Open topic: Improving the competitiveness of the agricultural sector by enhancing the efficient and sustainable use of agricultural production factors
EU funding for the development and testing of innovative concepts for a more efficient and sustainable use of agricultural production factors. Two-stage procedure with submission of initial outlines by 14.04.2026 and full application by 15.09.2026.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
The goal is to enhance the competitiveness of the European agricultural sector by developing, validating, and demonstrating at large scale prototypes and sustainable alternatives for the efficient use of fertilizers, plant protection products, water, energy, machinery, and buildings.
Eligible expenses
- Prototype development
- Large-scale field trials
- Environmental and biodiversity monitoring
- Business model development
- Communication and dissemination activities
Non-eligible expenses
- Retroactive costs
- Acquisition of real estate
Eligible to apply
- Companies
- Educational Institutions
- Non-profit Organizations
- Founders
- Public Institutions
Funding requirements
- Legal entity in an EU Member State or associated country
- Multi-actor approach involving farmers, advisors, science, and SMEs
- Open market launch with at least three providers per phase
Documents required for application
- Exposé for Stage 1
- Complete Application for Stage 2
- Lump-Sum Budget Table
- Ethics Self-Assessment
- Technical Appendices
Evaluation criteria
- Degree of innovation and technological ambition
- Environmental and social compatibility
- Economic feasibility and market potential
- Dissemination and exploitation strategy
- Quality of the multi-actor approach
Description
The EU initiative for "Improving the Competitiveness of the Agricultural Sector through Efficient and Sustainable Use of Agricultural Production Factors" targets companies, research institutions, non-profit organizations, start-ups, as well as public entities in all EU member states and associated countries. It supports innovative projects that develop, validate, and conduct large-scale testing of prototypes and sustainable alternatives for better use of fertilizers, plant protection products, water, energy, machinery, and buildings in real operational environments. The two-stage selection process includes a concept note submission by 14.04.2026 and a full application by 15.09.2026. The funding rate is up to 70% of eligible costs; the maximum funding amount is €4.5 million per project.
The program is particularly suitable for SMEs, start-ups, social scientists, agricultural enterprises, as well as consultants and researchers working jointly within a multi-actor approach on market-oriented business models and technologies. Evaluation criteria include the degree of innovation, environmental and social compatibility, economic viability, dissemination concept, and quality of actor cooperation. Funding prerequisites include, among others, the involvement of multiple providers per phase and a legal entity from an EU member state or associated country. Eligible expenses cover prototype development, large-scale field trials, monitoring, business model development, and communication measures. Retroactive costs and real estate acquisitions are not eligible. The goal is to strengthen strategic autonomy as well as the long-term sustainability and market opportunities of the European agricultural sector.
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