Balancing food security, bioeconomy, climate and biodiversity objectives to unlock sustainable value chains

The Horizon Europe grant opportunity identified as HORIZON-CL6 focuses on balancing food security, bioeconomy, climate, and biodiversity objectives through sustainable value chains. The initiative seeks research and innovation actions and has a total budget of €12 million, with each successful project receiving €6 million in funding. Proposals are required to be submitted in a single-stage process by September 17, 2026, targeting development in the agricultural sector while ensuring environmental sustainability. Eligible applicants include a diverse mix of organizations, such as universities, research institutes, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), large enterprises, agricultural stakeholders, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The opportunity mandates that proposals implement a multi-actor consortium approach, ensuring collaboration among farmers, researchers, farm accountants, and businesses. The grant is classified as a Research and Innovation Action (HORIZON-RIA) with a lump sum funding model. This grants flexibility in budget management for project implementation. The initiative targets sectors within the circular bio-based economy, emphasizing bioeconomy, agriculture, food security, natural resources, biodiversity, and climate action. The goal is to develop innovative business models that allow farmers to diversify their income while maintaining food supply and supporting environmental objectives. Projects are expected to conduct interdisciplinary research and provide tools for decision-making, assessing the economic, social, and environmental impacts of advancements in bioeconomy and nature markets. Proposals should explore methods of natural capital accounting, innovative value chains beyond traditional food products, and develop recommendations for policies that align agricultural practices with environmental goals. There are high levels of competition anticipated, with historical data suggesting success rates of 1–10%. Co-funding requirements are not explicitly outlined but may be influenced by typical Horizon Europe project guidelines. Overall, this call aims to equip policymakers and stakeholders with the knowledge and resources necessary to foster sustainable agricultural practices while addressing the pressing challenges posed by climate change and biodiversity loss. Successful proposals will help create a framework where agriculture can thrive economically and contribute positively to environmental goals.

This is a Horizon Europe (HORIZON) call, specifically Call 01 single stage (2026) (HORIZON-CL6-2026-01). The topic is Balancing food security, bioeconomy, climate and biodiversity objectives to unlock sustainable value chains, specifically HORIZON-CL6. It is a HORIZON Research and Innovation Action (HORIZON-RIA) with a HORIZON Lump Sum Grant [HORIZON-AG-LS] type of Model Grant Agreement (MGA). The call is forthcoming with a single-stage deadline model. The planned opening date is 17 April 2026, and the deadline date is 17 September 2026 at 17:00:00 Brussels time.

The expected outcomes of the project are:decision-makers having improved understanding of the impacts of bioeconomy and nature markets on the sustainability of the agricultural sector, food security, climate and biodiversity, as well as on land-use conflicts; society benefiting from economic activities that align bioeconomy, climate and biodiversity objectives while safeguarding food security; farmers gaining opportunities to diversify their production, their income and improve the environmental performance of agricultural production without compromising food supply; and policymakers being better equipped to develop more effective, evidence-based agricultural and environmental policies.

The scope of the call is as follows:As the bioeconomy and nature markets gain importance, enabling diversification of value streams for farmers, policymakers must ensure that the growing use of agricultural biomass and agricultural land for non-food purposes (e.g., for the development of novel bio-based chemicals, compounds, materials, products and services, energy production, environmental services provision, carbon and biodiversity credits) does not compromise food security. For the purpose of this topic, nature markets encompass market mechanisms (e.g., nature credits as proposed in the Nature Credits Roadmap, carbon credits, market-based payments for environmental services) mobilising private finance to create income streams for primary producers in return for undertaking actions supporting well-functioning ecosystem services (e.g., water quality and availability, biodiversity, climate). Strategies are needed to balance market incentives, safeguard food supply and the environment, and support farmers in diversifying incomes through sustainable business models and value chains. Successful proposals should support the EU Vision for Agriculture and Food, the Common Agricultural Policy, the new EU bioeconomy strategy, the Carbon Removals and Carbon Farming (CRCF) Regulation and the climate and biodiversity objectives of the European Green Deal.

Proposals should:explore natural capital accounting methods integrating economics and nature into agricultural accounts, and their potential to support economic valuation, pricing and integration in decision-making of environmental services provided by farmers; analyse existing and develop new innovative business models and value chains from which farmers can derive fair value and new income beyond food and feed production. This work should include, among others, an assessment of their potential to integrate sustainable practices, enhance farm profitability and performance, and support the transition to a circular bio-based economy and the green transition, as well as an assessment of the market operators involved; when conducting the research/assessment, consider the potential of biomass residues and secondary biomass streams, including waste, as well as low value, unused or underutilised biomass, and land areas; conduct interdisciplinary research from farm to macro levels, encompassing economic, social, biodiversity and climate impacts, and provide analytical tools in particular assessing implications for: farmers' income, decision-making and farm management including of its natural capital; biomass supply and demand and threshold effects of market prices on production choices; land-use conflicts and food security risks (covering the availability, accessibility, utilisation and stability dimensions), considering leakage effects and other potential conflicts of use (e.g. water); provide recommendations for the design of policies and sustainable business models and value chains. The recommendations should anticipate trade-offs and align bioeconomy, climate and biodiversity goals while safeguarding food security and ensuring that farmers can diversify and receive fair incomes. They should also respond to evolving consumer demand.

Proposals should ensure complementarities with ongoing relevant Horizon Europe projects and capitalise on existing relevant research findings and tools. Proposals should also ensure synergies with other relevant EU-funded LIFE and knowledge innovation projects, studies, pilot projects, initiatives and processes (e.g., Economic Accounts for Agriculture framework). Proposals should include a dedicated task, appropriate resources and a plan on how they will collaborate with other projects selected under this topic (e.g., by participating in joint activities, workshops, as well as common communication and dissemination activities). Proposals must implement the multi-actor approach, with a consortium based on a balanced mix of actors with complementary knowledge, including farmers, researchers, farm accountants, and businesses. This topic should involve the effective contribution of Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) disciplines. Proposals are encouraged to consider, where relevant, the data, expertise and services offered by European research infrastructures in the environment, biological & food domains.

The general conditions include:Admissibility Conditions: Proposal page limit and layout described in Annex A and Annex E of the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes, with proposal page limits and layout described in Part B of the Application Form available in the Submission System. Eligible Countries described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes, with specific provisions for non-EU/non-Associated Countries outlined in the Horizon Europe Programme Guide. Other Eligible Conditions include the application of the multi-actor approach, as defined in the work programme part and Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes. Financial and operational capacity and exclusion are described in Annex C of the Work Programme General Annexes. Evaluation and award criteria, scoring and thresholds are described in Annex D of the Work Programme General Annexes. Submission and evaluation processes are described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes and the Online Manual. The indicative timeline for evaluation and grant agreement is described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes. Legal and financial set-up of the grants: Eligible costs will take the form of a lump sum as defined in the Decision of 7 July 2021 authorising the use of lump sum contributions under the Horizon Europe Programme – the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (2021-2027) – and in actions under the Research and Training Programme of the European Atomic Energy Community (2021-2025), further described in Annex G of the Work Programme General Annexes. Specific conditions are described in the specific topic of the Work Programme.

Application and evaluation forms and model grant agreement (MGA) information:Application form templates are available in the Submission System, including the Standard application form (HE RIA, IA). Evaluation form templates will be used with necessary adaptations, including the Standard evaluation form (HE RIA, IA). Guidance is provided in the HE Programme Guide. Model Grant Agreements (MGA) include the Lump Sum MGA. Call-specific instructions include a Detailed budget table (HE LS) and Guidance: "Lump sums - what do I need to know?".

Additional documents include:HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 1. General Introduction, HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 9. Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment, HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 15. General Annexes, HE Programme Guide, HE Framework Programme 2021/695, HE Specific Programme Decision 2021/764, EU Financial Regulation 2024/2509, Decision authorising the use of lump sum contributions under the Horizon Europe Programme, Rules for Legal Entity Validation, LEAR Appointment and Financial Capacity Assessment, EU Grants AGA — Annotated Model Grant Agreement, Funding & Tenders Portal Online Manual, Funding & Tenders Portal Terms and Conditions, and Funding & Tenders Portal Privacy Statement.

The budget overview for the year 2026 includes several topics:HORIZON-CL6-2026-01-BIODIV-01 (€13,000,000), HORIZON-CL6-2026-01-BIODIV-02 (€10,000,000), HORIZON-CL6-2026-01-BIODIV-03 (€18,000,000), HORIZON-CL6-2026-01-BIODIV-04 (€13,000,000), HORIZON-CL6-2026-01-BIODIV-05 (€10,000,000), HORIZON-CL6-2026-01-BIODIV-06 (€12,000,000), HORIZON-CL6-2026-01-CIRCBIO-01 (€11,000,000), HORIZON-CL6-2026-01-CIRCBIO-02 (€11,000,000), HORIZON-CL6-2026-01-CIRCBIO-03 (€10,000,000), HORIZON-CL6-2026-01-CIRCBIO-04 (€10,000,000), HORIZON-CL6-2026-01-CIRCBIO-05 (€6,000,000), HORIZON-CL6-2026-01-CIRCBIO-06 (€3,000,000), HORIZON-CL6-2026-01-CIRCBIO-07 (€12,000,000), HORIZON-CL6-2026-01-CIRCBIO-08 (€8,000,000), HORIZON-CL6 (€12,000,000), HORIZON-CL6-2026-01-CIRCBIO-10 (€8,000,000), HORIZON-CL6-2026-01-CIRCBIO-11 (€10,000,000), HORIZON-CL6-2026-01-ZEROPOLLUTION-01 (€10,000,000), HORIZON-CL6-2026-01-ZEROPOLLUTION-02 (€11,000,000), and HORIZON-CL6-2026-01-ZEROPOLLUTION-03 (€12,000,000). All are single-stage calls with planned opening date of 2026-04-17 and deadline of 2026-09-17. The indicative number of grants varies between topics.

Partner search announcements are available for collaboration on this topic. The submission system is planned to be opened on the date stated on the topic header. There are no topic Q&As available. General FAQs are available. Support is available through the Online Manual, Horizon Europe Programme Guide, Funding & Tenders Portal FAQ, Research Enquiry Service, National Contact Points (NCPs), Enterprise Europe Network, IT Helpdesk, European IPR Helpdesk, CEN-CENELEC Research Helpdesk and ETSI Research Helpdesk, The European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for their recruitment, and Partner Search.

In summary, this Horizon Europe call focuses on balancing food security with bioeconomy, climate, and biodiversity objectives to create sustainable value chains. It seeks research and innovation actions that explore natural capital accounting, innovative business models for farmers, and interdisciplinary research on the economic, social, and environmental impacts of bioeconomy and nature markets. The call emphasizes the multi-actor approach, involving farmers, researchers, and businesses, and encourages the contribution of social sciences and humanities. The funding is provided as a lump sum, and the application process involves a single stage with a deadline in September 2026. The call aims to inform policymakers and support farmers in diversifying their income while safeguarding food security and promoting environmental sustainability.

Eligible Applicant Types:The eligible applicant types for this opportunity include farmers, researchers, farm accountants, and businesses. The call requires a consortium based on a balanced mix of these actors with complementary knowledge.

Funding Type:The funding type for this opportunity is a grant, specifically a HORIZON Research and Innovation Action (HORIZON-RIA) or a HORIZON Innovation Action (HORIZON-IA) or a HORIZON Coordination and Support Action (HORIZON-CSA). Eligible costs will take the form of a lump sum.

Consortium Requirement:This opportunity requires a consortium of multiple applicants. The proposals must implement the multi-actor approach, with a consortium based on a balanced mix of actors with complementary knowledge.

Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility):The geographic eligibility includes EU and non-EU/non-Associated Countries. A number of non-EU/non-Associated Countries that are not automatically eligible for funding have made specific provisions for making funding available for their participants in Horizon Europe projects.

Target Sector:This program targets the following sectors: agriculture, food, bioeconomy, natural resources, climate, biodiversity, and environment. It also involves the effective contribution of Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) disciplines.

Mentioned Countries:No specific countries are mentioned, but the opportunity is open to EU member states, associated countries, and potentially other non-EU countries as specified in the Horizon Europe Programme Guide.

Project Stage:The project stage can vary. The call includes both Research and Innovation Actions (RIA) and Innovation Actions (IA), suggesting that projects can range from research and development to demonstration and validation.

Funding Amount:The funding amounts vary depending on the specific topic within the call, ranging from €3,000,000 to €18,000,000. The indicative grant amounts for each topic are specified in the budget overview. For example, HORIZON-CL6-2026-01-BIODIV-03 has a budget of €18,000,000 and an indicative grant amount of around €9,000,000, with an indicative number of 2 grants. HORIZON-CL6-2026-01-CIRCBIO-06 has a budget of €3,000,000 and an indicative grant amount of around €3,000,000, with an indicative number of 1 grant. Some Innovation Actions have funding ranges, such as HORIZON-CL6-2026-01-CIRCBIO-01 with a budget of €11,000,000 and grant amounts ranging from €5,000,000 to €6,000,000.

Application Type:The application type is an open call with a single-stage submission process.

Nature of Support:Beneficiaries will receive money in the form of a lump sum grant.

Application Stages:The application process consists of a single stage.

Success Rates:The success rates are not explicitly mentioned, but the indicative number of grants for each topic provides some insight. For example, a topic with a budget of €10,000,000 and an indicative number of 2 grants suggests a higher success rate than a topic with the same budget but only 1 grant.

Co-funding Requirement:The information does not explicitly state whether co-funding is required. However, Horizon Europe grants typically fund a significant portion of the project costs, implying that co-funding may not be mandatory but could strengthen a proposal.

Summary:This Horizon Europe call focuses on "Balancing food security, bioeconomy, climate and biodiversity objectives to unlock sustainable value chains." It aims to fund projects that explore and develop strategies to ensure that the growing bioeconomy and nature markets do not compromise food security, while also supporting climate and biodiversity objectives. The call encourages proposals that explore natural capital accounting, develop innovative business models for farmers, and conduct interdisciplinary research to assess the economic, social, and environmental impacts of bioeconomy and nature markets. The call is structured around several specific topics related to biodiversity, circular bioeconomy, and zero pollution, each with its own budget and expected outcomes. Eligible applicants include consortia of farmers, researchers, farm accountants, and businesses, emphasizing a multi-actor approach. The funding is provided as a lump sum grant, and the application process involves a single-stage submission. The call seeks to support the EU Vision for Agriculture and Food, the Common Agricultural Policy, the new EU bioeconomy strategy, the Carbon Removals and Carbon Farming (CRCF) Regulation, and the climate and biodiversity objectives of the European Green Deal. The overall goal is to equip policymakers with better tools and strategies to develop effective agricultural and environmental policies that balance market incentives, safeguard food supply and the environment, and support farmers in diversifying incomes through sustainable business models and value chains.