117 new EU-funded projects are ready to spark innovation and research for a greener future

A total of 117 new projects will receive funding under Horizon Europe, the EU’s framework programme for research and innovation, through its Cluster 6: “Food, bioeconomy, natural resources, agriculture and environment”. Together, they will help deliver on the objectives of the European Green Deal by tackling environmental degradation, helping to reverse biodiversity loss, and improving the way natural resources are managed, while safeguarding food and water security.  

The projects have now signed their Grant Agreements with the European Commission. Some have already started their work, while others are expected to begin in the coming months. 

Number of projects per call for proposals

What will the selected projects do?    

Biodiversity and ecosystems services   

Projects will help build a clearer picture of the condition of nature in Europe through large-scale field observations, new ways of identifying and classifying species, and computer models that show how ecosystems change over time. They will also support citizen science and ways to improve public communication about the biodiversity crisis to boost citizen involvement and democratic decision-making.    

Fair, healthy and environment-friendly food systems from primary production to consumption   

Projects will support more sustainable and resilient food production in Europe by improving how water, land and biological resources are managed across farming, fisheries and aquaculture. Other projects will strengthen plant health through new phytosanitary measures, boost plant protein production, and reinforce the EU’s crop breeding, animal breeding and genetics research base. Further work will address nutrition in emergency situations, helping to improve food preparedness and response in times of crisis.    

Circular economy and bioeconomy sectors    

Projects will help drive Europe’s transition to a more sustainable and circular economy through testing fair and innovative business models and improving product ecodesign. Projects will also advance bio-based innovation while others  will contribute to Europe’s resilience through work on reconstructing conflict-damaged areas.  

Clean environment and zero pollution    

Projects will develop smarter tools to monitor air quality, track aquatic litter and assess the combined effects of marine pollution on ecosystems, including through EU-India cooperation. They will also explore how biotechnology can help clean up polluted environments, examine the environmental footprint of crops grown for bio-based industries, and support small and medium-sized farms with digital solutions. Projects are also expected to help cut pollution from the food and drink industries.   

Land, oceans and water for climate action   

Projects will advance research on marine carbon dioxide removal and support ocean protection and restoration efforts. They will also examine how shifting climatic zones and changing conditions are reshaping agriculture. In parallel, researchers will work on monitoring of non-CO₂ greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture, to provide more evidence for effective climate and environmental action.    

Resilient, inclusive, healthy, and green rural, coastal and urban communities    

Projects will help communities respond to some of Europe’s most pressing territorial challenges, from demographic change and housing shortages in rural areas to climate risks facing Atlantic coastal regions. They will explore how to make villages and homes in rural areas more accessible, attractive and future-ready, while also developing innovative solutions to strengthen the resilience and climate adaptation of coastal communities.    

Innovative governance, environmental observations and digital solutions in support of the Green Deal   

Projects will explore how to boost farmers’ position in food value chains and make agriculture more attractive through better skills, advice and knowledge exchange. They will also address competition over land and sea use, connect bioeconomy networks, and reinforce the bioeconomy research and innovation cooperation in Central and Eastern Europe. In parallel, several projects are set to improve environmental and polar observation systems and deliver new Earth intelligence capabilities.   

See the full list of the funded projects      

How were the projects selected?   

The projects were selected through three single-stage competitive calls for proposals, which were opened from May 2025 to September 2025. The selected projects received the highest marks in a peer evaluation run by the European Research Executive Agency (REA) with the help of independent experts.      

Further information   

For updates on these projects – and more innovative research – follow REA on X and LinkedIn and subscribe to the Horizon Europe’s Cluster 6: ‘Food, bioeconomy, natural resources, agriculture and environment’ newsletter for updates straight into your inbox!