Improving understanding of the contribution of the organic farming sector to sustainability

Overview

Supports research projects aimed at improving data collection and understanding of the organic farming sector’s environmental, economic, and social sustainability impacts across the EU. Targets consortia involving public and private actors in the organic value chain.

Who Can Apply

Consortia of legal entities (e.g., research institutions, universities, SMEs, certification bodies, farmers’ associations) from eligible countries. Proposals must apply a multi-actor approach, ensuring involvement of stakeholders such as farmers, certification bodies, and supply chain actors.

Funding Details

Maximum funding per project: 11,000,000 EUR. Funding is provided as a lump sum.

What Is Funded

• Mapping and analysis of existing data collection tools, platforms, and methods for organic production across the EU.
• Assessment of cost-effectiveness, best practices, and challenges in data collection, including potential to reduce administrative burden.
• Feasibility studies on leveraging certification body data to evaluate sustainability impacts.
• Development of recommendations for governance and interoperability of digital systems.
• Training and capacity-building for organic farmers and value chain operators on data collection and reporting.
• Networking activities to foster cooperation among organic sector actors.

Technology / Maturity Requirements

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

Key Dates

Application deadline: 2027-09-22T22:00:00Z.

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 align with the EU Action Plan for the Development of Organic Production, the Vision for Agriculture and Food, and EU biodiversity, climate, and zero pollution policies.
• Projects must build on existing knowledge, tools (e.g., Farm Sustainability Data Network), and past/ongoing EU-funded initiatives.
• Collaboration with other relevant EU-funded projects and initiatives is required.