Food priorities in Horizon Europe
By Ingemar Pongratz
The new European research and Innovation programme Horizon Europe will start later in the spring 2021. The first calls will open April 2021 and we can expect the first deadlines after the summer.
Currently, the work in focused on the final aspects of the programme and to launch an a large information campaign across Europe and to inform stakeholder about Food priorities in Horizon Europe
The Portuguese presidency that has currently the responsibility at this stage provided information on a large number of events that are expected to take place during the spring and summer of 2021. In addition, there is additional information regarding the different topics that we expect will published later this spring.
There are several drafts circulating across Europe today and they provide interesting information. It is interesting to note the wide reach of the future calls in Cluster 6 (Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment).
In the biodiversity area, the calls span across a wide number of areas including marine and coastal environments, reduction of risks due to environmental changes, forestry and its adaptation to climate change, breeding of crops with special focus on their roots and the interplay of roots with the soil microbiota etc.
The draft work programme shows topics connected to agriculture and food production. Topics include food production from both plants and animals. There are topics on both organic farming and more conventional farming methods as well.
There are also topics that address consumer perception of food products and topics that address risk management of pest, pesticides and other risk in the agricultural sector.
It is interesting to note that the concept of agricultural soil health is present in many different topics. Moreover, tackling climate change is key factor. Climate change and is present in many topics future topics. Climate Change is also addressed in a dedicated section of the work programme as well. This section includes topics that address climate smarting farming and climate resilient food production in Europe.
A wide variety of topics and a wide variety of calls. This information is currently available in draft form. The information can change.
Ingemar Pongratz is founder of Fenix Scientific AB / Pongratz Consulting and of Letavis AB. Through Letavis AB we are developing products that increase outputs in farming and animal production. In addition, through Pongratz Consulting, we offer support to universities and enterprises who are looking for funding from Horizon Europe, If you have any questions regarding our services please use the information in the online forms and contact us.
