Fostering common farmland birds and mammals for resilient food production systems
Overview
Eligible applicants include diverse types of organizations such as research institutes, universities, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), large enterprises, and nonprofit organizations. A crucial requirement is the formation of consortia involving various stakeholders, emphasizing a multi-actor approach that brings together farmers, land managers, conservation organizations, and policymakers.
The call is rooted in addressing the decline of farmland birds and mammals, which are essential for maintaining ecosystem services such as pest control and pollination vital to sustainable agriculture. Proposals should focus on synthesizing farming practices that benefit biodiversity, developing participatory research programs that foster collaboration, improving existing incentives for adopting biodiversity-friendly practices, and creating comprehensive education programs for farmers.
While financial success rates are not explicitly provided, they are typically expected to range between 10% to 39%, indicating a competitive selection process. This funding initiative aligns with several EU policies and directives aimed at enhancing biodiversity and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
Overall, this call is geared towards fostering resilient food systems by integrating wildlife conservation into agricultural practices, thereby ensuring both productivity and biodiversity restoration across European landscapes.
Detail
The expected outcomes of the projects are that land managers, farmers, conservation organizations, researchers, policymakers, and agribusinesses are equipped with the knowledge and tools to implement practices that enhance habitats for farmland birds and mammals, thereby improving pest control, supporting pollination, and strengthening agricultural resilience. Also, challenges, measures, and needs of land managers, farmers and conservation organizations are known and supported via appropriate incentives to facilitate the wide adoption of bird- and mammal-friendly practices.
The scope of the call emphasizes the importance of maintaining and improving farmland bird populations for the long-term sustainability of food production systems. It recognizes the valuable ecosystem services provided by farmland birds and mammals, such as pest control, pollination, and seed dispersal, which are essential for resilient agriculture. The call aims to foster sustainable agriculture that enhances both productivity and biodiversity, and offers opportunities for nature restoration.
Proposals should:
Synthesize the impact of various farming practices on both farmland bird populations and agricultural productivity, while also considering farmland mammals for a more comprehensive picture. Also, assessing the role and impact of specific bird species in pest control and soil health to better understand their contributions in agricultural landscapes and to the sustainability of farming systems.
Develop participatory research programs that encourage landscape-level collaboration among farmers, land managers, and conservationists. These programs should focus on identifying and testing locally tailored bird-friendly solutions while addressing farmers' perceptions, needs, and challenges in adopting these practices.
Improve existing incentives (also under CAP), or potentially create new targeted ones to promote the adoption of bird- and mammal-friendly solutions. These incentives should be geographically relevant and designed to address farmers' specific challenges, while fostering collaboration among farmers, land managers, and conservationists to ensure effective implementation and long-term sustainability.
Design a comprehensive farmer education program focused on bird-friendly practices and their economic benefits. This should include advisory services with ecologists, field days, and demonstration farms showcasing successful bird-focused measures in profitable farming systems. Also assess effectiveness of peer-to-peer learning networks and highlight the economic co-benefits of these practices (e.g., pest reduction and pollination).
Conduct research to assess the effectiveness of scaling proven biodiversity-friendly farming practices, such as creating and preserving semi-natural habitats of farmland or other farming practices and in consideration of at least maintaining productivity. Focus on successful models, that can be applied to different regions, and evaluate their impact on bird and selected mammal populations.
The projects under this topic are relevant to the EU Vision for Agriculture and Food, the biodiversity strategy for 2030, the EU Birds and Habitats Directives, the EU Action Plan for the Development of Organic Production, the EU Nature Restoration Regulation and Target 10 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
Proposals must implement the multi-actor approach, involving a range of stakeholders, particularly farmers and land managers, to ensure that the knowledge and needs from various sectors are integrated and the results are impactful.
Proposals should, where relevant, build on previous EU and nationally funded projects, including Horizon 2020, Horizon Europe, and LIFE, and the Agroecology Partnership; and foresee appropriate resources to ensure close cooperation with the EC Knowledge Centre for Biodiversity (KCBD) and its Science Service.
The general conditions for this call include:
Admissibility Conditions: Proposal page limit and layout described in Annex A and Annex E of the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes and Part B of the Application Form.
Eligible Countries: described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes, with specific provisions for non-EU/non-Associated Countries as detailed in the Horizon Europe Programme Guide.
Other Eligible Conditions: Proposals must apply 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: described in Annex C of the Work Programme General Annexes.
Evaluation and award: 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. Further details are in Annex G of the Work Programme General Annexes.
The application and evaluation forms, as well as the model grant agreement (MGA), are available in the Submission System. Specific guidance and instructions are provided in the HE Programme Guide, Lump Sum MGA, call-specific instructions, detailed budget table (HE LS), and the guidance document "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
Funding & Tenders Portal Privacy Statement
There are options for partner search announcements and a start submission function. A general FAQ and support services are available, including an 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, and a Partner Search function.
In summary, this Horizon Europe call aims to promote sustainable agriculture by supporting research and innovation that enhances habitats for farmland birds and mammals. It encourages collaboration among various stakeholders, including farmers, land managers, and conservationists, to develop and implement practices that improve pest control, support pollination, and strengthen agricultural resilience. The call provides funding for projects that synthesize the impact of farming practices on biodiversity, develop participatory research programs, improve existing incentives, design farmer education programs, and conduct research on scaling proven biodiversity-friendly farming practices. The ultimate goal is to foster sustainable agriculture that enhances both productivity and biodiversity, and offers opportunities for nature restoration.
Find a Consultant to Support You
Breakdown
Funding Type: The primary financial mechanism is a grant, specifically a lump sum grant, as defined in the Decision of 7 July 2021 authorising the use of lump sum contributions under the Horizon Europe Programme. The different types of actions include Research and Innovation Actions (RIA), Innovation Actions (IA) and Coordination and Support Actions (CSA).
Consortium Requirement: The multi-actor approach is mandatory, implying that a consortium of multiple applicants is required. The text explicitly mentions the need for involving a range of stakeholders, particularly farmers and land managers.
Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility): The geographic eligibility includes EU member states and associated countries as described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes. The text also mentions that 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. See the information in the Horizon Europe Programme Guide.
Target Sector: The program targets the agriculture and food sector, specifically focusing on biodiversity, food production systems, and nature restoration. It also addresses the environment and climate sectors through its emphasis on sustainable agriculture and zero pollution.
Mentioned Countries: No specific countries are mentioned, but the geographic scope includes EU member states and associated countries. The text refers to non-EU/non-Associated Countries with specific funding provisions.
Project Stage: The project stages vary depending on the type of action:
Research and Innovation Actions (RIA): These projects typically focus on research, development, and validation stages.
Innovation Actions (IA): These projects emphasize demonstration, piloting, and commercialization stages.
Coordination and Support Actions (CSA): These projects support networking, coordination, and dissemination activities.
Funding Amount: The funding amounts vary depending on the specific topic and type of action, ranging from €3,000,000 to €24,000,000 per topic. The indicative number of grants per topic also varies, typically ranging from 1 to 3.
HORIZON-CL6-2027-01-BIODIV-01 - HORIZON-RIA: €10,000,000 (around €5,000,000 per grant, 2 grants)
HORIZON-CL6-2027-01-BIODIV-02 - HORIZON-CSA: €7,000,000 (around €7,000,000 per grant, 1 grant)
HORIZON-CL6-2027-01-BIODIV-03 - HORIZON-IA: €14,000,000 (around €7,000,000 per grant, 2 grants)
HORIZON-CL6-2027-01-BIODIV-04 - HORIZON-RIA: €24,000,000 (around €8,000,000 per grant, 3 grants)
HORIZON-CL6-2027-01-BIODIV-05 - HORIZON-RIA: €14,000,000 (around €7,000,000 per grant, 2 grants)
HORIZON-CL6-2027-01-BIODIV-06 - HORIZON-RIA: €14,000,000 (around €7,000,000 per grant, 2 grants)
HORIZON-CL6-2027-01-BIODIV-07 - HORIZON-RIA: €14,000,000 (around €7,000,000 per grant, 2 grants)
HORIZON-CL6-2027-01-BIODIV-08 - HORIZON-RIA: €12,000,000 (around €6,000,000 per grant, 2 grants)
HORIZON-CL6-2027-01-BIODIV-09 - HORIZON-RIA: €12,000,000 (around €6,000,000 per grant, 2 grants)
HORIZON-CL6-2027-01-CIRCBIO-01 - HORIZON-IA: €10,000,000 (around €5,000,000 per grant, 2 grants)
HORIZON-CL6-2027-01-CIRCBIO-02 - HORIZON-IA: €10,000,000 (around €5,000,000 per grant, 2 grants)
HORIZON-CL6-2027-01-CIRCBIO-03 - HORIZON-RIA: €10,000,000 (around €5,000,000 per grant, 2 grants)
HORIZON-CL6-2027-01-CIRCBIO-04 - HORIZON-RIA: €9,000,000 (€4,000,000 to €5,000,000 per grant, 2 grants)
HORIZON-CL6-2027-01-CIRCBIO-05 - HORIZON-RIA: €9,000,000 (€4,000,000 to €5,000,000 per grant, 2 grants)
HORIZON-CL6-2027-01-CIRCBIO-06 - HORIZON-RIA: €12,000,000 (around €6,000,000 per grant, 2 grants)
HORIZON-CL6-2027-01-CIRCBIO-07 - HORIZON-IA: €14,000,000 (around €7,000,000 per grant, 2 grants)
HORIZON-CL6-2027-01-CIRCBIO-08 - HORIZON-IA: €12,000,000 (around €6,000,000 per grant, 2 grants)
HORIZON-CL6-2027-01-CIRCBIO-09 - HORIZON-IA: €12,000,000 (around €6,000,000 per grant, 2 grants)
HORIZON-CL6-2027-01-CIRCBIO-10 - HORIZON-RIA: €6,000,000 (around €6,000,000 per grant, 1 grant)
HORIZON-CL6-2027-01-ZEROPOLLUTION-01 - HORIZON-RIA: €12,000,000 (around €4,000,000 per grant, 3 grants)
HORIZON-CL6-2027-01-ZEROPOLLUTION-02 - HORIZON-RIA: €9,800,000 (around €4,900,000 per grant, 2 grants)
HORIZON-CL6-2027-01-ZEROPOLLUTION-03 - HORIZON-RIA: €12,000,000 (around €6,000,000 per grant, 2 grants)
HORIZON-CL6-2027-01-ZEROPOLLUTION-04 - HORIZON-CSA: €3,000,000 (around €3,000,000 per grant, 1 grant)
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 involves a single stage.
Success Rates: Success rates are not explicitly mentioned, but given the competitive nature of Horizon Europe calls, success rates are generally expected to be below 10% to 39%.
Co-funding Requirement: The need for co-funding is not explicitly mentioned.
Summary: This Horizon Europe call, part of the Cluster 6 work programme, focuses on fostering resilient food production systems by maintaining and improving farmland bird and mammal populations. The call invites proposals for Research and Innovation Actions (RIA), Innovation Actions (IA), and Coordination and Support Actions (CSA). The projects should contribute to equipping land managers, farmers, conservation organizations, researchers, policymakers, and agribusinesses with the knowledge and tools to implement practices that enhance habitats for farmland birds and mammals, thereby improving pest control, supporting pollination, and strengthening agricultural resilience. The call emphasizes a multi-actor approach, requiring the involvement of various stakeholders, particularly farmers and land managers. Proposals should build on previous EU and nationally funded projects and ensure close cooperation with the EC Knowledge Centre for Biodiversity (KCBD). Funding is provided as a lump sum grant, with varying amounts depending on the type of action, and the call is open to applicants from EU member states and associated countries, with potential provisions for non-EU/non-associated countries. The application process involves a single stage, with a planned opening date of 20 April 2027 and a deadline of 22 September 2027.
Short Summary
Impact The funding aims to foster resilient food production systems by maintaining and improving farmland bird and mammal populations, enhancing pest control, supporting pollination, and strengthening agricultural resilience. | Impact | The funding aims to foster resilient food production systems by maintaining and improving farmland bird and mammal populations, enhancing pest control, supporting pollination, and strengthening agricultural resilience. |
Applicant Applicants should possess skills in research, innovation, agriculture, biodiversity conservation, and stakeholder engagement, particularly in a multi-actor approach involving diverse stakeholders. | Applicant | Applicants should possess skills in research, innovation, agriculture, biodiversity conservation, and stakeholder engagement, particularly in a multi-actor approach involving diverse stakeholders. |
Developments The funding will support research and innovation actions focused on biodiversity conservation within agricultural systems, specifically targeting farmland birds and mammals. | Developments | The funding will support research and innovation actions focused on biodiversity conservation within agricultural systems, specifically targeting farmland birds and mammals. |
Applicant Type This funding is designed for research institutes, universities, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), large enterprises, non-profit organizations, and government bodies, all required to form multi-actor consortia. | Applicant Type | This funding is designed for research institutes, universities, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), large enterprises, non-profit organizations, and government bodies, all required to form multi-actor consortia. |
Consortium A consortium of multiple applicants is mandatory, implementing a multi-actor approach with diverse stakeholder involvement. | Consortium | A consortium of multiple applicants is mandatory, implementing a multi-actor approach with diverse stakeholder involvement. |
Funding Amount The total funding available is €12,000,000, with each project receiving €6,000,000 as a lump sum grant. | Funding Amount | The total funding available is €12,000,000, with each project receiving €6,000,000 as a lump sum grant. |
Countries The funding is relevant for all EU Member States and Horizon Europe-associated countries, as well as specific provisions for non-EU/non-associated countries. | Countries | The funding is relevant for all EU Member States and Horizon Europe-associated countries, as well as specific provisions for non-EU/non-associated countries. |
Industry This funding targets the agriculture, biodiversity, and conservation sectors, focusing on sustainable food production systems and ecosystem services. | Industry | This funding targets the agriculture, biodiversity, and conservation sectors, focusing on sustainable food production systems and ecosystem services. |
Update Log
No updates recorded yet.
Discover with AI
Let our intelligent agent help you find the perfect funding opportunities tailored to your needs.
EU Grant Database
Explore European funding opportunities in our comprehensive, up-to-date collection.
Stay Informed
Get notified when grants change, deadlines approach, or new opportunities match your interests.
Track Your Favorites
Follow grants you're interested in and keep them organized in one place. Get updates on changes and deadlines.
Boosting agrobiodiversity for food security and sustainable competitiveness
The Horizon Europe call titled "Boosting Agrobiodiversity for Food Security and Sustainable Competitiveness" (HORIZON-CL6-2026-01-BIODIV-06) offers a total budget of €12 million to support two...
Understanding and tackling the decline of insects
The Horizon Europe call HORIZON-CL6-2026-01-BIODIV-01 is focused on "Understanding and tackling the decline of insects," with an opening date of April 17, 2026, and a submission deadline of September...
Reducing soil sealing through sustainable urban and territorial design in the New European Bauhaus
The grant opportunity titled "Reducing soil sealing through sustainable urban and territorial design in the New European Bauhaus" is identified as HORIZON-NEB-2027-02-NEB-SOIL-01 under the Horizon...
Boosting circularity and diversification strategies of terrestrial livestock production systems
The Horizon Europe call HORIZON-CL6-2026-02-FARM2FORK-05 aims to boost circularity and diversification strategies in terrestrial livestock production systems through funding of innovative projects....
Tackling pesticide resistance: early detection, management strategies, and foresight
The Horizon Europe grant opportunity, designated as HORIZON-CL6-2026-02-FARM2FORK-02, focuses on "Tackling pesticide resistance: early detection, management strategies, and foresight." It aims to...
Integrating a holistic perspective in microbiome research for resilient, competitive and sustainable food systems
A comprehensive EU grant opportunity titled "Integrating a holistic perspective in microbiome research for resilient, competitive and sustainable food systems" is available under the...
Towards commercialization of food systems microbiome solutions
The Horizon Europe funding opportunity titled "Towards commercialization of food systems microbiome solutions" (HORIZON-CL6-2027-02-FARM2FORK-07) is set to open on April 20, 2027, with a deadline for...
Balancing food security, bioeconomy, climate and biodiversity objectives to unlock sustainable value chains
The Horizon Europe grant opportunity identified as HORIZON-CL6-2026-01-CIRCBIO-09 focuses on balancing food security, bioeconomy, climate, and biodiversity objectives through sustainable value...
Unleashing the potential of sustainable small-scale aquatic food production and recreational fisheries for prosperous local communities
This Horizon Europe opportunity, identified as HORIZON-CL6-2027-02-FARM2FORK-06, is a single-stage call for 2027 seeking to promote sustainable small-scale aquatic food production and recreational...
Emerging and future risks to plant health
The European Union is offering a funding opportunity through Horizon Europe focused on emerging and future risks to plant health, specifically under the topic HORIZON-CL6-2025-02-FARM2FORK-01, which...
Towards more effective, fair and coherent policies for climate change mitigation and adaptation in agriculture and forestry
The Horizon Europe grant opportunity HORIZON-CL6-2026-02-CLIMATE-01 focuses on developing effective and coherent policies for climate change mitigation and adaptation in agriculture and forestry,...
Strategic Nature Projects
The LIFE-2025-STRAT-NAT-SNAP-two-stage grant is part of the LIFE Programme aimed at supporting Strategic Nature Projects (SNAP) to implement EU biodiversity and climate action strategies. The funding...