Supporting the implementation of nature restoration measures for sustainable farming systems

The main goal of this opportunity is to support the implementation of nature restoration measures within sustainable farming systems. It focuses on testing and promoting agricultural practices that enhance biodiversity, safeguard food security, and contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation. Key areas include evaluating farming approaches for ecosystem restoration, quantifying the costs and benefits of restoration, and developing effective incentive schemes. The opportunity also encourages collaboration among farmers, researchers, and policymakers to create integrated policies that restore natural resources while ensuring sustainable income and food quality. The geographic focus is primarily the European Union and associated countries, with a strong encouragement for international cooperation on global biodiversity frameworks.

• Projects must follow page limit and layout requirements as described in the application guidelines.
• They must apply a multi-actor approach, involving stakeholders such as researchers, policymakers, farmers, land managers, and advisors.
• Participants must be from eligible countries as defined in the programme guidelines.
• Proposals are evaluated based on established criteria for impact, quality, and implementation.
• Applicants must demonstrate sufficient financial and operational capacity.
• Eligible costs are covered by a lump sum model.

Examples:

• A consortium of farmers, scientists, and local authorities develops and tests new crop rotation methods to restore soil health and biodiversity.
• A project brings together agricultural advisors and policymakers to create incentive schemes for farmers who adopt nature-friendly practices.
• A cross-border initiative involving EU and non-EU partners assesses the economic and ecological impact of restoring wetlands in agricultural landscapes.

• Personnel costs for researchers, project managers, and supporting staff
• Costs of materials and supplies needed for field trials and restoration activities
• Travel and accommodation expenses for project meetings and field visits
• Costs related to stakeholder engagement and dissemination activities
• Purchase or rental of equipment required for restoration measures
• Subcontracting for specialized services or technical expertise
• Data collection and analysis expenses
• Training and capacity-building activities for project participants
• Costs for monitoring and evaluating restoration impacts
• Communication and outreach materials

Restrictions: All expenses must fit within the lump sum funding model and comply with the programme's eligibility guidelines.

• Budget for this Call: 11,000,000€
• Number of Grants attributed: 2
• Maximum value per project: 6,000,000€
• Minimum value per project: 5,000,000€

• Proposals must use a multi-actor approach, involving relevant stakeholders such as researchers, policymakers, farmers, land managers, and advisors.
• Applicants must be from eligible countries as defined in the programme guidelines; specific rules apply for non-EU or non-Associated Countries.
• Applicants must demonstrate sufficient financial and operational capacity to carry out the project.
• Proposals must follow page limit and layout requirements as specified in the application materials.
• The Joint Research Centre (JRC) may participate as a consortium member.
• Eligibility depends on building partnerships or networks that include all relevant actors.