Food, bio-economy, natural resources, agriculture and environment

With an overall budget of €75 million, this call for proposals recognises the vital importance of land, oceans, and water in mitigating the effects of the climate change. Specific topics to be funded include: irrigation practices and technologies in agriculture, minimising CO2 emissions in peatlands, and ocean models for regional climate impacts. The deadline to apply for funding is 22 February 2024.

The EU aims to achieve a low-carbon economy by 2050. The circular economy and bioeconomy call is looking for proposals that, among others, develop new circular solutions for plastics, textile, electronics, furniture value chains, and for the creation more sustainable tourism services. The overall budget is €147.5 million. Apply by 22 February 2024.

In a world in which we often lack the time for what is precious to us, the winter holiday season offers an opportunity to slow down and reflect. In this year’s holiday special, you find a glimpse of our articles about the magic behind the food we receive and the research fighting plastic pollution. Make sure to have a read and allow the holiday spirit to accompany you throughout the winter.

In November, a provisional agreement was reached between the European Parliament and the Council on the Nature Restoration Law. EU research and innovation projects play a significant role in reversing biodiversity loss and restoring nature. Examples of these projects focus on restoring wetlands (WaterLANDS), forests (Superb), coastal ecosystems (RESTCOAST) and freshwater-related ecosystems (MERLIN).

The European Research Executive Agency is looking for independent professionals in the fields of marketing and agri-food. Selected experts will evaluate proposals submitted under the 2024 Promotion of agricultural products call for proposals. Read more about the eligibility criteria and application process.

Olive oil is a fundamental part of the Mediterranean diet. However, diseases, dangerous animal species and climate change are all posing growing threats to olive trees. EU-funded projects are working tirelessly to preserve olive oil, Europe’s golden liquid. One of these projects is the OliveFlyBacteria which protects olive trees from insects and pathogens or the GEN4OLIVE finding solutions for olive trees to become more resistant to environmental threats.

Four REA-managed projects took part in the Food 2030 conference to demonstrate their contribution to the sustainable food systems. REA's Head of Department for Green Europe, Paul Webb, also spoke about the role of research and innovation for achieving green and resilient food systems. 10 EU-funded projects managed by REA featured in the Food Village exhibition during the day conference.

The World Fisheries Day reminds us of the importance to ensure sustainable stocks of fisheries. The project NewTechAqua managed by REA provides a cutting-edge training on fish nutrition and health and helps novel aquaculture solutions to reach the market. At the end of December, the project will validate technologically advanced, resilient and sustainable solutions to broaden and diversify production of finfish, molluscs and microalgae.

63 million people in India do not have access to clean drinking water. The new Results Pack highlights the ground-breaking work carried out by seven successful projects funded under a pioneering collaboration between the European Union and India’s Department of Science and Technology and Department of Biotechnology. Learn about the funded projects INDIA-H2O, OAVITRA GANCA, PANI WATER, Saraswati 2.0, SPRING, LOTUS and PAVITR.

Every year, the European Commission hosts a major event that brings together policymakers, researchers, entrepreneurs, and the public to debate and shape the future of research and innovation in Europe and beyond. It’s a chance to celebrate the outcomes and achievements in research and innovation over the last 40 years.