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Strategic Analysis
This call seeks comprehensive, multi-actor proposals to address emerging plant pest risks by integrating advanced scientific understanding with the development of practical, sustainable, and environmentally friendly management solutions. A winning proposal must demonstrate a clear pathway from research on pest biology and resistant traits to validated tools and strategies directly applicable by farmers and forest owners, while also providing robust scientific support for policy and decision-making aligned with the One Health approach and Green Deal objectives.
TRL 2 → 6
Based on programme defaults
enhance understanding of pest(s) biology, introduction pathways, mechanisms of spread, thereby reducing uncertainties and lack of data in pest risk assessments;
develop rapid, safe, and cost-effective tools and methods for preventing introduction and spread of the pest(s); this includes early detection, surveillance, treatment, and (bio)control measures (including innovative agro-ecological or forestry management practices), in line with sustainable and integrated pest management;
assess the social, economic, and environmental impacts of plant pest(s) establishment and spread on farmers and/or forest owners and develop strategies to mitigate these impacts effectively;
contribute to the identification of resistant and/or tolerant traits.
improved understanding of key drivers of plant pest emergence, including the influence of climate change, ecosystem degradation and globalisation;
cost-effective and environmentally friendly preventive and/or curative measures for managing the targeted plant pest(s) are identified, validated, and made available to farmers and forest owners for effective pest management;
robust scientific support is delivered to strengthen decision-making processes.
agriculture and food systems contribute to ensuring a secure, safe, sustainable, nutritious, and affordable supply of healthy food in Europe and beyond by fostering its long-term competitiveness, resilience, scalability and sustainability within the boundaries of our planet with the One Health approach;
farmers are empowered to ensure the competitiveness, resilience and sustainability of the farming sector, through increasing knowledge, tools, innovative solutions, and advice that allow efficient productivity, working for and with nature, preserving and restoring biodiversity within agricultural ecosystems and helping to decarbonise the EU economy;
sustainable fisheries and aquaculture (in marine, brackish and freshwater) contribute to fair, healthy, resilient and environment-friendly food systems in healthy aquatic ecosystems with thriving diversity of species and habitats providing ecosystem and climate services and triggering growth and jobs’ creation in coastal and rural areas;
tools are provided so that citizens and communities are empowered to make the sustainable food choices and move towards safe, healthy, nutritious, accessible, affordable and sustainable diets. Insights and advances in life science and digital & data technologies are valorised to deploy solutions in practice across the EU;
food businesses, including food processing industries and SMEs, are supported to increase their resilience and competitiveness, while ensuring resource efficiency and sustainability, and human, animal and ecosystem health is preserved.
Food 2030
highFood 2030 is the European Commission's research and innovation policy framework for future-proofing European food systems. It focuses on four key priorities: nutrition for sustainable healthy diets, climate resilience and environmental sustainability, circularity and resource efficiency, and innovation and empowerment of communities. It aims to accelerate the transition to sustainable, healthy, and inclusive food systems.
Proposals should demonstrate how they contribute to the Food 2030 priorities, particularly regarding climate resilience, environmental sustainability (e.g., GHG reduction), and resource efficiency in food production. Evaluators will look for innovative solutions that support the transformation of food systems towards greater sustainability and health, aligning with the framework's holistic approach.
Common Agricultural Policy (CAP)
highCommon Agricultural Policy supports sustainable agriculture. Less relevant unless the proposal involves bio-based materials or food processing.
Only relevant for proposals with agricultural or bio-based components.
Sustainable Use of Pesticides Directive
highThe Sustainable Use of Pesticides Directive (Directive 2009/128/EC) aims to achieve a sustainable use of pesticides in the EU by reducing the risks and impacts of pesticide use on human health and the environment, and by promoting the use of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and alternative approaches or techniques. It requires Member States to adopt National Action Plans to set up quantitative objectives, targets, timetables, and indicators to reduce risks and impacts of pesticide use.
Proposals should demonstrate how their solutions contribute to the objectives of the Directive, particularly by reducing reliance on chemical pesticides, promoting Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies, and developing sustainable alternatives for pest control. Evaluators will look for innovations that minimize environmental and health risks associated with pest management while ensuring effective plant protection.
Regulation 2016/2031 on protective measures against pests of plants
highRegulation (EU) 2016/2031, known as the Plant Health Law, establishes a comprehensive framework for protective measures against pests of plants. It aims to prevent the introduction and spread of harmful plant pests within the EU, ensure safe trade, and protect the EU's agricultural and natural environment. It covers surveillance, official controls, emergency measures, and eradication/containment strategies.
Proposals must directly address how their research and innovation contribute to the objectives of this Regulation, particularly in preventing the introduction and spread of emerging plant pests, improving surveillance and early detection, developing effective eradication or containment methods, and enhancing the resilience of plants to pests. Solutions should align with the principles of risk-based management and international phytosanitary standards.
Green Deal actions
highThe European Green Deal is the EU's overarching growth strategy to make Europe climate-neutral by 2050. It encompasses a wide range of policy initiatives and actions across various sectors, including agriculture, energy, transport, and industry, all aimed at transforming the EU into a modern, resource-efficient, and competitive economy.
Proposals must clearly demonstrate how their digital innovations contribute to the broader objectives of the European Green Deal, particularly in making agriculture more sustainable, climate-neutral, and resource-efficient. This includes reducing environmental footprint, enhancing biodiversity, and promoting circularity.
Contingency plan for ensuring food supply and food security
highThe EU's Contingency Plan for ensuring food supply and food security aims to strengthen the EU's preparedness and response to food crises. It focuses on monitoring risks, enhancing coordination among Member States, and ensuring the availability and accessibility of food, particularly in times of disruption.
Proposals should demonstrate how their digital innovations contribute to enhancing the resilience of agricultural production systems, thereby indirectly strengthening food supply and security, especially in the face of climate change impacts like water and nutrient scarcity.
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.
EU Communication on Boosting Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing
mediumThis Communication outlines the Commission's strategy to enhance the competitiveness and innovation capacity of the EU's biotechnology and biomanufacturing sectors. It aims to address challenges such as regulatory hurdles, access to finance, and skilled labor, promoting the development and deployment of biotechnological solutions across various sectors, including agriculture and food.
Proposals should demonstrate how their digital innovations, potentially combined with biotechnological approaches, can contribute to the resilience of agriculture. If the digital innovations support or enable advanced biotechnological solutions for water/nutrient efficiency (e.g., precision breeding, microbial solutions), this policy becomes highly relevant.
EU strategy for outermost regions
mediumEU’s Vision for Agriculture and Food
mediumWhile not a single legislative act, the EU's vision for agriculture and food is articulated through various strategies and communications, such as the Farm to Fork Strategy and the CAP. It aims for a sustainable, resilient, and fair food system that provides healthy food, ensures food security, protects biodiversity, and addresses climate change, while supporting farmers and rural areas.
Proposals should demonstrate how their plant health solutions contribute to the broader vision of a sustainable and resilient agriculture and food system. This includes ensuring food security, protecting agricultural productivity, and minimizing environmental impacts of pest management, aligning with the holistic goals for the sector.
EU Action Plan for the Development of Organic Production
mediumFood safety regulations
mediumEU food safety regulations, such as the General Food Law, aim to ensure a high level of protection of human health and consumers' interests in relation to food. They cover the entire food chain, from farm to fork, setting standards for hygiene, contaminants, residues, and traceability to guarantee that food produced and sold in the EU is safe.
While not the primary focus, proposals should implicitly or explicitly ensure that any digital innovations or agricultural practices proposed do not compromise food safety standards. If new technologies or practices are introduced, their impact on food safety should be considered, particularly regarding residues or contaminants.
Protein strategy
mediumThe EU Protein Strategy aims to increase the EU's self-sufficiency in plant proteins, reduce reliance on imported feed, and promote sustainable protein production. It encourages research and innovation into alternative protein sources, improved protein efficiency in animal diets, and sustainable cultivation of protein crops.
Proposals could demonstrate how digital innovations contribute to more efficient and sustainable protein production in agriculture, for example, through optimized cultivation of protein crops in water/nutrient-scarce environments or improved nutrient management for protein synthesis.
Nature Restoration Regulation
mediumStrategy for European Life Sciences
mediumThe Strategy for European Life Sciences aims to strengthen Europe’s leadership in life sciences research, innovation, and industrial competitiveness. It focuses on areas such as biotechnology, personalized medicine, and digital health, while addressing challenges like regulatory complexity and market fragmentation. The strategy supports the translation of research into tangible health benefits for citizens.
Evaluators expect proposals to demonstrate how they contribute to the strategy’s goals, such as advancing innovative solutions to reduce low-value care (e.g., precision medicine, digital diagnostics). Proposals should highlight their potential to drive industrial competitiveness, improve patient outcomes, and address regulatory or market barriers. Collaboration with industry, research institutions, and policymakers is encouraged.
EU Biotech Act
mediumThe "EU Biotech Act" refers to proposed legislative initiatives aimed at streamlining and supporting the biotechnology sector in the EU, often discussed in the context of the Communication on Boosting Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing. It seeks to create a more predictable and innovation-friendly regulatory environment for biotechnological products and processes, including those in agriculture and food.
Proposals should demonstrate an awareness of the regulatory landscape for biotechnological products, particularly if the feed additives involve novel biotechnological processes or genetically modified organisms. Evaluators will look for projects that consider future regulatory pathways and contribute to the EU's strategic autonomy in biotechnology.
New EU bioeconomy strategy
mediumThe updated EU Bioeconomy Strategy aims to accelerate the transition from a fossil-based economy to a bio-based one, using renewable biological resources from land and sea to produce food, feed, materials, and energy. It emphasizes sustainable resource management, circularity, and innovation to address societal challenges like climate change, food security, and resource depletion.
Proposals should demonstrate how their digital innovations contribute to a more sustainable and circular bioeconomy in agriculture, particularly in optimizing the use of biological resources and reducing waste in water and nutrient-scarce environments.
Action plan against antimicrobial resistance
lowThe EU Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) aims to combat the growing threat of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. It focuses on a "One Health" approach, addressing AMR in humans, animals, and the environment, including reducing the use of antimicrobials in livestock farming and promoting alternatives.
Proposals should demonstrate how digital innovations in agriculture can contribute to reducing the need for antimicrobials in animal husbandry, for example, through improved animal health monitoring, precision feeding, or better farm management practices, thereby supporting the fight against AMR.
Animal health and welfare legislations
lowEU animal health and welfare legislations (e.g., Animal Health Law Regulation (EU) 2016/429) set high standards for the health and welfare of farmed animals. They cover aspects such as disease prevention and control, animal identification, transport, and farming conditions, aiming to protect animals and public health.
If the digital innovations have any application in livestock farming, proposals should ensure compliance with and, ideally, contribute to improved animal health and welfare standards through better monitoring, management, or environmental control.
Vision for the Fisheries Sector with a 2040 perspective
lowThis vision outlines a long-term strategy for the EU's fisheries and aquaculture sector towards 2040, aiming for sustainability, resilience, and economic viability. It addresses challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and market dynamics, promoting innovation and a fair transition for the sector.
Not directly applicable to agriculture. If there's a very tangential link (e.g., integrated food systems that include aquaculture), it would need strong justification.
European Ocean Pact
lowCommon Fisheries Policy (CFP)
lowThe Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) is the EU's set of rules for managing European fishing fleets and conserving fish stocks. Its aim is to ensure that fishing and aquaculture are environmentally, economically, and socially sustainable and that they provide a source of healthy food for EU citizens.
Not applicable to agriculture.
1. Admissibility conditions — Proposal page limit and layout Applicants submitting a proposal for a blind evaluation (see General Annex F) must not disclose their organisation names, acronyms, logos nor names of personnel in the proposal abstract and Part B of their first-stage application (see General Annex E). 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 .
3. Other Eligibility Conditions — The Joint Research Centre (JRC) may participate as member of the consortium selected for funding as a beneficiary with zero funding, or as an associated partner. The JRC will not participate in the preparation and submission of the proposal - see General Annex B. 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.
4. Financial and operational capacity and exclusion — described in Annex C of the Work Programme General Annexes.
5a. Evaluation and award: Award criteria, scoring and thresholds — The first-stage proposals of this topic will be evaluated blindly. are described in Annex D of the Work Programme General Annexes.
5b. Evaluation and award: Submission and evaluation processes — are described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes and the Online Manual .
5c. Evaluation and award: Indicative timeline for evaluation and grant agreement — described in Annex F of the Work Programme General Annexes.
6. Legal and financial set-up of the grants — Beneficiaries may provide financial support to third parties. The support to third parties can only be provided in the form of grants. The maximum amount to be granted to each third party is EUR 60 000. 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 HE Programme Guide Model Grant Agreements (MGA) Lump Sum MGA Call-specific instructions Detailed budget table (HE LS) Information on financial support to third parties (HE) Guidance: "Lump sums - what do I need to know?"
HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 1. General Introduction HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 9. Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment HE Main Work Programme 2026-2027 – 15. General Annexes HE Programme Guide 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 Funding & Tenders Portal Terms and Conditions Funding & Tenders Portal Privacy Statement
Evaluators will prioritize proposals that:
Clearly identify and focus on specific emerging plant pest risks, demonstrating their significance and urgency.
Present a truly multi-actor consortium, ensuring active involvement of farmers, forest owners, researchers, and other relevant stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle.
Offer a holistic approach, integrating advanced scientific understanding (@OBJ01, @OBJ04) with the development of practical, sustainable, and IPM-aligned solutions (@OBJ02).
Provide a robust plan for the validation and uptake of results by end-users (@EO2), including clear pathways for dissemination and exploitation.
Explicitly address the socio-economic and environmental impacts of pests and proposed solutions (@OBJ03), demonstrating alignment with Green Deal and Farm to Fork strategies, including biodiversity preservation and reduced pesticide use.
Show strong potential for scientific support to policy and decision-making (@EO3), contributing to EU plant health regulations and strategies.
Demonstrate how the project contributes to the One Health approach, considering the interconnectedness of plant, animal, human, and environmental health (@EI1).
Given the blind evaluation, ensure the proposal is written to avoid disclosing identifying information in Part B Stage 1.
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 | |||
| SC1enhance understanding of pest(s) biology, introduction pathways, mechanisms of spread, thereby reducing uncertainties and lack of data in pest risk assessments; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC2develop rapid, safe, and cost-effective tools and methods for preventing introduction and spread of the pest(s); this includes early detection, surveillance, treatment, and (bio)control measures (including innovative agro-ecological or forestry management practices), in line with sustainable and integrated pest management; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC3assess the social, economic, and environmental impacts of plant pest(s) establishment and spread on farmers and/or forest owners and develop strategies to mitigate these impacts effectively; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC4contribute to the identification of resistant and/or tolerant traits. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Expected outcomes | |||
| EO1improved understanding of key drivers of plant pest emergence, including the influence of climate change, ecosystem degradation and globalisation; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO2cost-effective and environmentally friendly preventive and/or curative measures for managing the targeted plant pest(s) are identified, validated, and made available to farmers and forest owners for effective pest management; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO3robust scientific support is delivered to strengthen decision-making processes. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Other requirements | |||
| No other requirements in this call. | |||
| Expected impacts | |||
| EI1agriculture and food systems contribute to ensuring a secure, safe, sustainable, nutritious, and affordable supply of healthy food in Europe and beyond by fostering its long-term competitiveness, resilience, scalability and sustainability within the boundaries of our planet with the One Health approach; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI2farmers are empowered to ensure the competitiveness, resilience and sustainability of the farming sector, through increasing knowledge, tools, innovative solutions, and advice that allow efficient productivity, working for and with nature, preserving and restoring biodiversity within agricultural ecosystems and helping to decarbonise the EU economy; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI3sustainable fisheries and aquaculture (in marine, brackish and freshwater) contribute to fair, healthy, resilient and environment-friendly food systems in healthy aquatic ecosystems with thriving diversity of species and habitats providing ecosystem and climate services and triggering growth and jobs’ creation in coastal and rural areas; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI4tools are provided so that citizens and communities are empowered to make the sustainable food choices and move towards safe, healthy, nutritious, accessible, affordable and sustainable diets. Insights and advances in life science and digital & data technologies are valorised to deploy solutions in practice across the EU; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI5food businesses, including food processing industries and SMEs, are supported to increase their resilience and competitiveness, while ensuring resource efficiency and sustainability, and human, animal and ecosystem health is preserved. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Underlying policies | |||
| POL1food 2030Food 2030 is the European Commission's research and innovation policy framework for future-proofing European food systems. It focuses on four key priorities: nutrition for sustainable healthy diets, climate resilience and environmental sustainability, circularity and resource efficiency, and innovation and empowerment of communities. It aims to accelerate the transition to sustainable, healthy, and inclusive food systems. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL2common agricultural policy (cap)Common Agricultural Policy supports sustainable agriculture. Less relevant unless the proposal involves bio-based materials or food processing. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL3sustainable use of pesticides directiveThe Sustainable Use of Pesticides Directive (Directive 2009/128/EC) aims to achieve a sustainable use of pesticides in the EU by reducing the risks and impacts of pesticide use on human health and the environment, and by promoting the use of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and alternative approaches or techniques. It requires Member States to adopt National Action Plans to set up quantitative objectives, targets, timetables, and indicators to reduce risks and impacts of pesticide use. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL4regulation 2016/2031 on protective measures against pests of plantsRegulation (EU) 2016/2031, known as the Plant Health Law, establishes a comprehensive framework for protective measures against pests of plants. It aims to prevent the introduction and spread of harmful plant pests within the EU, ensure safe trade, and protect the EU's agricultural and natural environment. It covers surveillance, official controls, emergency measures, and eradication/containment strategies. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL5green deal actionsThe European Green Deal is the EU's overarching growth strategy to make Europe climate-neutral by 2050. It encompasses a wide range of policy initiatives and actions across various sectors, including agriculture, energy, transport, and industry, all aimed at transforming the EU into a modern, resource-efficient, and competitive economy. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL6contingency plan for ensuring food supply and food securityThe EU's Contingency Plan for ensuring food supply and food security aims to strengthen the EU's preparedness and response to food crises. It focuses on monitoring risks, enhancing coordination among Member States, and ensuring the availability and accessibility of food, particularly in times of disruption. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| POL7zero 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 |
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.
Page limit Stage 1
Part B Section 1+2+3 combined is typically capped at 10 pages at Stage 1. Pages exceeding the limit are invisible to evaluators.
Consortium continuity
The consortium declared at Stage 1 is expected to submit Stage 2. Substantial changes must be justified.
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.
Civil applications only
Exclusive military or dual-use applications are excluded.
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.
Climate change alters pest distribution and lifecycle, while globalisation facilitates new pest introductions, leading to significant economic losses for @TG01 and threatening food security and biodiversity.
Current pest control methods are often reactive, rely heavily on chemical pesticides, or lack efficacy against new threats, leading to environmental damage and economic burdens for @TG01 and @TG03.
Uncertainties in pest biology, pathways, and impacts hinder effective decision-making by @TG02 and limit the development of targeted, evidence-based interventions.
The absence of identified resistant or tolerant traits makes crops and forests vulnerable to emerging pests, increasing reliance on external interventions and reducing the long-term resilience of agricultural and forestry systems for @TG01 and @TG03.
Primary end-users directly affected by plant pests and beneficiaries of new management tools and resistant traits. Their active involvement (multi-actor approach) is crucial for validating solutions and ensuring uptake.
Responsible for pest risk assessment, surveillance, and regulatory decision-making. They will benefit from robust scientific support and data for strengthening plant health policies and contingency plans.
Businesses involved in plant protection product development, biological control, plant breeding, and food/wood processing. They will gain access to new technologies, knowledge, and resilient plant material.
Researchers in phytopathology, entomology, plant genetics, ecology, and socio-economics. They will benefit from enhanced knowledge, data, and methodologies, fostering further research and innovation in plant health.
Organisations focused on biodiversity, ecosystem health, and sustainable land management. They will benefit from reduced environmental impacts of pest management and improved ecosystem resilience.
Beneficiaries of a secure, safe, and sustainable food supply, reduced pesticide residues, and healthier ecosystems.
Step 2 of 2 · Build your concept
The long-term impacts your project should drive — this shapes the objectives next.
By providing effective, sustainable pest management tools and resilient plant material, the project will reduce crop losses, decrease reliance on chemical pesticides, and safeguard biodiversity, contributing to a more robust food system.
Robust scientific data and risk assessments will enable plant health authorities to implement more effective and proactive measures, strengthening EU's protective framework against plant pests.
Development and adoption of innovative, environmentally friendly pest control methods (e.g., biocontrol, agro-ecological practices) will decrease the use of harmful pesticides and preserve ecosystem services.
Empowering end-users with validated tools, knowledge, and advice will enhance their ability to manage pests effectively, improving their economic viability and promoting sustainable practices.
Advanced research into pest biology, spread mechanisms, and resistant traits will contribute significantly to the global knowledge base in phytopathology and plant genetics.