Enhancing the competitiveness of organic crop breeding: focus on intercropping adapted varieties

The Horizon Europe research program “Enhancing the competitiveness of organic crop breeding: focus on intercropping adapted varieties” targets public institutions, educational establishments, non-profit organizations, as well as companies of all sizes in EU member states and associated countries. The aim is to strengthen organic plant breeding through the development of a comprehensive set of methods for breeding varieties specifically adapted to intercropping systems. The focus lies on novel insights into plant biological interactions, the identification of high-performing variety combinations, and the creation of testing and selection criteria for intercropping conditions. Special attention is given to regulatory aspects concerning Organic Heterogeneous Material (OHM) and Organic Varieties Suitable for Organic Production (OVSOP). Within a consortium of at least three independent partners from three countries, innovative breeding approaches will be developed, practically tested in field trials, and their ecological as well as economic effects evaluated.

Funding is provided as a 100% grant with a maximum amount of €6 million per project. The submission deadline is 22 September 2027 (single-stage, opening: 20 April 2027). Eligible costs include personnel expenses, material and travel costs, as well as subcontractor costs. Evaluation is based on scientific excellence, degree of innovation, expected impact on organic plant breeding, and the quality and efficiency of project implementation. Participants may include researchers and breeders in plant biology and agricultural sciences, as well as farmers and companies in the organic agriculture sector. A prerequisite is the formation of a thematically appropriate consortium and compliance with the call conditions. The European Commission supports the application process and accompanies project implementation within the framework of the Horizon Europe program for the sustainable strengthening of biodiversity and competitiveness.