Harnessing the multifunctional potential of soil biodiversity for healthy cropping systems
The Horizon Europe program 'Harnessing the multifunctional potential of soil biodiversity for healthy cropping systems' aims to advance sustainable agriculture across Europe. It focuses on leveraging soil biodiversity to improve crop and soil health, reduce reliance on external chemical inputs, and expand integrated pest management practices. This initiative supports innovations and knowledge transfer through a multi-actor approach, contributing significantly to Europe's green transition and global soil health objectives.
Who is Funded
The program targets a broad spectrum of stakeholders across the agri-food chain and related sectors, encouraging collaborative efforts to enhance soil health and agricultural sustainability. It emphasizes the importance of diverse expertise and practical knowledge for effective project implementation.
What is Funded
This funding program supports projects focused on developing and implementing innovative solutions for soil and crop health, with a strong emphasis on leveraging soil biodiversity and reducing chemical inputs. It encourages practical, site-specific innovations and the establishment of demonstration sites across different agricultural contexts.
Type and Scope of Funding
This Horizon Europe call provides grant funding with a significant maximum amount per project, supporting innovation activities aimed at enhancing soil and crop health. While specific co-financing rates are not detailed, the nature of Innovation Actions typically implies substantial EU contribution.
Conditions and Requirements
Applicants must adhere to general conditions outlined in the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes, covering admissibility, eligibility, financial capacity, and grant agreement setup. A crucial requirement is the multi-actor approach, ensuring broad stakeholder involvement.
Application Procedure
The application process follows a single-stage submission and evaluation, guided by standard Horizon Europe procedures. Detailed instructions for submission, evaluation, and grant agreement timelines are available in official program documents.
Legal Basis
The program operates under the comprehensive legal framework of Horizon Europe, ensuring compliance with EU regulations and policies. Key authorizing and governing documents are readily accessible to ensure transparency and proper implementation.
Similar Programs
Funding Overview
Funding Status:
Closed
Maximum Amount:
8,000,000 €
Allocated Budget:
EUR 16.0 million
Open Until:
31.12.2027
Award Channel:
Framework Programme Call
Region:
European Union Member States, Horizon Europe Associated Countries, and specific non-EU/non-Associated Countries as detailed in the Horizon Europe Programme Guide. Projects should be carried out in various pedo-climatic zones.
Sectors:
Agriculture and Agribusiness, Food Processing, Environmental and Climate Protection, Research and Development, Other
Beneficiaries:
Farmers, foresters, land managers, food and bioeconomy businesses, consumers, public authorities, spatial planners, research institutions, civil society organizations (NGOs), educators, cultural and creative industries, citizens.
Application Type:
Consortium Required
Funding Stages:
Prototyping, Pilot Testing, Product Development, Process Optimization, Market Introduction, Scaling, Commercialization, Implementation, Capacity Building, Awareness Campaigns
Funding Provider
Program Level:
European Union
Funding Body:
European Union
Managed By:
European Commission (Joint Research Centre), Research Executive Agency (REA)
Additional Partners:
Mission Secretariat, European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC), EU CAP Network - European Innovation Partnership 'Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability' (EIP-AGRI), other projects funded under this topic, and relevant existing Horizon projects (e.g., EXCALIBUR, SoildiverAgro, EcoStack, IWMPRAISE, SOILGUARD, WHEATBIOME, TRIBIOME, BIOservicES, SOB4ES, GOOD, AGROSUS, CONSERWA).
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