kajastaks uusimaid teadusuuringuid ja

innovatsiooni.

Teadusuuringute tulemuste integreerimine kutseharidusse ja -õppesse ning kõrgharidusse on

väga oluline kestlike tavade süvalaiendamiseks29 ja tulevasele tööjõule innovatsiooni

edendamiseks vajalike oskuste andmiseks, eelkõige võttes arvesse põlvkondade vahetumisest

tulenevaid probleeme. Tuginedes Euroopa oskuste vaatluskeskuse tegevusele, aitavad

põllumajandusliku toidutööstuse ökosüsteemi ulatuslik partnerlus, programmist „Erasmus+“

rahastatavad kutsehariduse tipptaseme keskused ning EIT teadmis- ja innovaatikakogukonnad

kindlaks teha tekkivaid oskuste puudujääke ja need kõrvaldada.

Innovatsiooni laialdase omaksvõtu saavutamiseks on vaja, et teadusuuringutes ja innovatsioonis

osaleksid lisaks traditsioonilistele osalejatele (põllumajandustootjad, nõustajad ja muud

maapiirkondade osalejad) ka muud osalejad, kaasates ettevõtjad, piirkondlikud omavalitsused,

haridustöötajad, kodanikuühiskond ja tööstus ning tugevdades samal ajal toetust

kodanikuteadusele.

2.3 Toidutehnoloogia edendamine toiduahela vastupidavuse ja toiduga kindlustatuse

tagamiseks

Toidutööstuse mitmekesine ökosüsteem, mis hõlmab uuenduslikke idufirmasid ja muid VKEsid

ning hargmaiseid ettevõtjaid, nõuab märkimisväärset laborite ja turu koostööd, et kiirendada

mõjusate lahenduste leidmist uute toodete ja teenuste jaoks.

28 Praktilised kokkuvõtted on lühikesed praktilise suunitlusega kokkuvõtted, mille eesmärk on anda kasutajatele edasi

mitme osalejaga lähenemisviisiga projektidest ja Euroopa innovatsioonipartnerluse töörühmadest saadud praktilisi

teadmisi. 29 OECD, „Policy for the Future of Farming and Food in the European Union“, OECD Agriculture and Food Policy

Reviews, OECD Publishing, Pariis, 2023, https://doi.org/10.1787/32810cf6-en.

11

Kuigi EL rahastab jõudsalt innovatsiooni varajases etapis, on uute kestlike toidu koostisosade

tootmise laiendamiseks vaja suuremat rahalist toetust, et aidata uuenduslikel idufirmadel ja muudel

VKEdel teisest surmaorust30 üle saada. See kehtib eelkõige toidutööstuse kohta, millel on

märkimisväärsed kapitalikulude vajadused ja kus erainvestorid on taristu rahastamise toetamisel

sageli kõhkleval seisukohal31. Rahaline toetus tähendab eelkõige seda, et tegeletakse tööstusliku

lepingulise tootmisvõimsuse kogu kontinenti hõlmava nappusega tehnoloogilise valmiduse

tasemel 8–9 toidu ja sööda koostisosade kääritamisel põhineva tehnoloogia32 puhul, järgides samal

ajal täielikult ELi riskihindamise ja lubade andmise raamistikku. Kvantarvutamine, millel on

märkimisväärne andmetöötlusvõimsus, võib koos digi- ja tehisintellektivahenditega aidata

parandada täiendavat töötlemist ning edendada uute toidu koostisosade väljatöötamist ja

personaalse toitumise tõhusamat arendamist. Komisjon uurib, kuidas saaks suurendada

investeeringuid, sealhulgas Euroopa Konkurentsivõime Fondi InvestEU instrumendi kaudu, et

kiirendada turustamist ja tugevdada toidualast innovatsiooni ELis.

Lisaks peab EL alates varajase etapi teadusuuringutest kiirendama täiustatud toidutehnoloogia

kasutuselevõttu, laiendades tegevust kuni turustamiseni tööstusliku kasutuselevõtu kaudu, tagades

samal ajal jätkuvalt toiduohutuse. Selle saavutamiseks on vaja peamiste taristute ja teadusasutuste,

sealhulgas tööstusliku biotehnoloogia innovatsiooni ja sünteetilise bioloogia kiirendi

(IBISBA), ülikoolide, uurimisinstituutide, biotootmisrajatiste, tehnosiirdekeskuste ja

innovatsioonikeskuste pühendunud kaasamist, mida toetavad sellised vahendid nagu ELi

biotehnoloogia ja biotootmise keskus.

Toiduga varustatuse ja toiduga kindlustatuse edendamine suurendab ELi sõltumatust, toetades

selliste oluliste toidu koostisosade nagu vitamiinide, aminohapete ja ensüümide ELi-siseseid

tarneahelaid ning vähendades seeläbi välissõltuvust. Komisjon võib koos liikmesriikidega seda

vastupidavust parandada ka digi- ja tehisintellektivahendite ja -lahenduste abil. Üleeuroopalist

huvi pakkuvad tähtsad projektid on veel üks näide liikmesriikide investeeringute koondamisest

strateegilistesse toidu- ja bioressursipõhistesse väärtusahelatesse.

Need võivad aidata kaasa toidusüsteemide ümberkujundamisele, kasutades rakendusi toidukao ja

-jäätmete vähendamiseks, parandada ELi järelevalvet toiduohutuse ja jälgitavuse üle, sealhulgas

võidelda toidupettuse vastu, vähendada tootmiskulusid, prognoosida ja juhtida kliimast tingitud

riske ja inimeste haiguste riskitegureid ning suurendada tarbijate usaldust ELi toidusüsteemide

terviklikkuse vastu.

Komisjon on ELi biomajanduse strateegias nimetanud kõrgtehnoloogilist kääritamist juhtivaks

tehnoloogiaks ning uurib, kuidas soodustada erainvesteeringuid kõrgtehnoloogilise kääritamise

jaoks mõeldud avatud juurdepääsuga katse- ja näidistasandi biotöötlemistaristu ehitamisse

ja ajakohastamisse, et toetada toidutööstust, sealhulgas VKEsid, oma protsesside katsetamisel

30 Teine surmaorg ulatub katse-/näidistasandist turutasandini. 31 Euroopa Investeerimispank, „Feeding future generations – How finance can boost innovation in agri-food“, Euroopa

Liidu Väljaannete Talitus, Luxembourg, 2019, https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2867/008109. 32 See tehnoloogia hõlmab biokütuste rafineerimistehaseid ja täiustatud kääritamist pärmseente, vetikate, bakterite ja

muude mikroorganismide abil.

12

ja riskide vähendamisel, ilma et selleks oleks vaja teha eelnevaid algkapitali kulutusi. Liikmesriike

julgustatakse sama tegema.

Tervis ja toit on omavahel tihedalt seotud ning toitumisel on kooskõlas riiklike

toitumissoovitustega oluline roll hea tervise säilitamisel ja edendamisel33. See valdkond on

meelitanud ligi nii kujunemisjärgus kui ka tipptehnoloogia tooteid, mis aitavad positiivselt kaasa

tarbijate tervisele, näiteks tegeledes kooskõlas riikliku toitumispoliitikaga teatavate vitamiinide ja

mineraalainete ebapiisava tarbimisega. Komisjon kaalub, kuidas tugevdada tervise ja toidu

vahelist seost käsitlevaid teadusuuringuid ja innovatsiooni, et tegeleda kardiometaboolsete ja

neuroloogiliste süsteemidega seotud haiguste üha suureneva arvuga ning hõlmata muu hulgas

personaalset toitumist.

3. TEADUSUURINGUTE JA INNOVATSIOONI VAJADUSED ELI

PÕLLUMAJANDUSLIKU TOIDUTÖÖSTUSE KONKURENTSIVÕIME,

KESTLIKKUSE JA VASTUPIDAVUSE TAGAMISEKS

3.1. Valdkondadevahelised prioriteedid

Põllumajandusliku toidutööstuse keerukas ja omavahel seotud olemus nõuab ulatuslikke

teadusuuringuid ja innovatsiooni, mis saavad seda valdkonda mõjutada.

Kuigi jagudes 3.3 ja 3.4 on seoses põllumajandusliku toidutööstusega määratud kindlaks

konkreetsed teadusuuringute ja innovatsiooni temaatilised valdkonnad, tuleks kõigis teadus- ja

innovatsioonipoliitika valdkondades kohaldada süsteemset lähenemisviisi ning lähtuda

valdkonnaülestest prioriteetidest.

Raamistike „AgRI 2040“ ja „Food 2040“ rakendamisel ning samuti teadus- ja

innovatsioonimeetmete rakendamisel, mida saab toetada muu hulgas tulevasest programmist

„Euroopa horisont“ ja Euroopa Konkurentsivõime Fondist, juhindutakse allpool esitatud kuuest

esialgsest prioriteedist, ilma et see piiraks tulevaste rahastamisprogrammide rakendamise

meetodeid või tööprogrammide ettevalmistamist järgmise mitmeaastase finantsraamistiku 2028–

2034 perioodiks.

• Konkurentsivõime ning idu- ja kasvufirmad

Komisjoni eesmärk on tugevdada pikaajalist konkurentsivõimet, edendades teadusuuringute ja

innovatsiooni ökosüsteemi, mis võimaldab teadlastel, novaatoritel ja ettevõtjatel koos

põllumajandustootjate, metsandusettevõtjate, maapiirkondade osalejate ja tööstusharude,

idufirmade, kasvufirmade, muude VKEde ja muude ettevõtjatega töötada välja uusi

lähenemisviise, tooteid ja tehnoloogialahendusi ning tegeleda nende sektorite ees seisvate

probleemidega.

• Toiduga kindlustatus, vastupidavus ja valmisolek

33 Komisjoni teatis Euroopa Parlamendile, nõukogule, Euroopa Majandus- ja Sotsiaalkomiteele ning Regioonide

Komiteele „ELi südame-veresoonkonna tervise kava: kava „Kaitstud südamed“, COM(2025) 1024 final.

13

Kooskõlas ELi kriisivalmiduse strateegiaga ning selle rõhuasetusega varajasele hoiatamisele ja

kõiki ohte hõlmavale integreeritud lähenemisviisile on käesoleva strateegilise lähenemisviisi

kohaste tulevaste meetmete keskne eesmärk suurendada vastupidavust ja valmisolekut. Selle

prioriteedi eesmärk on edendada prognoosimist ja valmisolekut, tunnistades seda, kuidas

kliimamõjud, tarneahela häired, struktuurne kinnistumine ja muud riskid võivad üksteist

vastastikku mõjutada ja tugevdada, ning töötades välja lahendusi, et parandada juurdepääsu

põllumajanduse, toiduainete tootmise ja tarnimise ning biomajanduse toorainetele.

Vastupidavuse tagamiseks on vaja terviklikku lähenemisviisi, mis hõlmab toiduga kindlustatust ja

toidualast sõltumatust, avatud strateegilist autonoomiat, loodusvarade kestliku majandamise

tagamist, riskide maandamist, sõltuvuse vähendamist, mitmekesistamist ja tarneahela

järjepidevust, ning valmisolekusuutlikkuse tugevdamist kohalikul, piirkondlikul ja riiklikul

tasandil. See hõlmab valkude, vitamiinide ja muude oluliste toitainete tootmise ja tarnimise

edendamist ELis ning hiljuti vastu võetud ELi valgusüsteemi vastupidavuse, strateegilise

autonoomsuse ja kestlikkuse suurendamise tegevuskava asjakohaste aspektide arvessevõtmist.

Teadusuuringutel ja innovatsioonil on seire, varajase hoiatamise, stressitestimise ja prognoosimise

vahendite ja suutlikkuse arendamise kaudu oluline roll selle ülemineku toetamisel.

• Loodusvarad ja ringsus

Teadusuuringud ja innovatsioon toetavad loodusvarade kestlikku majandamist. Teadusuuringud ja

innovatsioon aitavad edendada kliimamuutuste leevendamist ja nendega kohanemist, sealhulgas

põllumajanduslikus toidutööstuses selliste kliimateadlike lahenduste väljatöötamise ja ulatusliku

kasutuselevõtu kaudu, millega säilitatakse või taastatakse ka elurikkus ja ökosüsteemi

funktsioonid, vähendades samal ajal keskkonnaseisundi halvenemist ja saastet.

Selle prioriteedi keskne element on kestlikule, ringsuspõhisele ja ressursitõhusale (sh

taastuvenergiaga seotud) põllumajanduslikule toidutööstusele ülemineku toetamise jätkamine. See

hõlmab üleminekut lineaarsetelt tootmis- ja tarbimismudelitelt ringsuspõhistele süsteemidele, kus

bioloogilisi ressursse kasutatakse kestlikult ja tõhusamalt ning jäätmevooge minimeeritakse ja

taaskasutatakse. Samuti hõlmab see jõupingutusi toidukao ja toidujäätmete vältimiseks

väärtusahela kõigis etappides alates tootmisest ja töötlemisest kuni turustamise ja tarbimiseni.

See prioriteet on kooskõlas ELi biomajanduse strateegia, looduse taastamise määruse ja tulevase

ringmajanduse õigusakti eesmärkidega, edendades bioloogiliste ressursside ringsuspõhist,

taastavat ja kestlikku kasutamist, et toetada rohemajanduskasvu ning vähendada biomassi kestliku

hankimise ja kasutamise kaudu sõltuvust fossiilsetest ressurssidest.

• Toidu- ja söödaohutus, toitumine ja tervis

Komisjon aitab tagada, et toidu- ja söödaohutust, toiduahela terviklikkust34 ja toiteväärtust

käsitletakse integreeritult. Rakendades eri valdkondades, sealhulgas põllumajanduses ning toidu,

34 Toiduahela terviklikkus tähendab järgmist: ehtsus, jälgitavus, läbipaistvus ning toidupettuse ennetamine ja

avastamine. Sellega toetatakse nõudeid täitvate ettevõtjate võrdseid võimalusi, suurendades samal ajal tarbijate

usaldust ja edendades vastupidavat toiduainete tarneahelat.

14

toitumise ja tervise valdkonnas teadusuuringuid ja innovatsiooni, võivad uued teadmised ja (nt

mikrobioomipõhised) uuendused aidata parandada ohutust, toitumist ja tervist.

Sellega toetatakse nõudeid järgivate ettevõtjate võrdseid võimalusi, tegeledes samal ajal selliste

kriitiliste probleemidega nagu toidupettus, inimeste alatoitlus, elurikkuse vähenemine ja

ressursside ammendumine. Vajaduse korral juhindutakse selle prioriteedi raames võetavates

meetmetes terviseühtsuse põhimõttest ja bioteaduste strateegia eesmärkidest.

• Õiglus

Komisjon edendab teadusuuringuid ja innovatsiooni, mis soodustavad õiglasi, vastupidavaid ja

kaasavaid põllumajandusliku toidutööstuse väärtusahelaid, tagades, et innovatsioon loob

võimalusi ja toob kasu põllumajandustootjatele, metsandusettevõtjatele, maakogukondadele,

ettevõtjatele ja tarbijatele. Teadusuuringud ja innovatsioon peaksid toetama õiglase väärtuse

loomist ning riskide, kulude ja tulude jaotamist, suurendama põllumajanduslikus toidutööstuses

karjäärivõimaluste atraktiivsust uute tulijate jaoks ning aitama luua kvaliteetseid töökohti ning

häid töö- ja elutingimusi, tagades üleminekust saadava kasu jagamise piirkondade, põlvkondade

ja kõigi väärtusahelates osalejate vahel.

• Ülemaailmne koostöö kestliku põllumajanduse, metsanduse, maapiirkondade ja

toidusüsteemide valdkonnas

Selle prioriteedi raames käsitletakse põllumajandusliku toidutööstuse teadusuuringute ja

innovatsiooni rahvusvahelist mõõdet kooskõlas ELi poliitiliste prioriteetidega, sealhulgas ELi

strateegiaga „Global Gateway“ ja ELi biomajanduse strateegiaga, ning püütakse edendada ühiseid

huve ja tugevdada koostööd rahvusvaheliste partneritega teadusuuringute ja innovatsiooni ühiste

prioriteetide osas.

Aafrika Liidu ja ELi vahel kokku lepitud uus tegevuskava „Toiduga ja toitumisalane kindlustatus

ning kestlik põllumajandus“ (FNSSA) koos sellega seotud rahvusvahelise teadusuuringute

konsortsiumiga peaks looma raamistiku, et määrata koos Aafrika Liidu ja seotud partneritega

kindlaks ühised valdkonnad, millele keskenduda. Täiendavalt võiks uurida koostöövõimalusi teiste

partneritega, näiteks Indiaga või Ladina-Ameerika ja Kariibi Riikide Ühendusega, et tegeleda

sarnaste probleemidega põllumajanduses, metsanduses ja maapiirkondades.

Koostööl idanaabruse riikidega (nt algatus BIOEAST ning Ukraina, Moldova ja Lääne-Balkani

riigid) võib olla oluline roll ELiga ühise teadusuuringute ja innovatsiooni tegevuskava

väljatöötamisel ning ühiste probleemidega tegelemisel. Samuti tuleks jätkata koostööd Vahemere

piirkonna naaberriikidega, et toetada ja täiendada algatust PRIMA. Tuleks ka tugevdada koostööd

selliste rahvusvaheliste organisatsioonidega nagu ÜRO Toidu- ja Põllumajandusorganisatsioon

(FAO), Maailma Terviseorganisatsioon, Maailma Loomatervise Organisatsioon, rahvusvaheliste

põllumajandusuuringute nõuanderühm (CGIAR) ja OECD, et suurendada teadusuuringute ja

innovatsiooni tähtsust ja ülemaailmset mõju põllumajanduslikus toidutööstuses.

15

3.2. Ühised võimaldid

Juhtimine, tehnoloogia ja kogukonnad on peamised tegurid, mis võimaldavad rakendada

käesolevat strateegilist lähenemisviisi, et maksimeerida teadusuuringute ja innovatsiooni mõju,

tugevdada ELi innovatsiooni ökosüsteemi ja kiirendada teadusuuringute tulemuste

kasutuselevõttu.

• Juhtimine

Juhtimine on sidusa ja tulemusliku poliitikakujundamise oluline eeltingimus. See võimaldab

koordineerida eri sektorite, teadusharude, sidusrühmade ja otsustustasandite vahel.

Teadusuuringute ja innovatsiooni tõhus juhtimine põllumajanduslikus toidutööstuses aitab tagada,

et EL investeerib mõjusatesse teadusuuringutesse, tehnoloogiasse ja innovatsiooni. Samuti

toetatakse sellega eri liiki teadmiste ning eri vaatenurkade ja ärimudelite lõimimist, soodustatakse

sidusrühmade kaasamist, edendatakse noorte osalemist ja soolist võrdõiguslikkust ning

tugevdatakse oskuste arendamist ja koolitust.

Tugev juhtimine toetab ka valdkondadevahelisi teadusuuringuid, loodusteaduste ning sotsiaal- ja

humanitaarteaduste suuremat lõimimist ning tugevamaid seoseid teadusuuringute ja innovatsiooni

ning poliitikakujundamise vahel, sealhulgas seoses sinimajandusega35. Mõned näited on ELi

missioon „Euroopa mullakokkulepe“ ja biomajandusega seotud vastastikune õpe.

Konkurentsivõimeliste, kestlike ja vastupidavate põllumajandus- ja toidusüsteemide arendamist

võib toetada terviseühtsuse põhimõte. Näiteks saab terviseühtsuse põhimõtte abil lahendada

antimikroobikumiresistentsuse probleemi,36 võttes arvesse inimeste, loomade ja keskkonna

vahelisi seoseid. Peale selle võivad terviseühtsuse põhimõttest lähtuvad mikrobioomipõhised

lahendused luua võimalusi uuteks toodeteks tervishoiu, toidu, kestliku põllumajanduse ja

metsanduse või vesiviljeluse valdkonnas.

Teadusuuringud ja innovatsioon võivad juhtimist veelgi toetada, luues tõendeid, katsetades ja

võrreldes lähenemisviise, suurendades seiresuutlikkust ning aidates avaliku sektori asutustel ja

sidusrühmadel mõista, mis erinevates territoriaalsetes ja valdkondlikes kontekstides toimib. Üks

viis selle saavutamiseks on kasutada koos liikmesriikide ja sidusrühmadega välja töötatud

tulevikusuundade analüüsi, mille raames uuritakse usaldusväärseid tulevikustsenaariume ning

tehakse kindlaks kohad, kus teadusuuringud ja innovatsioon võivad pakkuda õigeaegseid uusi

teadmisi ja innovatsiooni esilekerkivate probleemide lahendamiseks.

• Tehnoloogia

Tehnoloogia on innovatsiooni valdkonnaülene liikumapanev jõud ja peamine käesolevat

strateegilist lähenemisviisi võimaldav tegur. Teadusuuringutel ja innovatsioonil on keskne roll

35 Komisjoni teatis Euroopa Parlamendile, nõukogule, Euroopa Majandus- ja Sotsiaalkomiteele ning Regioonide

Komiteele uue lähenemisviisi kohta säästva sinise majanduse arendamiseks Euroopa Liidus ELi meremajanduse

ümberkujundamine kestliku tuleviku nimel, COM(2021) 240 final. 36 Nõukogu soovitus terviseühtsuse põhimõtte raames antimikroobikumiresistentsuse vastu võitlemiseks võetavate

ELi meetmete tõhustamise kohta, 2023/C 220/01, ST/9581/2023/INIT.

16

kujunemisjärgus tehnoloogia arendamisel, olemasolevate lahenduste kasutuselevõtu toetamisel

ning seonduvate sotsiaalsete ja eetiliste kaalutluste käsitlemisel.

Tehnoloogia, sealhulgas selline digitehnoloogia nagu tehisintellekt, on oluline vahend

põllumajanduse, metsanduse, maapiirkondade, toidutööstuse ja toidukeskkonna

ümberkujundamiseks ning kestlike toidutarbimise mudelite võimaldamiseks. Samuti

kujundab see kiiresti ümber teadusuuringute tegemise viisi. Samal ajal on andmetest saanud

strateegiline vara, mis edendab digipööret, loob konkurentsieeliseid ja võimaldab uuenduslikke

lahendusi.

Biotehnoloogia on veel üks oluline sektoriülene vahend põllumajandusliku toidutööstuse jaoks,

mis võib aidata sektoril oma potentsiaali täielikult ära kasutada,37 nagu on kajastatud hiljuti

esildatud esimeses Euroopa biotehnoloogiamääruses, millele järgneb teine biotehnoloogiamäärus.

Komisjon teeb kindlaks uued suundumused ning kättesaadavad digitaalsed, andmepõhised ja

biotehnoloogilised uuendused. Need jõupingutused tugevdavad sidemeid kogu põllumajandusliku

toidutööstuse ökosüsteemis ning neid arendatakse täielikus vastastikuses täiendavuses praeguste

ja tulevaste algatustega, sealhulgas kavandatava kujunemisjärgus tehnoloogiate vaatluskeskuse,38

olemasolevate Euroopa partnerluste,39 ühtsete Euroopa andmeruumide, Euroopa digitaristu

konsortsiumide (EDICd) ja Euroopa digitaalse innovatsiooni keskustega, samuti ELi

biomajanduse strateegia ja bioteaduste strateegia raames võetavate meetmetega.

• Territooriumid ja kogukonnad

Innovatsiooni omaksvõtt põllumajandus- ja toidusüsteemides sõltub põllumajandustootjate,

toiduahelas osalejate, tarbijate ja kohalike kogukondade kaasamisest ning kohalikele ja

piirkondlikele oludele kohandatud lahendustest. Territooriumid, sealhulgas piirkonnad, toimivad

elava innovatsioonikeskkonnana, kus saab katsetada, kohandada ja integreerida tehnoloogilisi ja

sotsiaalseid uuendusi ning uusi juhtimismeetodeid.

Kohapõhised lähenemisviisid on võimas vahend üleilmsetele probleemidele kohalikul tasandil

reageerimiseks. Need võivad tugevdada linna- ja maapiirkondade sidemeid ning edendada nii

kestlikkust kui ka vastupidavust,40 võimaldades kohalikke ressursse, teadmisi, inimesi ja

innovatsiooni, ühendades põllumajandusliku toidutööstuse ümberkujundamist.

Vastupidavust saab suurendada, tasakaalustades pikki ja lühikesi tarneahelaid, suurendades

mitmekesisust ning arendades tugevaid ja kestlikke kohalikke ja piirkondlikke toidusüsteeme.See

37 Euroopa Komisjon, Teadusuuringute Ühiskeskus, „Emerging biotechnologies in Europe – Foresight for policy“,

Euroopa Liidu Väljaannete Talitus, Luxembourg, 2024, https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2760/4814109. 38 Kavandatud määruses Euroopa Konkurentsivõime Fondi kohta (COM(2025) 555 final, artikkel 14) on sätestatud,

et vaatluskeskus peaks abistama Euroopa Konkurentsivõime Fondi strateegiliste sidusrühmade nõukogu, tehes

kindlaks investeerimisvõimalused eri tehnoloogiavaldkondades. 39 Eelkõige programmi „Euroopa horisont“ põllumajanduse andmete partnerlus. 40 Euroopa Komisjon, teadusuuringute ja innovatsiooni peadirektoraat, „Urban food system transformation in the

context of Food 2030 – Current practice & outlook towards 2030“, Euroopa Liidu Väljaannete Talitus, 2023,

https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2777/507125.

17

võib soodustada strateegilist autonoomiat, vähendades samal ajal kohalikul tasandil toiduga

kindlustamatust.

Kohalike osalejate kaasamine innovatsiooniprotsessidesse on väga oluline uuenduste

aktsepteerimiseks, kasutuselevõtuks ja pikaajaliseks integreerimiseks kohalikesse

ökosüsteemidesse (nt eluslaborite, LEADERi programmi, arukate külade,

piirkondadevaheliste innovatsiooniinvesteeringute instrumendi ja idufirmade külade

algatuse kaudu).

Selle ühise võimaldiga püütakse saavutada territoriaalselt põhjendatud ja kogukonnapõhist

innovatsiooni. Sellega toetatakse kohalikele varadele ja võimalustele tuginevaid lahendusi,

sealhulgas põllumajandusliku toidutööstuse jaoks, mille puhul mitme osalejaga lähenemisviisil

võib olla roll kogukondade mõjuvõimu suurendamisel.

Piirkondade ja kogukondade rolli arvessevõtmine teadusuuringutes ja innovatsioonis aitab

suurendada piirkondlikku konkurentsivõimet ja parandada ELi mitmekesiseid innovatsiooni

ökosüsteeme. Samal ajal tugevdatakse põllumajanduslikus toidutööstuses teaduse, poliitika ja

ühiskonna vahelist seost, luues tugevamad seosed projektide ja otsustajate vahel, et maksimeerida

uuenduslike lahenduste mõju kohalikul tasandil.

Innovatsiooni võimas katalüsaator on ka territooriumide, kogukondade ja kohalike omavalitsuste

vaheline koostöö, mida iseloomustavad teadusuuringute ja innovatsiooni ühised prioriteedid ning

üksteist täiendavad võimekused, nagu on näidanud põllumajandusliku toidutööstuse

temaatilise aruka spetsialiseerumise platvormi partnerlused ühtekuuluvuspoliitika nutika

spetsialiseerumise strateegiate (S3) raames, sealhulgas Euroopa Regionaalarengu Fond ja

piirkondadevaheliste innovatsiooniinvesteeringute instrument.

3.3. AgRI 2040

„AgRI 2040“ on põllumajanduse, metsanduse ja maapiirkondadega seotud teadusuuringute ja

innovatsiooni üldine raamistik. See aitab tõenditel põhineva analüüsi ja sidusrühmade

koosloomise kaudu kindlaks teha temaatilisi ja valdkondadevahelisi teadusuuringute ja

innovatsiooni vajadusi ning seda ajakohastatakse korrapäraselt, et kajastada muutuvat

ülemaailmset konteksti.

Ilma et see piiraks järgmise mitmeaastase finantsraamistiku kohaldamist, antakse raamistikuga

„AgRI 2040“ strateegiline suund, mille alusel saaks neid vajadusi käsitleda tulevaste

rahastamisprogrammide asjakohastest tööprogrammidest rahastatavate meetmete kaudu. Erilist

tähelepanu pööratakse teadusuuringute ja innovatsiooni tulemuste väärindamisele idu- ja

kasvufirmades ning nende tööstuslikule kasutuselevõtule, samuti nende levitamisele, omaks- ja

kasutuselevõtule põllumajandustootjate, metsandusettevõtjate ja maakogukondade poolt.

Lisaks toimib „AgRI 2040“ korraldusraamistikuna, et kaasata rahastamis- ja rakenduspartnereid

põllumajandusliku toidutööstuse väärtusahela täpselt kindlaks määratud segmentidesse, pakkudes

samal ajal sidusat juhtimisstruktuuri. Erilist tähelepanu pööratakse põllumajanduse teadmussiirde-

ja innovatsioonisüsteemi tugevdamisele teadusuuringute ja innovatsiooni kaudu, parandades

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teadmusvooge, nõustamisteenuseid, oskuste arendamist ja innovatsiooni omaksvõttu, edendades

samal ajal agroökoloogilisi lähenemisviise, sealhulgas mahepõllumajandust.

Raamistikus „AgRI 2040“ pakutakse välja tegevusvaldkonnad käesoleva strateegilise

lähenemisviisi prioriteetide elluviimiseks. Järgmised kaheksa esialgset tegevusvaldkonda

kajastavad vajadusi, mis on juba kindlaks tehtud põllumajandus- ja toidualase visiooni, avaliku

konsultatsiooni, alalise põllumajandusuuringute komitee sisendite ja käesolevale teatisele lisatud

komisjoni talituste töödokumendi kaudu. Komisjon korraldab 24.–25. septembril 2026 ELi

„AgRI 2040“ konverentsi ning võtab järelmeetmeid, et selliseid tegevusvaldkondi koos

sidusrühmadega täiendavalt luua ja täpsustada.

• Muld, põllumajanduslikud ökosüsteemid, vesi ja toitained

See tegevusvaldkond keskendub teadusuuringutele ja innovatsioonile, mis aitavad taastada ja

säilitada muldade head seisundit ja vastupidavaid veesüsteeme kui kliimamuutuste

leevendamise ja neile vastupanuvõime, toiduga kindlustatuse, elurikkuse kaitse ja taastamise ning

kestliku põllumajandustootmise alustalasid.

Prioriteetsed meetmed hõlmavad teadmiste, tehnoloogia ja vahendite loomist, et parandada mulla

seisundit, vee kvaliteeti ja vee kättesaadavust, tegeledes samal ajal reostuse, erosiooni,

veenappuse, kõrbestumise, toitainete kao ja elurikkuse vähenemisega. See hõlmab ka

teadusuuringuid ja innovatsiooni, millega arendatakse kestlikke maa- ja veemajanduse

lähenemisviise ja tavasid, nagu agroökoloogia ja mahepõllumajandus, süsinikupõllundus,

agrometsandus ja looduspõhised lahendused.

Veel üks prioriteet peaks hõlmama teadusuuringuid ja innovatsiooni, et vähendada ressursside

kasutamist ja parandada nende kasutamise tõhusust, eelkõige toitainete ja vee puhul, aidates

samal ajal suurendada toitainete, sealhulgas bioressursipõhiste väetiste ja mullaparandusainete

ringsuspõhist taaskasutamist ja käitlemist ning põllumajanduslike ja toidutööstuse jäätmevoogude

taaskasutamist.

Teadusuuringud ja innovatsioon võivad kiirendada praktiliste lahenduste kasutuselevõttu

eluslaborite, sealhulgas digitehnoloogia ning mulla, vee ja toitainete seire integreeritud süsteemide

abil. Uurida tuleks innovatsiooni põllumajanduse ja vesiviljeluse kokkupuutepunktis. Erilist

tähelepanu tuleks pöörata mulla, vee ja energia vahelisele seosele, sealhulgas kontrollitud

keskkonnaga põllumajandusega seotud teadusuuringutele ja innovatsioonile, samuti

mitmetasandilisele valitsemisele, uuenduslikele ärimudelitele ja mullaalastele teadmistele, et

toetada pikaajalisi muutusi kogu väärtusahelas.

• Viljelussüsteemid

Selle valdkonna eesmärk on edendada teadusuuringuid ja innovatsiooni, mis toetavad

kliimateadlikke, kestlikke, vastupidavaid ja konkurentsivõimelisi viljelussüsteeme. See keskendub

suuremale kohanemisele selliste keskkonnastressidega nagu põud, soolsus ja äärmuslikud

temperatuurid, sealhulgas agroökoloogiliste lähenemisviiside kaudu.

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Samuti püütakse parandada valmisolekut uuteks ja tulevasteks taimetervist ähvardavateks

ohtudeks ning neile reageerimist. See hõlmab kiirete ja tulemuslike vahendite väljatöötamist ja

kasutuselevõttu taimekahjustajate ärahoidmiseks ja nende varajaseks avastamiseks, taimede

töötlemiseks ja bioloogiliseks tõrjeks.

Teadusuuringute ja innovatsiooniga tuleks edendada kestlikku ja madala riskiastmega

taimekaitset integreeritud lähenemisviiside kaudu, milles on agroökoloogilised ja agronoomilised

tavad ühendatud bioloogiliste lahenduste, madala riskiastmega alternatiivide, aretamise,

biotehnoloogia, täppistehnoloogia ja digivahenditega.

Rohkem tuleks ära kasutada sordiaretuse potentsiaali, teadmisi seemnetest ja taimesortidest,

biotehnoloogiat ja geneetilisi ressursse. See hõlmab aretustegevuse toetamist ning samuti

kliimateadlike, ressursitõhusate, vastupanuvõimeliste, vastupidavate ja mitmekesiste sortide,

sealhulgas mitmesugustesse tingimustesse sobivate kõrvalejäetud ja alakasutatud liikide

arendamist või uuesti kasutusele võtmist, võttes nõuetekohaselt arvesse õiguslikku41 ja poliitilist

konteksti.

Teadusuuringud ja innovatsioon peaksid käsitlema agronoomilist tulemuslikkust, töötlemist ja

toiteväärtust ning toidu, sööda ja ringsuspõhiste väärtusahelate arendamist, et tugevdada ka

valgukultuure kui strateegilist komponenti vastupidavamas ja kestlikumas ELi valgusüsteemis, .

• Loomakasvatussüsteemid

Selle valdkonna eesmärk on edendada teadusuuringuid ja innovatsiooni, mis toetavad

loomakasvatussüsteemide kestlikkust, konkurentsivõimet, tipptaset, territoriaalsust ja

vastupidavust, et kaitsta loomade tervist ja heaolu, vähendada loomakasvatussektori

keskkonnamõju ning edendada täppispõllumajandust. See aitab saavutada

loomakasvatusstrateegia eesmärke.

See peaks toetama mõjupõhist tõuaretust mitmel eesmärgil, võttes nõuetekohaselt arvesse

õiguslikku ja poliitilist konteksti, ning soodustama kestliku sööda ja toitainete, sealhulgas

vitamiinide ja aminohapete väljatöötamist.

Teadusuuringud ja innovatsioon võivad tugevdada bioturvalisuse meetmeid, kasutades

valdkondadevahelist lähenemisviisi. Teadusuuringud ja innovatsioon peaksid toetama uute

sekkumiste, ravimeetodite ja vaktsiinide väljatöötamist ning prioriteetsetele loomataudidele,

sealhulgas zoonoosidele suunatud olemasolevate lahenduste täiustamist, kaitstes samal ajal

loomade heaolu ja soodustades antimikroobikumide mõistlikku kasutamist.

Integreeritud lähenemisviise loomade tervisele ja heaolule, sealhulgas sotsiaal-majanduslikule

mõõtmele, tuleks edasi arendada teadusuuringute ja innovatsiooni ning meetmete kaudu, mis

41 Euroopa Parlamendi ja nõukogu 17. juuni 2026. aasta määrus (EL) 2026/1388, milles käsitletakse teatavate uute

genoomikameetodite abil saadud taimi ja nendest saadud tooteid ning millega muudetakse määrust (EL) 2017/625,

OJ L 1388, 30.6.2026.

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ühendavad haiguste ennetamise, haiguste tõrje ja hädaolukorraks valmisoleku, parandades samal

ajal loomade heaolu.

Ressursitõhusust tuleks parandada uuenduslike söödameetmete abil, nagu rohu- ja

karjamaasüsteemide optimeerimine, söödaväärinduse parandamine ja elurikkuse kaitsmine,

vähendades samal ajal survet maale selliste lähenemisviiside abil nagu põllumajanduslik

karjatamine. Ressursitõhusus peaks aitama ka vähendada süsinikuheidet ja jäätmeid kogu

väärtusahelas, edendades ringmajanduse põhimõtteid. Loomakasvatussektorit mõjutavaid

struktuurimuutusi, nagu uute alternatiivsete valkude kasutamist, kliimamuutusi või muutusi

geopoliitilises olukorras, tuleks nõuetekohaselt arvesse võtta ja terviklikult käsitleda süsteemse

lähenemisviisi osana.

• Biomajandus põllumajanduses, metsanduses ja maapiirkondades

Selles valdkonnas keskendutakse teadusuuringutele ja innovatsioonile põllumajandus- ja

metsamaa ning biomassi tõhusaks ja kestlikuks kasutamiseks ning biotootmise edendamiseks,

kogudes samal ajal tõendeid, et toetada kestlikke ärimudeleid ja juhtimisvahendeid, mis loovad

esmatootjatele ja maakogukondadele lisasissetulekut. Teadusuuringute ja innovatsiooni kaudu

tuleks parandada sünteetiliste sisendite bioressursipõhiste alternatiivide, sealhulgas

bioressursipõhiste (orgaaniliste) väetiste ja vähese süsinikuheitega väetiste tootmist

Euroopas42. Kooskõlas biomassi astmelise kasutamise põhimõttega peaksid teadusuuringud ja

innovatsioon edendama ka taastuvenergia koostootmist. Lisaks peaks see valdkond pakkuma

võimalusi innovatsiooniks puidupõhiste toodete ja materjalide valdkonnas.

See valdkond peaks hõlmama ka uute ärimudelite väljatöötamist, et vähendada biomassitootjate

tootmiskulusid ja suurendada nende vastupidavust. Teadusuuringud ja innovatsioon peaksid

toetama ka tehnoloogiat ja protsesse kestliku biomassi, kõrvalsaaduste ja jääkide kohalikuks

väärindamiseks, ringsuspõhiseid protsesse, bioressursipõhiste toodete ringlussevõttu ja

korduskasutamist.

• Multifunktsionaalsed metsad

Selle valdkonna eesmärk on tugevdada metsade kestlikku majandamist mitmesuguse kasu

saamiseks vastavalt metsastrateegias „Euroopa metsad“43 määratletud aktiivse kestliku

metsamajandamise põhimõtetele, suurendada metsaökosüsteemide ja metsapõhiste sektorite

vastupidavust ning premeerida metsandusettevõtjaid ökosüsteemiteenuste eest, mida nad pakuvad

nii maa- kui ka linnakeskkonnas.

42 Komisjoni teatis Euroopa Parlamendile, nõukogule, Euroopa Majandus- ja Sotsiaalkomiteele ning Regioonide

Komiteele „Väetise tegevuskava:partnerlus ELis toodetud väetiste kättesaadavuse ja taskukohasuse ning nendega

seotud strateegilise autonoomia tagamiseks“, COM(2026) 310 final. 43 Forest Europe, „Sustainable Forest Management, SFM“.

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Prioriteetsed meetmed peaksid hõlmama metsaelupaikade taastamise ja kaitse toetamist,

kliimamuutuste leevendamisele ja nendega kohanemisele kaasaaitamist, agrometsanduse

potentsiaali ärakasutamist ja metsapõhise biomajanduse edendamist.

See valdkond peaks hõlmama teadusuuringuid ja innovatsiooni, et luua teaduslikke tõendeid

kohanemisvõimeliste ja vastupidavate metsamajandamistavade kindlakstegemiseks,

analüüsida erinevate metsamajandamistavade mõju metsa ökosüsteemide kestlikkusele ning

parandada teadmisi metsade kui süsiniku sidujate kohta, sealhulgas metsamulla rolli kohta.

Samuti peaks see edendama Euroopa metsade kestlikkust ja vastupidavust uute ja

esilekerkivate kahjurite ja haiguste suhtes, teadusuuringuid ja innovatsiooni kahjustatud metsade

taastamise kohta ning aitama vähendada metsa- ja maastikupõlengute ohtu. Tuleks uurida praegu

alakasutatud puuliikide kasutamist töötlemistehnoloogia kohandamise, tehnilise ja digitaalse

innovatsiooni ning uute ärimudelite abil. Teadusuuringute ja innovatsiooni raames tuleks hinnata

puuliikide mitmekesisust ning töötada välja ja katsetada meetodeid metsade geneetilise ressursi

säilitamiseks ja puude paljundamiseks.

Metsapõhise biomajanduse tugevdamiseks on vaja paremini mõista puidupõhiste toodete

eeliseid, sealhulgas suutlikkust tagada pikaajaline süsiniku säilitamine ja suurema väärtuse

loomine, sealhulgas kõrvalsaadustest.

See valdkond peaks tugevdama metsandusettevõtjate rolli väärtusahelas, töötama

metsandusettevõtjate jaoks välja uued ärimudelid, suurendama rahalisi stiimuleid teenuste jaoks,

mida ei pakuta, ja vastama ühiskonna ootustele metsade, sealhulgas eri osalejate heaolu suhtes.

• Maapiirkonnad

Selles valdkonnas keskendutakse teadusuuringutele ja innovatsioonile, et tugevdada

maapiirkondade konkurentsivõimet ja atraktiivsust, toetades seeläbi põlvkondade vahetumist,

täiustades teenuseid ja taristut, et parandada elu- ja töötingimusi, ning tugevdades sidemeid

põllumajandusettevõtete, metsade, territooriumide ja toidusüsteemide vahel.

Erilist tähelepanu tuleks pöörata maapiirkondade naiste ja noorte innovatsioonile ja

ettevõtlusele ning innovatsiooni kohapõhistele lähenemisviisidele kohalikul tasandil, sealhulgas

regulatiivsete katsekeskkondade kaudu.

Teadusuuringud ja innovatsioon peaksid toetama ka innovatsiooni avalike teenuste (sh haridus,

tervishoid, transport ja liikuvus ning digitaalne ühendatus) pakkumisel, turulepääsu võimaldamisel

ja keskkonnahoidlike ettevõtete loomisel. Need peaksid looma uusi töövõimalusi eri

majandussektorites, et parandada inimeste elukvaliteeti, hoida maakogukondades töötavaid

inimesi ja talente ning meelitada ligi uusi osalejaid.

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Täiendavalt on vaja toetada haridust, kutseõpet ja elukestvat õpet ning inimeste oskuste

parandamist. Lisaks tuleks veelgi toetada tugevaid digitaristuid ja neid täiustada.

• Tugevam põllumajandusliku toidutööstuse väärtusahel

Raamistike „AgRI 2040“ ja „Food 2040“ ühise valdkondadevahelise prioriteedi (s.o õiglus)

raames on selle valdkonna eesmärk käsitleda selliseid aspekte nagu uute teadmiste ja vahendite

väljatöötamine, et tugevdada põllumajandustootjate seisundit põllumajandusliku

toidutööstuse väärtusahelas ning tegeleda kulusurve ja kestliku üleminekuga, tehes koostööd

kogu põllumajandusliku toidutööstuse väärtusahelas. Samuti peaks see edendama toidu

töötlemist ja turustamist põllumajandusettevõttes ja kohalikul tasandil ning parandama

maapiirkondade toidusüsteemide juhtimist, tugevdades samal ajal linna- ja maapiirkondade

vahelisi sidemeid. Lisaks peaks see toetama innovatsiooni, mis tugevdab

põllumajandustootjate võimalusi lühikestes, kohalikes ja piirkondlikes tarneahelates,

soodustab uusi ja kestlikke ärimudeleid ning edendab digiteerimist ja süsinikuheite vähendamist.

Selleks et tugevdada põllumajandustootjate seisundit põllumajandusliku toidutööstuse

väärtusahelates, peaksid teadusuuringud ja innovatsioon toetama ELi kvaliteedikavasid,

sealhulgas mahepõllumajanduslikku tootmist ja geograafilisi tähiseid, samuti

mahepõllumajanduslike toodete töötlemist ja turustamist ning muid väärtusahela uuendusi, mis

parandavad põllumajandustootjate majanduslikku seisundit.

• Digiteerimine, tehisintellekt ja robootika

Selle tegevusvaldkonna eesmärk on edendada andmete väärindamist põllumajandusliku

toidutööstuse tarneahelates, metsanduses ja maapiirkondade teenustes, et võimaldada

osalejatel andmeid, tehisintellekti ja digilahendusi tulemuslikult ja tõhusalt kasutada. Parem

juurdepääs kvaliteetsetele andmetele ja nende parem kasutamine võib toetada teadlike otsuste

tegemist ja tõenduspõhist poliitikat ning sillutada teed digilahendustele ja täiustatud

tehisintellektirakendustele, sealhulgas generatiivsele tehisintellektile.

Esmatähtsaks tuleks pidada digilahenduste arendamise edendamist ning nende kättesaadavuse ja

kasutuselevõtu suurendamist paljude kasutajate, sealhulgas väikeste ja keskmise suurusega

põllumajandusettevõtete ja maapiirkondade ettevõtjate jaoks. Teadusuuringud ja innovatsioon

peaksid toetama sellise olulise tehnoloogia kasutuselevõttu ja kasutamist nagu tarkvara ja IT-

vahendid, robotid, droonid, liit- ja virtuaalreaalsus ning kaug- ja lähedussensorid, tagades, et need

vastavad tegevusvajadustele ja sobivad kõigi oskuste tasemete kasutajatele. Edendada tuleks

tehisintellekti kiiremat kasutuselevõttu, et aidata vähendada halduskoormust, suurendada

tulemuslikkust, parandada juurdepääsu teadmistele ning toetada prognoositava teabe kaudu

kiiremat ja teadlikumat otsuste tegemist. Teadusuuringud ja innovatsioon peaksid võimaldama ka

uusi tehisintellektil põhinevaid robotrakendusi ning tõhusamaid andmepõhiseid toiminguid

põllumajanduses, metsanduses ja maapiirkondade teenustes.

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Teadusuuringute ja innovatsiooni digi- ja andmepõhiste lahenduste eeliseid ja kulusid tuleks

näidata teostataval viisil, suurendades usaldust nende kasutamise vastu ning kasutades oskusi,

oskusteavet ja nõustamissuutlikkust, mida on vaja nende tõhusaks lõimimiseks igapäevatöösse.

3.4. Food 2040

Raamistiku „Food 2040“ raames töötab komisjon välja kuus tegevusvaldkonda, et viia ellu

käesoleva strateegilise lähenemisviisi prioriteete, võimaldada kindlakstehtud vajadustele vastavate

teadusuuringute ja innovatsiooni ühist loomist ning hõlbustada teadusuuringute ja innovatsiooni

tulemuste kindlakstegemist, levitamist ja kasutuselevõttu ELi toidusüsteemides, ilma et see piiraks

järgmise mitmeaastase finantsraamistiku kohaldamist.

• Kohapõhised toidusüsteemid

See tegevusvaldkond on seotud võimaldiga „Territooriumid ja kogukonnad“, et rakendada selles

valdkonnas tulevasi teadus- ja innovatsiooniprojekte. Kohapõhised toidusüsteemid kajastavad

Euroopa toidukultuuride ja territooriumide mitmekesisust ja rikkust ning võivad toimida

innovatsiooni ja sotsiaalse ühtekuuluvuse inkubaatoritena.

See tegevusvaldkond edendab vastupidavat ja kaasavat kohalikku (sh linna) ja piirkondlikku

toidumajandust ning piiriülest suhtlust, mille eesmärk on tegeleda kohalike probleemidega (sh

keskkonnaprobleemidega). See ühendab tehnoloogilise ja sotsiaalse innovatsiooni kogukonna

kaasamisega, et soodustada toidusüsteemi innovatsiooni ning arendada haridust ja oskusi.

Kohapõhised toidusüsteemid hõlmavad maa- ja linnapiirkondade ning linnade ja regioonide

kokkupuutealasid kui valdkondi, kus seosed võivad aidata kaasa uuenduste koosloomisele

kohalikes toidusüsteemides muu hulgas ettevõtlusalgatuste, koosloomeruumide, linnade

võrgustike ja eluslaborite kaudu. Need on võimsad algatused, mis võivad territooriume rikastada.

Üks piirkondadevahelise koostöö näiteid Euroopas on biomajanduse ja toidusüsteemide

piirkondlikud innovatsiooniorud, mis võivad toetada muude kohapõhiste algatuste rakendamist.

• Tervislik ja kestlik toitumine

Üle poolel maailma elanikkonnast on raskusi ligipääsuga tervislikule toidule,44 mis toob kaasa

negatiivsed tagajärjed rahvatervisele, sotsiaalsele võrdsusele ja keskkonnale.

Selle tegevusvaldkonnaga edendatakse tervislike, kestlikumate ja täisväärtuslikumate

toiduainete alaseid teadusuuringuid ja innovatsiooni (kooskõlas valdkondadevahelise

prioriteediga „Toidu- ja söödaohutus, toitumine ja tervis“). Lisaks toetab see valguallikate

mitmekesistamist, suurendades samal ajal kodanike teadlikkust biotehnoloogial põhinevatest

koostisainetest ja kasutades tehisintellekti, et võimaldada prognoosida toidu ohutust.

Teadusuuringud ja innovatsioon käsitlevad ka toiduohutust, toidu saasteaineid, makro- ja

mikrotoitaineid, ensüüme, koostise muutmist ning toidu ja tervise koostoimet, millel kõigil on

oluline roll tervisliku ja kestliku toitumise toetamisel.

44 Sõltumatu eksperdirühm, „2021 Global Nutrition Report:The state of global nutrition“, Development Initiatives,

Bristol, Ühendkuningriik, 2021, https://globalnutritionreport.org/reports/2021-global-nutrition-report/.

24

Selles tegevusvaldkonnas uuritakse mikrobioomiteadust, toidu ja soolestiku mikrobioomi

funktsionaalsuse koostoimet, mikrobioomi seost konkreetsete inimestel esinevate haigustega,

konkreetsete mikroobsete biomarkerite kindlakstegemist riskiga seotud haiguste puhul ning

mikrobioomi võimaldamist tervisekasu edendamiseks toidu väärtusahela eri etappides.

Kaalutakse toitumise kultuurilisi, käitumuslikke ja sotsiaalseid mõjureid, et edendada hariduse

ja kaasamise kaudu õiglast ja kestlikku toitumisalast üleminekut, võttes arvesse demograafilisi

muutusi ja vananeva elanikkonna toitumisvajadusi. Teadusuuringud ja innovatsioon käsitlevad ka

toidu kättesaadavuse ja taskukohasusega seotud probleeme, edendades tervislikumat toitumist

ja toitumise mitmekesistamist Maa taluvuspiirides.

• Toidusüsteemide ressursitõhusus ja nullsaaste

Selle tegevusvaldkonnaga edendatakse uusi teadmisi ja uuenduslikke lahendusi, et suurendada

ressursitõhusust, vähendada toidu raiskamist kõigil etappidel töötlemisest tarbimiseni ning

lahutada toidusüsteemid (sh toiduainete töötlemine ja turustamine) fossiilkütustest (sh

pakendamiseks ja transpordiks mõeldud naftakeemiatoodetest). See hõlmab meetmeid, millega

aidatakse toidu- ja joogitootjatel, transpordiettevõtjatel ja muudel ettevõtjatel kogu toidu

väärtusahelas vähendada saastet, säilitades samal ajal elurikkuse. Sellega toetatakse

toidusüsteemide energiapööret, mis on oluline hoob kliima- ja energiaeesmärkide saavutamiseks

ning toidutööstuse konkurentsivõime ja vastupidavuse tagamiseks. See hõlmab ka toidupakendite

lahendusi, mille eesmärk on suurendada kestlikkust, näiteks materjalikasutuse vähendamine,

bioressursipõhiste pakendite suurendamine ning toodete ringlussevõetavuse parandamine ja

kõlblikkusaja pikendamine.

Tegevusvaldkonna raames toetatakse ka mikrobioomipõhiste lahenduste uurimist, sealhulgas

nende käitumise ja funktsionaalsuse uurimist saagikoristusjärgses keskkonnas (nt ladustamine,

töötlemine ja pakendamine), et kasutada ära nende potentsiaal vähendada saastet, parandada toidu

säilitamist ja suurendada üldist ressursitõhusust.

• Toidukeskkonnad ja tarbijate mõjuvõimu suurendamine

See tegevusvaldkond aitab paremini mõista keskkonda, mis kujundab seda, mida inimesed

söövad, sealhulgas toidu kättesaadavust, taskukohasust, juurdepääsetavust, märgistamist,

pakendamist, transporti, jaotamist ja turustamist ning sotsiaalmeedia rolli. Toetatakse selliste

lahenduste väljatöötamist, mis parandavad tervislike ja kestlike valikute kättesaadavust,

taskukohasust ja läbipaistvust. See tegevusvaldkond on seega tihedalt seotud tegevusvaldkonnaga

„Tervislik ja kestlik toitumine“. See tugineb käitumis-, sotsiaal- ja kultuuriteadustele, et paremini

mõista tarbijate käitumist ja arusaamu toidust, toetada nõudluse ümberkujundamist ning

suurendada tarbijate usaldust ja edendada nende haridust.

• Innovatsiooni, ärimudelite ja õiglaste toidusüsteemide lahenduste laiendamine

See tegevusvaldkond toetab üleminekut toidusüsteemidele, mis on uuenduslikud,

konkurentsivõimelised ja turule lähemal, samuti sotsiaalselt õiglased ning austavad

25

ökosüsteeme ja Maa taluvuspiire. Teadusuuringud ja innovatsioon peaksid sagedamini viima

selliste kaubanduslike rakendusteni nagu uuenduslikud tooted, uued ettevõtted ja

tehnoloogialahendused, mis nõuavad i) koostööd akadeemiliste ringkondade, tööstuse ja eri

institutsioonide või taristute vahel; ii) investeeringuid ning iii) edu saavutamiseks sobivate

partnerluste edendamist. See tegevusvaldkond on määratletud ristviitega jagudele 2.1 ja 2.3.

Lisaks käsitletakse toidusüsteemide struktuurseid tõkkeid, ebavõrdsust ja haavatavust ning

keskkonnaseisundi halvenemist, et laiendada paljutõotavaid lahendusi ja luua uusi

ärimudeleid alates katseetapist kuni turustamiseni, pakkudes tehnilist ja rahalist toetust.

Tehnoloogia, sealhulgas tehisintellektilahenduste, digiplatvormide ja biotehnoloogia arendamine

toidusüsteemidega seotud teadusuuringute ja innovatsiooni laiendamiseks on prioriteetne

sekkumisvaldkond ristviitamisel tehnoloogia võimaldile.

• Veeannid

Kooskõlas tulevase ELi ookeani- ja veealaste teadusuuringute ja innovatsiooni strateegiaga on

selle tegevusvaldkonna eesmärk edendada uusi teadmisi ja lahendusi, et toetada kestlikku

kalandust ja vesiviljelust mere- ja sisevetes, toetades samal ajal kestlikke toidusüsteeme ja

toiduga kindlustatust ning üleminekut edukale ja taastavale sinisele biomajandusele.

Selle raames käsitletakse muu hulgas kliimaga seotud ja muid looduslikke riske, mis mõjutavad

veeandide väärtusahelaid. See hõlmab mudelite väljatöötamist, et mõista ja prognoosida kalanduse

ja vesiviljeluse ning veeökosüsteemide koostoimet, ning toetab toidutootmise lõimimist kõige

ringsuspõhisemal ja kestlikumal viisil.

Selektiivsete ja vähese mõjuga püügivahendite alane innovatsioon vähendab kaaspüüki ja

elupaikade häirimist. Jätkuvalt on esmatähtsad loomade heaolu ja tervise küsimused, milles

keskendutakse kõigile kasvatatavatele ja püütavatele vee-elustiku liikidele, käsitledes aretamist ja

vajaduse korral söötmist ning vähendades ELi sõltuvust söödaimpordist. See annab kaluritele ja

vesiviljelusettevõtjatele võimaluse kavandada ühiselt vee-elusressursside majandamist

ühiskonna jaoks kõige vastuvõetavamal viisil, tasakaalustades bioloogilisi, ökoloogilisi,

majanduslikke ja sotsiaalseid kaalutlusi. Teadusuuringute ja innovatsiooniga toetatakse kestlikku

vesiviljelust (sh orgaanilist, avamere- ja integreeritud multitroofset vesiviljelust), sellist

tehnoloogiat nagu kõrgtehnoloogiline kääritamine, alakasutatud veeorganismide biomassi (nt

kalanduse ja vesiviljeluse kõrvalsaadused, vetikad ja invasiivsed võõrliigid) turuleviimist ning

kestlikke ja lühikesi veeandide väärtusahelaid.

4. JÄRELDUSED

ELi põllumajandusliku toidutööstusega seotud teadusuuringud ja innovatsioon on Euroopa toiduga

kindlustatuse ja strateegilise autonoomia tagamiseks ning ELi üldise konkurentsivõime

kaitsmiseks ja suurendamiseks äärmiselt olulised. Tuginedes ELi teadusuuringute ja innovatsiooni

2016. aasta strateegilisele lähenemisviisile põllumajanduse valdkonnas ning toidusüsteemidega

seotud teadusuuringute ja innovatsiooni raamistikule „Food 2030“, käsitatakse käesolevas uues

ELi strateegilises lähenemisviisis teadusuuringuid ja innovatsiooni võimalusena parandada ELi

26

põllumajandusliku toidutööstuse konkurentsivõimet, kestlikkust ja vastupidavust ning tagada

Euroopa inimestele hea elukvaliteet Maa taluvuspiirides.

Uus strateegiline lähenemisviis aitab tugevdada innovatsiooni investeerimisteekonnal ning

hoogustada uute teadmiste, innovatsiooni ja lahenduste omaksvõttu kogu põllumajanduslikus

toidutööstuses. Samuti aitab see tagada investeeringute tõhusa ja tulemusliku suunamise, viia

tulevased prioriteedid kooskõlla teaduse arenguga ning võimaldab ELil kasutada uusi võimalusi

tihedalt seotud raamistike „AgRI 2040“ ja „Food 2040“ kaudu.

27

1. lisa. Põhimeetmed ja ajakava

„Laborist tootmisse“ lõhe ületamine

Meetmed Alates

1 Toetada sihipärase projektikonkursi ja muude praeguse programmi „Euroopa

horisont“ meetmete kaudu koostööprojektide tulemuste paremat väärindamist

ja kasutamist ning tehisintellekti laialdasemat kasutamist põllumajandus- ja

toidusüsteemides

2027

2 Suurendada erasektori ja turuekspertide kaasamist programmi „Euroopa

horisont“ põllumajandusliku toidutööstuse projektikonkurssidel esitatud

teaduskoostöö ettepanekute hindamisse

2027

3 Suurendada toetust riskihindamismeetoditele, kogudes süstemaatilisemalt

andmeid teadusuuringute ja innovatsiooni vajaduste kohta ELi asutustelt, kes

vastutavad põllumajandusliku toidutööstuse uuenduste turustamiseelse

hindamise eest

2027. aasta

IV kvartal

4 Edendada tihedamat koostööd programmi „Euroopa horisont“

põllumajandusliku toidutööstuse teaduskoostöö ning EIT Foodi ja Euroopa

Innovatsiooninõukogu vahel

2026. aasta

IV kvartal

5 Käivitada Teadusuuringute Ühiskeskuse hallatav põllumajanduse,

metsanduse, maaelu arengu ja toidusüsteemide innovatsiooni ja

ümberkujundamise teaduskeskus, et toetada ELi ja liikmesriikide

poliitikakujundamist ning sidusrühmade innovatsioonisuutlikkust

2027. aasta

IV kvartal

6 Valmistada alalise põllumajandusuuringute komitee aktiivsel osalusel ette ELi

ja liikmesriikide meetmete kogum, et aidata põllumajandusliku toidutööstuse

idu- ja kasvufirmasid

2027. aasta

IV kvartal

7 Julgustada liikmesriike kasutama tulevasi riiklikke ja piirkondlikke

partnerluskavasid, et veelgi tõhustada toetavat innovatsiooni ökosüsteemi

põllumajanduslikus toidutööstuses

2026. aasta

IV kvartal

Teadmiste ja innovatsiooni omaksvõtu kiirendamine põllumajandustootjate,

metsandusettevõtjate ja maapiirkondade osalejate seas

Meetmed Alates

8 Tõhustada mitme osalejaga lähenemisviisi rakendamist, ühtlustades

termineid ning tugevdades selle hindamis- ja seireraamistikke

2028. aasta

I kvartal

9 Luua koostööplatvormid ja hallata nende kasutamist, et hõlbustada

kontaktide loomist põllumajandustootjate, praktikute ja mitme osalejaga

lähenemisviisi järgivate projektide vahel, suurendades kasutajate kaasamist

teadusuuringutesse ja innovatsiooni

2028. aasta

I kvartal

10 Tugevdada sidemeid programmi „Euroopa horisont“ riiklike

kontaktpunktide ja riiklike ÜPP võrgustike vahel põllumajanduse

tootlikkust ja kestlikkust käsitleva Euroopa innovatsioonipartnerluse

sihtotstarbeliste ürituste kaudu

2027

28

Meetmed Alates

11 Vaadata läbi praktiliste kokkuvõtete ühtne vorming, mida kasutatakse

töörühmade ja programmi „Euroopa horisont“ projektide praktiliste

tulemuste levitamiseks, et muuta need selgemaks, parandada kasutajate

juurdepääsu ja edendada praktilist suunitlust

2027. aasta

IV kvartal

12 Kaardistada ja edendada ELi ja liikmesriikide katse- ja näidisrajatisi, et

suurendada põllumajandustootjate juurdepääsu ja vastastikuse innovatsiooni

omaksvõttu

2027. aasta

IV kvartal

13 Väärindada ELi uuringu tulemusi programmi „Euroopa horisont“ selliste

konkreetsete vahendite mõju kohta, millega toetatakse kestlikku

innovatsiooni põllumajanduses, metsanduses ja maapiirkondades

2026. aasta

IV kvartal

Toidutehnoloogia edendamine toiduahela vastupidavuse ja toiduga kindlustatuse tagamiseks

Meetmed Alates

14 Soodustada erainvesteeringuid, et toetada sellise avatud juurdepääsuga

katse- ja näidistaseme biotöötlemistaristu ehitamist ja ajakohastamist, mis

toetab VKEsid oma protsesside katsetamisel ja riskide vähendamisel, ilma

et neil oleks vaja teha takistavaid algkapitali kulutusi

2028. aasta

I kvartal

15 Tugevdada tervise ja toidu vahelist seost, et tegeleda kardiometaboolse

süsteemiga ja närvisüsteemiga seotud haiguste kasvava arvuga ning

hõlmata muu hulgas personaalne toitumine

2027. aasta

I kvartal

AgRI 2040: võimalike teadusuuringute ja innovatsiooni vajaduste kindlakstegemine ELi

põllumajanduse, metsanduse ja maapiirkondade konkurentsivõime, kestlikkuse ja

vastupidavuse tagamiseks

Meetmed Alates

16 Korraldada esimene raamistiku „AgRI 2040“ konverents, et teha koos

sidusrühmadega kindlaks teadusuuringute ja innovatsiooni vajadused ning

luua esialgsed tegevusvaldkonnad

2026. aasta

III kvartal

17 Töötada „AgRI 2040“ raames välja tegevusvaldkonnad vastavalt

sidusrühmadega koostöös kindlaks tehtud teadusuuringute ja innovatsiooni

vajadustele

2027. aasta

IV kvartal

Food 2040: konkurentsivõimeliste, kestlike ja vastupidavate toidusüsteemidega seotud

võimalike teadusuuringute ja innovatsiooni vajaduste kindlakstegemine

Meetmed Alates

18 Töötada välja teadusuuringud ja innovatsioon raamistiku „Food 2040“

kuues tegevusvaldkonnas, et saavutada kindlaksmääratud prioriteedid

2028. aasta

III kvartal

19 Korraldada esimene kõrgetasemeline raamistiku „Food 2040“ konverents,

et tuua kokku toidusüsteemide teadusuuringute ja innovatsiooni kogukond

2028. aasta

IV kvartal