Open topic: Innovating for on-farm post-harvest operations, storage and transformation of crops into food and non-food products

The main goal of this opportunity is to support the transition to sustainable, competitive, and resilient agri-food systems in line with the European Green Deal. It focuses on improving how crops are handled, processed, and stored after harvest to help meet climate and environmental goals. The opportunity also aims to strengthen farmers' roles in value chains, promote new business models for farmers and small businesses, and encourage solutions that reduce carbon footprints and support climate action. Activities are encouraged across EU countries, outermost regions, Central and Eastern Europe, and internationally, especially under EU-Africa cooperation. Thematic priorities include innovation, sustainability, and the active involvement of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

• Projects must comply with application form page limits and required formats.
• They must use a multi-actor approach, involving stakeholders such as farmers and SMEs.
• SME participation is expected, and projects may include financial support to third parties (up to 30% of EU funding).
• Projects should test, develop, or pilot innovative solutions that improve farmers' positions in value chains and enhance sustainability.
• They must assess sustainability impacts, conduct economic analyses, and address EU climate and environmental objectives.
• Financial support to third parties is capped at 60,000€ per recipient.

Example projects:

• A pilot project where a group of farmers and an SME develop and test a new eco-friendly crop storage technology.
• An initiative that helps organic farmers collaborate with a local food processor to create climate-smart food products.
• A project supporting SMEs to introduce digital tools for farmers, improving traceability and reducing environmental impact in the value chain.

• Grants awarded to third parties (farmers or SMEs) for developing innovative solutions.
• Costs related to testing or piloting new post-harvest handling, processing, or storage technologies.
• Expenses for sustainability impact assessments and economic cost-benefit analyses.
• Support for collaboration activities among farmers, SMEs, and other stakeholders.
• Development and implementation of new sustainable business models.
• Training and knowledge transfer activities for involved parties.
• Costs for compliance with environmental and climate objectives.
• Project management and coordination costs related to eligible activities.

Restrictions: No more than 30% of the EU funding can be used for financial support to third parties, and each third party can receive a maximum of 60,000€.

• Budget for this Call: 12.000.000€
• Number of Grants attributed: 2
• Budget per project: 6.000.000€

• Applicants must be from eligible countries as defined by the Horizon Europe programme.
• Proposals must use a multi-actor approach, involving relevant stakeholders such as farmers and SMEs.
• For blind evaluation, applicants must not reveal organization or personnel details in the initial application.
• Financial support to third parties is allowed, up to EUR 60,000 per recipient.
• SME participation is required, particularly in developing or testing innovative solutions.
• No more than 30% of the EU funding can go to financial support for third parties.
• Consortia must clearly define how third parties will be selected for financial support.