Fostering common farmland birds and mammals for resilient food production systems

Overview

Supports research and innovation projects aimed at enhancing habitats for farmland birds and mammals to improve agricultural resilience, pest control, and biodiversity. Targets land managers, farmers, conservation organizations, researchers, policymakers, and agribusinesses.

Who Can Apply

Consortia applying the multi-actor approach, involving farmers, land managers, conservationists, researchers, and other relevant stakeholders. Eligible applicants include legal entities from EU Member States, associated countries, and select non-EU countries with specific funding provisions.

Funding Details

Maximum grant amount: 8,000,000 EUR. Funding is provided as a lump sum.

What Is Funded

Projects must focus on:

• Synthesizing the impact of farming practices on farmland bird and mammal populations and agricultural productivity.
• Developing participatory research programs for landscape-level collaboration among farmers, land managers, and conservationists.
• Improving or creating incentives (including under the Common Agricultural Policy) to promote bird- and mammal-friendly practices.
• Designing farmer education programs on bird-friendly practices, including advisory services, field days, and demonstration farms.
• Assessing the scalability of biodiversity-friendly farming practices and their impact on bird and mammal populations.
• Aligning with EU policies such as the Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, Nature Restoration Regulation, and Global Biodiversity Framework.

Technology / Maturity Requirements

Projects must target Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 4 to 6.

Key Dates

• Open date: 2027-04-19
• Deadline: 2027-09-21

Application Process (High-Level)

Single-stage application process. Proposals must be submitted via the Funding & Tenders Portal.

Geographic Scope & Language

Eligible countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Norway, Iceland, United Kingdom, Switzerland. Application language: English.

Notes

• Proposals must implement the multi-actor approach, ensuring involvement of farmers, land managers, and other stakeholders.
• Projects should build on previous EU-funded initiatives (e.g., Horizon 2020, Horizon Europe, LIFE, Agroecology Partnership).
• Cooperation with the EU Knowledge Centre for Biodiversity (KCBD) is required.
• Eligible costs are reimbursed as a lump sum.