Making food systems more resilient to food safety risks through the deployment of technological solutions

The main goal of this opportunity is to strengthen food systems so they can better withstand food safety risks by using advanced technological solutions. It focuses on supporting fair, healthy, and environmentally friendly food systems, in line with European priorities. Projects should address challenges like food safety and food fraud, using innovative technologies such as molecular methods, genomics, photonics, and biotechnology. The scope covers EU countries, EU outermost regions, and Central and Eastern Europe, with an emphasis on international cooperation, especially with Africa. The opportunity also encourages societal engagement and connections with other EU initiatives to promote sustainable agri-food systems and healthy diets.

• Projects must follow specific page limits and formatting rules.
• Applicants should not reveal their organization or personnel information in the first-stage application if participating in the blind evaluation pilot.
• Proposals must use a multi-actor approach, involving different types of stakeholders.
• Projects should build on previous research and innovation results in food safety or food fraud.
• Solutions must be close to market-ready, reaching a high level of technological development by the end of the project (TRL 8).
• Plans for commercialization and deployment, as well as regulatory recommendations, are required.
• International cooperation and societal engagement are encouraged.

Examples:

• Developing a rapid DNA-based test to detect food contaminants and preparing it for market launch.
• Creating a blockchain-based system to track food supply chains and prevent fraud, involving farmers, retailers, and consumers.
• Deploying a photonics sensor for real-time monitoring of food safety in processing plants, with plans for commercialization.

• Personnel costs
• Subcontracting
• Travel and subsistence
• Equipment (depreciation or rental)
• Consumables and materials
• Dissemination and communication
• Access to research infrastructure
• IPR and certification
• Audit costs
• Indirect costs (25% flat rate)
• Internally invoiced services

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

• Applicants must be from eligible countries, including EU member states, EU outermost regions, and certain non-EU countries with specific funding provisions.
• Proposals must use a multi-actor approach, engaging various relevant stakeholders.
• For blind evaluation pilots, applicants must not disclose their organization or team details in specific parts of the application.
• Applicants must demonstrate sufficient financial and operational capacity to carry out the project.
• International partnerships are encouraged, especially with African organizations in food and nutrition security and sustainable agriculture.