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Strategic Analysis
This Innovation Action (IA) call demands a multi-actor, cross-disciplinary consortium to deliver TRL 6-7 irrigation solutions that are climate-resilient, resource-efficient, and socially acceptable. Winning proposals will integrate agroecological practices, circular water use, and policy recommendations to reduce agricultural water demand while maintaining productivity. Focus on catchment-level water balance optimization and alternative water sources (e.g., biowaste, superabsorbent polymers) will align with EU Green Deal priorities and evaluator expectations for scalable, systemic impact.
TRL 6 → 7
Improve the understanding of the composition, potential for irrigation in terms of efficiency, reliability and cost-effectiveness of sewage sludge and other biowaste streams, on condition that a safe use of these recycled products is possible, without a negative impact on the environment, ensuring high agronomic efficiency of the nutrients they contain.
Integration and upscaling of the on-farm water management practices and results at the catchment level by quantifying the impacts of water recycling in the whole basin water balance, optimizing catchment-based agriculture production, reducing runoff patterns and possible changes in hydrological cycles linked to climate conditions.
New or improved tools for an efficient combined use of water and fertilizers via irrigation for different agricultural systems, including agroecology, organic production, as well as conventional, intensive or urban agriculture.
New, innovative forms of alternative water for agriculture (e.g., superabsorbent polymers/‘solid water’), including evaluation of their socio-economic, environmental and health impacts.
Improve practices and solutions in small and large-scale farms to deal with the effects of water abundance (rapid showers, floods) and/or water scarcity.
Identification of societal and regulatory barriers hampering upscaling of recycled water-use and development of suitable solutions to increase the uptake in practice.
Recommendations for improved and targeted incentives and policies at regional, national and EU-level to reduce financial risks for early adopters of practices developed in the project.
Solutions and prevention tools for improving water management in particular in areas experiencing recurrent or permanent water scarcity to anticipate solutions for current and future challenges in water management.
Support available for end-users seeking to take up innovative solutions in irrigation technologies.
Unlocking the potential of recycled sewage sludge and other biowaste streams as alternative, safe water and nutrient supply resources for agriculture.
Increased socio-economic and environmental potential of alternative irrigation practices such as fog harvesting.
Reduced agricultural water demand, as a result of optimized irrigation systems, including new opportunities for alternative water supplies, and expected innovations from the transition towards more sustainable farming systems, including agroecology.
better understanding and strengthening of the mitigation potential of ecosystems and sectors based on the sustainable management of natural resources;
advancement of science and technology to support the adaptation and resilience of natural and managed ecosystems, on land, in the ocean, in water and soil systems as well as economic sectors in the context of the changing climate, including interaction with drivers of biodiversity change and zero pollution;
efficient monitoring, assessment, modelling and data-driven decision-making support systems and projections related to climate change impacts, mitigation and adaptation potential in order to derive solutions for tackling existing and emerging threats and support decision-making in climate change mitigation and adaptation policies at European and global levels, including through the use of AI and other digital solutions;
increased climate change mitigation in the primary sectors, including by means of reducing their GHG emissions and other pollutants, maintaining natural and man-made carbon sinks and increasing uptake and storage of carbon in ecosystems, taking into account trade-offs with regard to ecosystems;
improved capacity to climate change of the ocean, sea, water and soil systems and related sectors to adapt to climate change, including by means of unlocking the potential of nature-based solutions;
sustainable management of scarce resources, in particular soils and water, therefore mitigating climate related risks, especially desertification and erosion, thanks to informed decision-makers and stakeholders and the integration of adaptation measures in relevant EU policies.
European Green Deal’s farm to fork strategy
highDirectly aligns with the call’s focus on sustainable agriculture, water efficiency, and circular water use. Evaluators will expect proposals to demonstrate how project outcomes contribute to reducing environmental footprints, improving resource efficiency, and promoting agroecological practices.
Clear linkage to Farm to Fork targets (e.g., reducing water use, increasing organic farming, lowering pesticide use). Proposals should quantify contributions to EU sustainability goals and provide policy recommendations for scaling project results.
EU water-related policies (notably the Water Framework Directive)
highCentral to the call’s objectives, as it governs water management, quality, and reuse in the EU. Evaluators will prioritize proposals that ensure compliance with WFD standards and integrate catchment-level water management.
Demonstration of WFD alignment in project design, particularly for water reuse, basin water balance optimization, and environmental safety. Proposals should include stakeholder engagement with water authorities to ensure real-world applicability.
EU climate law
highRelevant for the call’s focus on climate resilience, GHG emissions reduction, and adaptation. Proposals must demonstrate how irrigation innovations contribute to EU climate neutrality targets.
Quantification of GHG emissions reductions (e.g., tCO2e) from project outcomes, such as low-carbon irrigation practices or carbon sequestration. Linkage to EU Climate Law milestones (e.g., 55% emissions reduction by 2030).
Climate adaptation strategy
highDirectly aligns with the call’s focus on climate-resilient irrigation and water management. Proposals must demonstrate how project outcomes contribute to EU climate adaptation goals.
Quantification of climate resilience benefits (e.g., reduced water stress, improved yields under extreme weather). Policy recommendations for adaptation strategies at EU, national, and regional levels are highly valued.
Regulation (EU) 2018/841 for land use, forestry, and agriculture
mediumPertains to carbon farming, land-use emissions, and climate mitigation in agriculture. Proposals should explore how irrigation practices can enhance carbon sinks or reduce emissions from land use.
Integration of carbon farming principles into project design, with measurable impacts on soil carbon sequestration or GHG emissions. Policy recommendations for carbon farming incentives are highly valued.
Communication on sustainable carbon cycles, including carbon farming and certification of carbon removals
mediumAligns with the call’s potential to enhance carbon sinks in agricultural soils through sustainable irrigation and water management. Proposals should explore carbon farming synergies.
Demonstration of how project outcomes (e.g., agroecological practices, precision irrigation) can increase soil carbon storage and contribute to EU carbon removal targets. Policy recommendations for carbon certification are encouraged.
EU methane strategy
mediumRelevant for proposals addressing methane emissions from waterlogged soils or livestock-related irrigation. Proposals should quantify methane reductions from project innovations.
Inclusion of methane mitigation strategies (e.g., precision water management to avoid waterlogging) and quantification of methane emissions reductions (e.g., tCO2e).
Sustainable blue economy
mediumRelevant for proposals exploring water reuse, coastal agriculture, or marine-based irrigation solutions (e.g., desalination, fog harvesting). Proposals should align with blue economy principles (e.g., circular water use, biodiversity conservation).
Demonstration of blue economy synergies, such as water reuse in coastal farming or desalination for irrigation. Quantification of economic and environmental benefits is encouraged.
Marine Strategy and Water Framework Directives
mediumComplementary to the Water Framework Directive, focusing on marine water quality and biodiversity. Relevant for proposals addressing coastal irrigation, water reuse, or nutrient runoff.
Ensure project outcomes do not negatively impact marine ecosystems (e.g., nutrient runoff from irrigation). Proposals should include monitoring and mitigation strategies for marine water quality.
EU forest strategy
lowIndirectly relevant for proposals exploring agroforestry or silvopasture systems that integrate irrigation. Proposals should highlight synergies with forest conservation and climate resilience.
Optional but valuable: Demonstration of how project outcomes (e.g., water-efficient agroforestry) can support EU Forest Strategy goals (e.g., biodiversity conservation, climate adaptation).
EU Arctic policy
lowTangentially relevant for proposals addressing irrigation in Arctic or sub-Arctic agricultural systems, where water scarcity and climate change impacts are pronounced.
Only relevant if the proposal explicitly targets Arctic or sub-Arctic regions. In such cases, evaluators will expect climate resilience and adaptation strategies tailored to extreme conditions.
General conditions
1. Admissibility conditions — described in Annex A and Annex E of the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes Proposal page limits and layout: described in Part B of the Application Form available in the Submission System
2. Eligible Countries — described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes A number of non-EU/non-Associated Countries that are not automatically eligible for funding have made specific provisions for making funding available for their participants in Horizon Europe projects. See the information in the Horizon Europe Programme Guide . The Joint Research Centre (JRC) may participate as member of the consortium selected for funding. The following additional eligibility criteria apply: The proposals must use the multi-actor approach. See definition of the multi-actor approach in the introduction to this work programme part.
3. Other Eligibility Conditions — described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes
4. Financial and operational capacity and exclusion — described in Annex C of the Work Programme General Annexes Award criteria, scoring and thresholds are described in Annex D of the Work Programme General Annexes Submission and evaluation processes are described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes and the Online Manual Indicative timeline for evaluation and grant agreement: described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes Eligible costs will take the form of a lump sum as defined in the Decision of 7 July 2021 authorising the use of lump sum contributions under the Horizon Europe Programme – the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (2021-2027) – and in actions under the Research and Training Programme of the European Atomic Energy Community (2021-2025). [[This decision is available on the Funding and Tenders Portal, in the reference documents section for Horizon Europe, under ‘Simplified costs decisions’ or through this link: https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/ls-decision_he_en.pdf ]].
6. Legal and financial set-up of the grants — described in Annex G of the Work Programme General Annexes
7. Specific conditions: described in the specific topic of the Work Programme Documents Call documents: Standard application form — call-specific application form is available in the Submission System Standard application form (HE RIA, IA) Standard evaluation form — will be used with the necessary adaptations Standard evaluation form (HE RIA, IA) MGA Lump Sum MGA v1.0 Call-specific instructions Detailed budget table (HE LS) Guidance: "Lump sum funding: what do I need to know?"
HE Main Work Programme 2023–2024 – 1. General Introduction HE Main Work Programme 2023–2024 – 9. Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment HE Main Work Programme 2023–2024 – 13. General Annexes HE Programme Guide HE Framework Programme and Rules for Participation Regulation 2021/695 HE Specific Programme Decision 2021/764 EU Financial Regulation Rules for Legal Entity Validation, LEAR Appointment and Financial Capacity Assessment EU Grants AGA — Annotated Model Grant Agreement Funding & Tenders Portal Online Manual Funding & Tenders Portal Terms and Conditions Funding & Tenders Portal Privacy Statement
Evaluators will prioritize proposals that:
Everything the call asks for, seen from the call's point of view. Each line shows what answers it, and which partner carries it.
This matrix lists everything the call asks for: outcomes, impacts, scope, the requirements buried in the call text, and policy alignment. Sign up free and GrantForge tracks each line against the concept you build.
| Requirement | Covered by | Carried | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scope activities | |||
| SC1Improve the understanding of the composition, potential for irrigation in terms of efficiency, reliability and cost-effectiveness of sewage sludge and other biowaste streams, on condition that a safe use of these recycled products is possible, without a negative impact on the environment, ensuring high agronomic efficiency of the nutrients they contain. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC2Integration and upscaling of the on-farm water management practices and results at the catchment level by quantifying the impacts of water recycling in the whole basin water balance, optimizing catchment-based agriculture production, reducing runoff patterns and possible changes in hydrological cycles linked to climate conditions. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC3New or improved tools for an efficient combined use of water and fertilizers via irrigation for different agricultural systems, including agroecology, organic production, as well as conventional, intensive or urban agriculture. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC4New, innovative forms of alternative water for agriculture (e.g., superabsorbent polymers/‘solid water’), including evaluation of their socio-economic, environmental and health impacts. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC5Improve practices and solutions in small and large-scale farms to deal with the effects of water abundance (rapid showers, floods) and/or water scarcity. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC6Identification of societal and regulatory barriers hampering upscaling of recycled water-use and development of suitable solutions to increase the uptake in practice. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC7Recommendations for improved and targeted incentives and policies at regional, national and EU-level to reduce financial risks for early adopters of practices developed in the project. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Expected outcomes | |||
| EO1Solutions and prevention tools for improving water management in particular in areas experiencing recurrent or permanent water scarcity to anticipate solutions for current and future challenges in water management. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO2Support available for end-users seeking to take up innovative solutions in irrigation technologies. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO3Unlocking the potential of recycled sewage sludge and other biowaste streams as alternative, safe water and nutrient supply resources for agriculture. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO4Increased socio-economic and environmental potential of alternative irrigation practices such as fog harvesting. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO5Reduced agricultural water demand, as a result of optimized irrigation systems, including new opportunities for alternative water supplies, and expected innovations from the transition towards more sustainable farming systems, including agroecology. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Other requirements | |||
| No other requirements in this call. | |||
| Expected impacts | |||
| EI1better understanding and strengthening of the mitigation potential of ecosystems and sectors based on the sustainable management of natural resources; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI2advancement of science and technology to support the adaptation and resilience of natural and managed ecosystems, on land, in the ocean, in water and soil systems as well as economic sectors in the context of the changing climate, including interaction with drivers of biodiversity change and zero pollution; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI3efficient monitoring, assessment, modelling and data-driven decision-making support systems and projections related to climate change impacts, mitigation and adaptation potential in order to derive solutions for tackling existing and emerging threats and support decision-making in climate change mitigation and adaptation policies at European and global levels, including through the use of AI and other digital solutions; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI4increased climate change mitigation in the primary sectors, including by means of reducing their GHG emissions and other pollutants, maintaining natural and man-made carbon sinks and increasing uptake and storage of carbon in ecosystems, taking into account trade-offs with regard to ecosystems; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI5improved capacity to climate change of the ocean, sea, water and soil systems and related sectors to adapt to climate change, including by means of unlocking the potential of nature-based solutions; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI6sustainable management of scarce resources, in particular soils and water, therefore mitigating climate related risks, especially desertification and erosion, thanks to informed decision-makers and stakeholders and the integration of adaptation measures in relevant EU policies. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Underlying policies | |||
| POL1European Green Deal’s farm to fork strategyDirectly aligns with the call’s focus on sustainable agriculture, water efficiency, and circular water use . Evaluators will expect proposals to demonstrate how project outcomes contribute to reducing environmental footprints, improving resource efficiency, and promoting agroecological practices . | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL2EU water-related policies (notably the Water Framework Directive)Central to the call’s objectives, as it governs water management, quality, and reuse in the EU. Evaluators will prioritize proposals that ensure compliance with WFD standards and integrate catchment-level water management . | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL3EU climate lawRelevant for the call’s focus on climate resilience, GHG emissions reduction, and adaptation . Proposals must demonstrate how irrigation innovations contribute to EU climate neutrality targets . | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL4Climate adaptation strategyDirectly aligns with the call’s focus on climate-resilient irrigation and water management . Proposals must demonstrate how project outcomes contribute to EU climate adaptation goals . | · | · | Sign up to track |
The binding rules of this call. Items marked auto are verified by GrantForge from the call and the template. The others are yours to confirm.
LMIC entities auto-eligible
Low/middle-income country entities are automatically eligible for funding.
EU space data infrastructures
If the project uses satellite-based Earth observation, positioning, navigation or timing data/services, beneficiaries must use Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS. Other sources may be added but not substitute EU infrastructures.
Civil applications only
Horizon Europe funds exclusively civil applications. Research with exclusive military or dual-use application is excluded.
Gender Equality Plan
Having a Gender Equality Plan (GEP) is an eligibility criterion for public bodies, research organisations, and higher education institutions from Member States and Associated Countries.
Open Science
Mandatory open access to peer-reviewed scientific publications and responsible management of research data (FAIR principles, DMP required).
Talk to the Grant Coach to build your concept. The steps below fill in as it takes shape, and your coverage tracks the progress. You can refine everything once your project workspace is created.
Step 1 of 2 · Build your concept
The problems this call frames, and who they affect. Your concept and plan address them.
Recurrent droughts, floods, and shifting hydrological cycles are reducing water availability for agriculture, particularly in Southern and Eastern Europe. Current irrigation practices are inefficient and unsustainable, exacerbating water stress and undermining food security (@SC5).
Sewage sludge and other biowaste streams have high potential for irrigation but are underutilized due to safety risks, lack of agronomic efficiency data, and regulatory barriers. Alternative water sources (e.g., superabsorbent polymers) lack socio-economic and environmental impact assessments, limiting their adoption (@SC1, @SC4).
Farmers and water authorities face significant barriers to adopting recycled water, including safety concerns, high costs, and policy gaps. Lack of financial incentives and risk-sharing mechanisms discourages early adopters, while fragmented regulations create uncertainty (@SC6, @SC7).
Current irrigation practices focus on individual farms rather than catchment-level water balance, leading to inefficient water allocation, increased runoff, and hydrological cycle disruptions. There is a need for AI-driven decision support tools to optimize water use at the basin scale (@SC2).
Primary end-users of irrigation technologies and practices. Include small-scale, large-scale, organic, and conventional farmers to ensure solutions are adaptable across diverse agricultural systems. Focus on early adopters to drive uptake and scalability.
Key stakeholders responsible for water allocation, basin management, and policy implementation. Engage them to integrate project results into regional water management plans and ensure alignment with EU Water Framework Directive.
Target groups for policy recommendations on water reuse, carbon farming, and financial incentives. Include EU DG AGRI, DG ENV, and national ministries to drive regulatory and financial support for project outcomes.
Companies developing irrigation technologies, water treatment solutions, and precision agriculture tools. Engage them to ensure commercialization and market uptake of project innovations.
Academic and research institutions focused on water efficiency, climate resilience, and sustainable agriculture. Disseminate project results to advance scientific knowledge and best practices in irrigation and water reuse.
Organizations advocating for sustainable water use, biodiversity conservation, and climate action. Engage them to amplify project impacts and ensure social acceptance and policy influence.
Step 2 of 2 · Build your concept
The long-term impacts your project should drive — this shapes the objectives next.
Demonstrate quantifiable reductions in agricultural water demand (e.g., m³/ha or % efficiency gains) through the adoption of precision irrigation, alternative water sources, and agroecological practices. This will contribute to water scarcity mitigation, climate resilience, and cost savings for farmers.
Unlock the potential of sewage sludge and other biowaste streams as safe and efficient water and nutrient sources for irrigation. Promote the adoption of alternative water sources (e.g., superabsorbent polymers) through socio-economic and environmental impact assessments, driving policy support for water reuse.
Integrate on-farm water management practices into a catchment-level framework to optimize basin water balance, reduce runoff, and enhance climate resilience. Use AI-driven decision support tools to improve water allocation and agricultural productivity under changing climate conditions.
Quantify and reduce GHG emissions associated with irrigation (e.g., energy use for water pumping, methane emissions from waterlogged soils). Promote low-carbon irrigation practices (e.g., solar-powered irrigation, precision fertigation) to contribute to EU climate targets.
Provide evidence-based policy recommendations to support the adoption of recycled water, alternative water sources, and climate-resilient irrigation practices. Influence EU and national policies on water reuse, carbon farming, and financial incentives for sustainable agriculture.
Demonstrate cost savings, yield improvements, and financial incentives for farmers adopting precision irrigation, recycled water, and agroecological practices. Reduce financial risks for early adopters through targeted policy recommendations and support mechanisms.