Provide digital solutions tailored to small and medium-sized farms to monitor and sustainably manage agricultural inputs and natural resources

The main goal of this opportunity is to empower small- and medium-sized farms with innovative digital solutions for sustainable management of agricultural inputs and natural resources. It focuses on helping farmers monitor and manage water, nutrients, and other inputs while reducing pollution and preserving biodiversity. The initiative supports bridging the digital divide among farms, ensuring both environmental and economic sustainability. Activities will cover the EU and Associated Countries, with solutions tailored to diverse farming systems and local conditions. The opportunity also encourages sharing knowledge and experiences across regions and supports the transferability of solutions to similar areas.

• Projects must follow specific page limits and layout requirements in their proposals.
• They must use a multi-actor approach, involving scientists, private companies, innovators, advisors, and farmers.
• If using satellite-based data, they must use Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS services.
• Participants must be from eligible countries as defined for the program.
• Projects can provide financial support to third parties, with a maximum of EUR 60,000 per third party (exceptions possible if justified).
• Proposals should include contributions from social sciences and humanities, especially behavioral sciences and technology adoption.

Examples:

• A project testing a new sensor system for water monitoring on organic farms, developed by a consortium of researchers, tech companies, and farmers.
• An initiative creating an online platform to connect farmers with digital tool providers, using Copernicus satellite data for field monitoring.
• A partnership developing and piloting an AI-based app for nutrient management, with input from agronomists, farmers, and business advisors.

• Costs for developing and testing prototypes of digital tools and technologies.
• Expenses related to setting up or maintaining a community of practice or knowledge-sharing platform.
• Fees for establishing and operating a central brokerage service for innovation matchmaking.
• Costs for creating and maintaining a catalogue of research and innovation results (e.g., databases, software).
• Financial support provided to third parties for developing innovative products or services (up to 60,000€ per third party unless justified otherwise).
• Training and support services for farmers and advisors, including technical guidelines and materials.
• Expenses for activities addressing barriers to technology adoption (e.g., digital skills training, improving connectivity).
• Travel and meeting costs for project partners and stakeholders.
• Personnel costs directly involved in project activities.
• Purchase or rental of equipment necessary for testing and demonstration.

Restrictions: The maximum financial support to each third party is 60,000€, unless a higher amount is justified in the proposal.

• Budget for this Call: 8.000.000€
• Number of Grants attributed: 1

• Applicants must be from eligible countries (EU, Associated Countries, or others with specific provisions).
• Projects must use a multi-actor approach, involving scientists, businesses, advisors, and farmers.
• If using satellite-based data, Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS services must be used.
• Applicants must demonstrate legal and financial capacity.
• Proposals must include contributions from social sciences and humanities, especially regarding technology adoption.
• Applicants must comply with evaluation and award criteria defined by the program.
• Eligibility for financial support to third parties must follow the specified maximum (60,000€ per third party, unless justified for more).