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Strategic Analysis
A winning proposal must seamlessly bridge cost-effective digital monitoring technologies (AI, IoT, Copernicus) with pragmatic, on-farm abatement solutions across diverse livestock systems (cattle, pigs, poultry) and fertilizer/pesticide practices. To secure top marks, the consortium must demonstrate a genuine Multi-Actor Approach that co-creates solutions with farmers and agricultural advisors while feeding high-precision empirical data directly into the EMEP/EEA air pollutant emission inventory guidebook and EU policy reporting mechanisms under a lump sum framework.
TRL 2 → 5
assess and improve the accuracy, cost, efficiency and user-friendliness of MRV methodologies and tools (including AI, IoT, etc.) for air pollutants (other than greenhouse gases) in agriculture at farm level through analysis, field experiments, and demonstration activities, reducing uncertainties and enabling use of higher tiers for the estimation of emissions and for reporting;
consolidate, extend and improve knowledge on emission factors and mitigation potential of practices and activities at farm level, contributing to the further development of the EMEP/EEA air pollutant emission inventory guidebook 2023 [1] ;
develop farming practices and technologies in manure management and application, livestock feeding and grazing, use of fertilisers and pesticides in all relevant types of farming systems, including cattle, poultry and pigs, to reduce air pollutants other than GHG and evaluate their reduction potential in line with relevant UNECE Guidance documents [2] ;
through dedicated training and outreach activities, build capacity among farmers, advisors and other relevant actors for widespread utilisation of improved MRV tools and air pollution reduction measures addressing, among other impacts, biodiversity loss.
monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) of air pollutants at farm level is improved;
human health and environment (including biodiversity) benefit from reduced impacts of air pollution from agriculture;
EU policies preventing and reducing air pollution are supported with more comprehensive, harmonised and accurate scientific evidence, tools and methods to estimate the emissions;
farmers, advisors and other stakeholders acquire new and better knowledge, technologies and practices to reduce certain air pollutants from agriculture.
Advancing scientific understanding and innovative solutions for identifying, preventing and mitigating pollution aim to effectively protect human health and safeguard the environment, preserving cleaner water and seas, healthier air and soil, and resilient forests.
Innovative circular bio-based systems and biotechnologies are developed and made available to all stakeholders to progress towards the clean environment and zero-pollution ambition.
Farmers and other actors in the food chain are empowered to make informed decisions and to apply novel strategies to prevent, reduce and remediate pollution from agriculture and the food system, contributing to the zero-pollution ambition.
Effective solutions to remediate and decontaminate aquatic pollution are developed, made available and implemented contributing to reducing pollution to levels no longer considered harmful to the environment.
Zero Pollution Action Plan
highThe Zero Pollution Action Plan is a key deliverable of the European Green Deal, aiming to reduce air, water, and soil pollution to levels no longer harmful to human health and natural ecosystems by 2050. It sets targets for 2030 to cut pollution from various sources, promoting a toxic-free environment.
Proposals should demonstrate how they contribute to reducing pollution in soil and water, preventing contamination, and promoting cleaner practices in forest management. This includes addressing issues like nutrient runoff, pesticide residues, and other contaminants that can impact soil health.
Industrial and Livestock Rearing Emissions Directive
highThis directive (primarily the Industrial Emissions Directive, IED, 2010/75/EU, and its proposed revision) aims to prevent and control pollution from large industrial installations and intensive livestock rearing. It requires permits based on Best Available Techniques (BAT) to minimize emissions to air, water, and soil, promoting a high level of environmental protection.
Proposals should consider how managed aquifer recharge (MAR) techniques could contribute to mitigating water pollution originating from intensive livestock rearing or other rural industrial activities, thereby supporting the objectives of this directive. This could involve using MAR to treat runoff, manage nutrient loads, or improve water quality impacted by such emissions, demonstrating how MAR contributes to cleaner water resources in rural areas.
National Emissions Reduction Commitments Directive
highThe National Emission reduction Commitments Directive (Directive (EU) 2016/2284, or NECD) sets national emission reduction commitments for Member States across five key air pollutants: sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, non-methane volatile organic compounds, ammonia, and fine particulate matter. It requires national air pollution control programmes and consistent monitoring and reporting to curb transboundary atmospheric pollution.
Evaluators expect proposals to detail how improved monitoring, data quality, or mitigation practices will help Member States comply with national reduction commitments, particularly for agricultural ammonia (NH3) and particulate matter (PM2.5) emissions.
Ambient Air Quality Directive
highThe Ambient Air Quality Directives (e.g., 2008/50/EC) set limits for pollutants in ambient air to protect human health and the environment. They require Member States to monitor air quality, assess compliance, and develop air quality plans when limits are exceeded, aiming to improve air quality across the EU.
Proposals should demonstrate, if applicable, any indirect contributions of managed aquifer recharge techniques to improving air quality, for instance, by supporting sustainable land management practices that reduce dust or emissions from agricultural activities. A clear and well-justified link to air quality objectives would be expected, though direct relevance is likely limited.
Common Agricultural Policy
highThe Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) is one of the EU's longest-standing policies, designed to support farmers and ensure Europe's food security. It has evolved significantly, with the current iteration (2023-2027) placing a stronger emphasis on environmental protection, climate action, and sustainable farming practices through eco-schemes and conditionality.
Proposals should demonstrate how their activities, even if focused on forests, align with the broader objectives of sustainable land management, rural development, and environmental protection that are integral to the CAP. This could include considering interactions between forest and agricultural lands, or how forest management practices can contribute to wider landscape-level sustainability goals supported by CAP.
EU biodiversity strategy for 2030
mediumAs a key pillar of the European Green Deal, the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 aims to put Europe's biodiversity on a path to recovery by 2030. It sets ambitious targets for expanding protected areas, restoring degraded ecosystems, reducing pesticide use, and tackling other drivers of biodiversity loss.
Proposals should demonstrate how they contribute to halting and reversing biodiversity loss, restoring ecosystems, and enhancing ecological resilience, especially in the context of forest ecosystems and soil health. Specific attention to how living labs can support biodiversity monitoring and restoration in forests and natural lands is crucial.
Vision for Agriculture and Food
mediumThis vision aims to make EU agriculture more sustainable, including through biodiversity-friendly practices. The project could address agricultural drivers of species decline and propose solutions for sustainable farming.
Focus on agricultural practices as drivers of species decline, particularly for farmland birds and pollinators. Proposals should demonstrate how their solutions promote biodiversity-friendly agriculture.
European Green Deal
mediumThe European Green Deal is the EU's overarching growth strategy to make Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050. It aims to transform the EU into a modern, resource-efficient, and competitive economy, ensuring no net emissions of greenhouse gases by 2050 and decoupling economic growth from resource use. It encompasses various policy areas, including climate, energy, transport, industry, agriculture, and biodiversity.
Proposals should clearly demonstrate how their solutions contribute to the broader objectives of the European Green Deal, particularly in areas relevant to food systems, such as reducing environmental impact, fostering sustainability, enhancing resource efficiency, and contributing to climate neutrality. Specific links to relevant Green Deal strategies (e.g., Farm to Fork, Biodiversity) are expected.
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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.
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.
Due to the scope of this topic, relevant international organisations with headquarters in a Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country are exceptionally eligible for funding.
If projects use satellite-based earth observation, positioning, navigation and/or related timing data and services, beneficiaries must make use of Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS (other data and services may additionally be used).
The following additional eligibility criteria apply: The proposals must apply the multi-actor approach. See definition of the multi-actor approach in this work programme part.
described in Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes.
described in Annex C of the Work Programme General Annexes.
are described in Annex D of the Work Programme General Annexes.
are described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes and the Online Manual.
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]].
described in Annex G of the Work Programme General Annexes.
described in the [specific topic of the Work Programme]
Application form templates — the application form specific to this call is available in the Submission System
Standard application form (HE RIA, IA)
Evaluation form templates — will be used with the necessary adaptations
Standard evaluation form (HE RIA, IA)
Guidance
Model Grant Agreements (MGA)
Call-specific instructions
Guidance: "Lump sums - what do I need to know?"
HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 1. General Introduction
HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 15. General Annexes
HE Framework Programme 2021/695
HE Specific Programme Decision 2021/764
EU Financial Regulation 2024/2509
Decision authorising the use of lump sum contributions under the Horizon Europe Programme
Rules for Legal Entity Validation, LEAR Appointment and Financial Capacity Assessment
EU Grants AGA — Annotated Model Grant Agreement
Funding & Tenders Portal Online Manual
Evaluators will rigorously scrutinize whether the proposed MRV tools can practically move beyond Tier 1 default emission factors to Tier 2 and Tier 3 estimations without imposing prohibitive operational costs or labor burdens on farms. They will specifically check the credibility of field demonstration activities across European biogeographical regions, alignment with UNECE Guidance documents and the Industrial and Livestock Rearing Emissions Directive, and the concrete involvement of end-users (farmers and AKIS advisors) throughout the project lifecycle.
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 | |||
| SC1assess and improve the accuracy, cost, efficiency and user-friendliness of MRV methodologies and tools (including AI, IoT, etc.) for air pollutants (other than greenhouse gases) in agriculture at farm level through analysis, field experiments, and demonstration activities, reducing uncertainties and enabling use of higher tiers for the estimation of emissions and for reporting; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC2consolidate, extend and improve knowledge on emission factors and mitigation potential of practices and activities at farm level, contributing to the further development of the EMEP/EEA air pollutant emission inventory guidebook 2023 [1] ; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC3develop farming practices and technologies in manure management and application, livestock feeding and grazing, use of fertilisers and pesticides in all relevant types of farming systems, including cattle, poultry and pigs, to reduce air pollutants other than GHG and evaluate their reduction potential in line with relevant UNECE Guidance documents [2] ; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC4through dedicated training and outreach activities, build capacity among farmers, advisors and other relevant actors for widespread utilisation of improved MRV tools and air pollution reduction measures addressing, among other impacts, biodiversity loss. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Expected outcomes | |||
| EO1monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) of air pollutants at farm level is improved; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO2human health and environment (including biodiversity) benefit from reduced impacts of air pollution from agriculture; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO3EU policies preventing and reducing air pollution are supported with more comprehensive, harmonised and accurate scientific evidence, tools and methods to estimate the emissions; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO4farmers, advisors and other stakeholders acquire new and better knowledge, technologies and practices to reduce certain air pollutants from agriculture. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Other requirements | |||
| REQ1Implementation of the multi-actor approachProposals must implement the multi-actor approach, with a consortium based on a balanced mix of actors with complementary knowledge, including farmers, researchers, advisors, and businesses. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ2Adherence to FAIR data principlesConcrete efforts should be made to ensure that the data and methodologies produced in the context of the funded projects follow the FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Re-usable). | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ3Cooperation with topic projects and HORIZON-CL6-2025-02-CLIMATE-04Proposals should include a dedicated task and resources for cooperation with other project(s) funded under this topic and with relevant ongoing and forthcoming Horizon Europe projects, notably topic HORIZON-CL6-2025-02-CLIMATE-04 to understand the combined effects of air pollutants. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ4Mandatory use of Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOSIf projects use satellite-based earth observation, positioning, navigation, and/or related timing data and services, beneficiaries must make use of Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ5International cooperation encouragementR&I actions under this Destination will encourage international cooperation, in line with the global approach on R&I. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ6Unlocking research potential of EU outermost regionsThe Destination supports unlocking the unique assets for research and innovation of the EU outermost regions, in line with the EU strategy for outermost regions. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Expected impacts | |||
| EI1Advancing scientific understanding and innovative solutions for identifying, preventing and mitigating pollution aim to effectively protect human health and safeguard the environment, preserving cleaner water and seas, healthier air and soil, and resilient forests. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI2Innovative circular bio-based systems and biotechnologies are developed and made available to all stakeholders to progress towards the clean environment and zero-pollution ambition. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI3Farmers and other actors in the food chain are empowered to make informed decisions and to apply novel strategies to prevent, reduce and remediate pollution from agriculture and the food system, contributing to the zero-pollution ambition. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI4Effective solutions to remediate and decontaminate aquatic pollution are developed, made available and implemented contributing to reducing pollution to levels no longer considered harmful to the environment. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Underlying policies | |||
| POL1zero pollution action planThe Zero Pollution Action Plan is a key deliverable of the European Green Deal, aiming to reduce air, water, and soil pollution to levels no longer harmful to human health and natural ecosystems by 2050. It sets targets for 2030 to cut pollution from various sources, promoting a toxic-free environment. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL2industrial and livestock rearing emissions directiveThis directive (primarily the Industrial Emissions Directive, IED, 2010/75/EU, and its proposed revision) aims to prevent and control pollution from large industrial installations and intensive livestock rearing. It requires permits based on Best Available Techniques (BAT) to minimize emissions to air, water, and soil, promoting a high level of environmental protection. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL3national emissions reduction commitments directiveThe National Emission reduction Commitments Directive (Directive (EU) 2016/2284, or NECD) sets national emission reduction commitments for Member States across five key air pollutants: sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, non-methane volatile organic compounds, ammonia, and fine particulate matter. It requires national air pollution control programmes and consistent monitoring and reporting to curb transboundary atmospheric pollution. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL4ambient air quality directiveThe Ambient Air Quality Directives (e.g., 2008/50/EC) set limits for pollutants in ambient air to protect human health and the environment. They require Member States to monitor air quality, assess compliance, and develop air quality plans when limits are exceeded, aiming to improve air quality across the EU. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL5common agricultural policyThe Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) is one of the EU's longest-standing policies, designed to support farmers and ensure Europe's food security. It has evolved significantly, with the current iteration (2023-2027) placing a stronger emphasis on environmental protection, climate action, and sustainable farming practices through eco-schemes and conditionality. | · | · | 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).
5 key insights you must internalise before writing. Each is grounded in the call text and tells you what evaluators will actually look for. Share these with your consortium before drafting.
The consortium must explicitly adopt the Multi-Actor Approach to pass the initial admissibility check. This means farmers and agricultural AKIS advisors cannot merely be end-users or consultation targets; they must be integrated as active co-creators throughout the project lifecycle to ensure the MRV tools are practically viable.
Source: Eligibility rules
Proposals cannot specialize in a single agricultural sector. The scope explicitly mandates the development of mitigation practices across all relevant types of farming systems, specifically naming cattle, poultry, and pigs. A consortium lacking demonstration sites or end-user partners in any of these three core livestock sectors will face severe scoring penalties for incomplete scope.
Source: Scope
Evaluators are explicitly instructed to scrutinize whether the proposed MRV tools can achieve Tier 2 and Tier 3 estimations without imposing prohibitive operational costs or labor burdens on farms. Proposals must provide concrete economic justifications proving that their sensor networks and AI analytics are affordable and practical for individual farmers compared to current default Tier 1 methods.
Source: Evaluation criteria (pre-award)
Because this call operates under a lump sum funding model, financial compensation is tied entirely to the approval of completed work packages. Consortia must strategically distribute their field experiments and EMEP/EEA guidebook data deliveries across multiple work packages to ensure steady cash flow, as a single delayed deliverable will block the entire associated payment.
Source: Eligibility rules
If the proposed digital monitoring technologies rely on satellite-based earth observation or positioning, the consortium is legally required to utilize Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS. Proposals relying exclusively on third-party or non-EU satellite data for their MRV methodologies will violate specific eligibility conditions and be rejected.
Source: Eligibility rules
Talk to the Grant Coach to build your concept. There is no set order: start wherever your project starts. The sections below mirror what the conversation produces, and your coverage tracks the progress. You can refine everything once your project workspace is created.
The problems this call frames, and who they affect. Your concept and plan address them.
Existing air pollutant measuring instruments for ammonia (NH3) and NMVOCs are technically complex, prohibitively expensive for individual farms, and heavily reliant on default Tier 1 emission factors with high uncertainty margins.
Current EMEP/EEA guidelines lack granular, verified emission factors across modern housing, manure treatment, and agrochemical practices, often leading to unintended trade-offs (e.g., mitigating ammonia while spiking nitrous oxide or particulate matter).
Farmers frequently lack trusted, independent advisory support, training, and cost-benefit evidence to invest in precision application equipment, modified livestock diets, or revised manure management routines.
Primary agricultural producers managing cattle, poultry, pig, and cropping operations who implement abatement practices and utilize on-farm MRV applications.
Farm advisors, agronomists, and rural technical extension services responsible for disseminating technical knowledge and assisting compliance with national and EU emission mandates.
Competent environmental authorities, EMEP/EEA task forces, and policy analysts compiling National Air Pollution Control Programmes (NAPCP) and implementing the NEC Directive.
SMEs and industrial developers providing sensor hardware, IoT telemetry, precision spreading equipment, and digital farm management software.
European and international researchers in agricultural engineering, atmospheric chemistry, soil biology, and agroecology working on air quality modelling and nutrient dynamics.
Citizens living in rural and peri-urban areas benefiting from improved ambient air quality, reduced odor, decreased eutrophication, and protected local ecosystems.
The long-term impacts your project should drive, and the policies they serve.
Substantial reduction in ambient atmospheric concentrations of agricultural air pollutants (NH3, PM2.5, PM10, NMVOCs) resulting from optimized manure application, feeding strategies, and precision agrochemical management.
Mitigation of eutrophication and acidification across sensitive habitats adjacent to intensive agricultural zones through widespread deployment of farm emission reduction techniques.
Large-scale uptake of cost-effective precision monitoring tools and management practices that lower input losses, ensure compliance with environmental regulations, and improve farm operational efficiency.