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Strategic Analysis
To win this high-stakes institutional support CSA, the proposal must position the consortium as a trusted, highly responsive operational secretariat and strategic intelligence hub for all Standing Committee on Agricultural Research (SCAR) Working Groups. Success hinges on proposing a dual-track delivery model: flawless administrative/logistical execution paired with top-tier scientific foresight, thematic portfolio analyses, and dynamic digital collaboration tools that bridge national R&I agendas with EU Missions and Partnerships.
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 | |||
| SC1support the administrative and logistic organisation, the facilitation, and the reporting of the meetings and workshops of SCAR WGs, according to the needs and initiatives taken by the groups themselves; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC2support the thematic work of the groups by preparing relevant analyses and outputs adapted to their needs (e.g., portfolio analysis, policy briefs, research studies etc.); | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC3encourage and facilitate cross-collaboration across SCAR WGs and support collaboration, information exchange and synergies with other EU-level R&I initiatives, such as partnerships, missions, and relevant projects, as well as support on interactions with relevant stakeholders and practitioners; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC4allow for sufficient flexibility to support SCAR WGs groups based on their needs, and to balance support across WGs; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| SC5use innovative and where applicable digital tools and methods for supporting SCAR WGs in all its domains. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Expected outcomes | |||
| EO1strengthened coordination between European and national research and innovation programmes and agendas in the areas of the Standing Committee on Agricultural Research (SCAR) Working Groups (WGs), resulting in a reinforced European Research Area (ERA); | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO2improved impact and visibility of the SCAR WGs through organisation, facilitation and reporting of SCAR WGs activities on the various themes of main relevance for European R&I activities and relevant policy initiatives, leading to enhanced R&I cooperation and information exchange between Member States and Associated Countries and synergies at national and EU level; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO3SCAR WGs are supported in delivering their objectives as outlined in their mandates by various measures including through capacity building and support for SCAR WG cross-collaboration and inclusiveness; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EO4broad dissemination of the outputs of the SCAR WGs to relevant stakeholders, such as EU level and national policy makers, the research community and practitioners, which should also be available to the SCAR Steering Group and Plenary. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Other requirements | |||
| REQ1Synergies with EU-level R&I partnerships, missions, and projectsProposals should encourage and facilitate cross-collaboration across SCAR Working Groups and support collaboration, information exchange, and synergies with other EU-level R&I initiatives, such as partnerships, missions, and relevant projects. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ2Interactions with stakeholders and practitionersProposals should support interactions with relevant stakeholders and practitioners, ensuring broad dissemination of SCAR Working Group outputs. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ3Alignment with EU Mission 'Restore our Ocean and Waters'When relevant, actions are encouraged to align with the EU Mission 'Restore our Ocean and Waters', leveraging its digital infrastructures (such as the Digital Twin Ocean), stakeholder networks, and knowledge systems. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ4International cooperation and global initiative supportIn line with the global approach to R&I, actions should foster and support regional and international initiatives, encourage international cooperation, and contribute to the work of international bodies and treaties. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ5Synergies with EU-CAP Network and EIP-AGRI Operational GroupsActions should support effective Agriculture Knowledge and Innovation Systems (AKIS) and exploit synergies with the EU-CAP Network, particularly the EIP-AGRI Operational Groups supported by the CAP. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| REQ6Involvement of EU outermost regionsActions are expected to support 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 | |||
| EI1improved evidence-based knowledge, tools and science-society-policy interfaces support effective policy mixes and multi-level governance that are capable of anticipating a changing world, enabling a just sustainable transition for all, engaging society at large and balancing economic, social and environmental goals; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI2competitiveness, sustainability and resilience of the economy are supported by more accessible and interoperable environmental observations and improved Earth Intelligence; | · | · | Sign up to track |
| EI3productivity is boosted and transformative changes required by the European Green Deal are facilitated, leaving no one behind, thanks to enhanced digital and data technologies, flows of existing and new knowledge, solutions and skills among actors and communities, as well as maximised synergies between initiatives. | · | · | Sign up to track |
| Underlying policies | |||
| No underlying policies in this call. | |||
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.
Topic-specific consortium
Many CSA topics require a broader consortium than the general-annex minimum. The call-specific Eligibility and admissibility conditions override the general annex.
Restricted beneficiary type
Many CSA calls are reserved for specific beneficiary types (national funding agencies, research infrastructures, standards bodies). Check the call.
Coordination/support activities only
CSA funds coordination, networking, policy support, dissemination, training. Not research activities per se.
Gender Equality Plan
GEP eligibility criterion applies to public bodies, research organisations, higher education institutions from MS/AC.
4 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.
A winning proposal must present a robust lump-sum work package structure that clearly maps deliverables and payment milestones within a strict 28-page limit. Evaluators will directly penalize opaque budget allocations, meaning the financial architecture must seamlessly align with the operational cadence of SCAR WG meetings and outputs.
Source: Evaluation criteria (pre-award)
Consortia must avoid positioning themselves merely as an event management team. Evaluators demand a dual-track delivery model, requiring proven scientific capacity to generate high-quality thematic intelligence—such as cross-portfolio analyses and policy briefs—alongside flawless logistical execution.
Source: Evaluation criteria (pre-award)
The proposal must design an agile support mechanism capable of dynamically reallocating resources across all active SCAR Working Groups. Because the scope explicitly requires balancing support based on emerging WG needs, rigid, pre-allocated work plans will fail the evaluation scrutiny regarding operational flexibility.
Source: Scope / Expected Outcomes
The consortium must explicitly demonstrate a deep understanding of the institutional machinery and independence of the SCAR ecosystem. Proposals that fail to map their support workflows to the specific operational rhythms of the Steering Group and Plenary will be rejected as misaligned with SCAR's governance structure.
Source: Evaluation criteria (pre-award)
Specific requirements
Topic-specific consortium
Many CSA topics require a broader consortium than the general-annex minimum. The call-specific Eligibility and admissibility conditions override the general annex.
Restricted beneficiary type
Many CSA calls are reserved for specific beneficiary types (national funding agencies, research infrastructures, standards bodies). Check the call.
Coordination/support activities only
CSA funds coordination, networking, policy support, dissemination, training. Not research activities per se.
Gender Equality Plan
GEP eligibility criterion applies to public bodies, research organisations, higher education institutions from MS/AC.
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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.
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 primarily scrutinize whether the consortium understands the institutional machinery, independence, and operational rhythms of SCAR WGs, the Steering Group, and the Plenary. They will look for: (1) an agile, flexible support mechanism capable of balancing varying demands across all active WGs (@SC4); (2) proven capacity to deliver high-quality thematic intelligence such as cross-portfolio analyses and policy briefs (@SC2); (3) concrete strategies to drive cross-WG synergies and connect with European Partnerships and Missions (@SC3, @EO1); and (4) robust lump-sum work package budgeting with transparent milestone/deliverable allocation across 28 pages.
support the administrative and logistic organisation, the facilitation, and the reporting of the meetings and workshops of SCAR WGs, according to the needs and initiatives taken by the groups themselves;
support the thematic work of the groups by preparing relevant analyses and outputs adapted to their needs (e.g., portfolio analysis, policy briefs, research studies etc.);
encourage and facilitate cross-collaboration across SCAR WGs and support collaboration, information exchange and synergies with other EU-level R&I initiatives, such as partnerships, missions, and relevant projects, as well as support on interactions with relevant stakeholders and practitioners;
allow for sufficient flexibility to support SCAR WGs groups based on their needs, and to balance support across WGs;
use innovative and where applicable digital tools and methods for supporting SCAR WGs in all its domains.
strengthened coordination between European and national research and innovation programmes and agendas in the areas of the Standing Committee on Agricultural Research (SCAR) Working Groups (WGs), resulting in a reinforced European Research Area (ERA);
improved impact and visibility of the SCAR WGs through organisation, facilitation and reporting of SCAR WGs activities on the various themes of main relevance for European R&I activities and relevant policy initiatives, leading to enhanced R&I cooperation and information exchange between Member States and Associated Countries and synergies at national and EU level;
SCAR WGs are supported in delivering their objectives as outlined in their mandates by various measures including through capacity building and support for SCAR WG cross-collaboration and inclusiveness;
broad dissemination of the outputs of the SCAR WGs to relevant stakeholders, such as EU level and national policy makers, the research community and practitioners, which should also be available to the SCAR Steering Group and Plenary.
improved evidence-based knowledge, tools and science-society-policy interfaces support effective policy mixes and multi-level governance that are capable of anticipating a changing world, enabling a just sustainable transition for all, engaging society at large and balancing economic, social and environmental goals;
competitiveness, sustainability and resilience of the economy are supported by more accessible and interoperable environmental observations and improved Earth Intelligence;
productivity is boosted and transformative changes required by the European Green Deal are facilitated, leaving no one behind, thanks to enhanced digital and data technologies, flows of existing and new knowledge, solutions and skills among actors and communities, as well as maximised synergies between initiatives.
European Green Deal
mediumThe EU Green Deal aims to transform the EU into a fair, healthy, and environmentally sustainable society, with a focus on sustainable food systems. This call aligns with the Green Deal’s goals by addressing the health impacts of diets and promoting resilient, inclusive food systems that support mental well-being.
Evaluators will look for proposals that demonstrate how the project contributes to sustainable food production, reduces environmental footprints, and promotes equitable access to healthy diets, particularly in vulnerable groups.
EU Bioeconomy Strategy
mediumThe EU Bioeconomy Strategy aims to pave the way toward a more innovative, resource-efficient, and competitive society that reconciles food security with the sustainable use of renewable resources. It focuses on modernising primary production sectors, creating green jobs, and protecting ecosystems.
Evaluators expect proposals to align research and innovation strategic advice with circular bioeconomy goals, showing how national and EU investments can jointly unlock bio-based solutions.
Vision for Agriculture and Food
mediumThe Vision for Agriculture and Food provides a strategic direction for European agri-food systems, emphasizing long-term competitiveness, farmer viability, environmental stewardship, and food security.
Evaluators will seek concrete mechanisms for aligning national R&I priorities with EU strategic guidelines to support modern, sustainable, and resilient farming and food value chains.
Common Agricultural Policy
mediumThe 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.
Communication on Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing
mediumThis Commission Communication outlines measures to boost biotechnology and biomanufacturing in the EU, fostering competitiveness, facilitating market access, and leveraging life-sciences research.
Evaluators look for strategies that harmonize national and European R&I agendas to accelerate technology transfer, commercialization, and investment in biomanufacturing capacities.
European Data Strategy
mediumThe European Data Strategy aims to create a single market for data that ensures Europe's global competitiveness and data sovereignty. It fosters cross-sector data sharing, common European data spaces, and trustworthy data governance.
Evaluators expect clear frameworks for interoperability, open science, and joint data utilization between EU-level bodies and national research systems.
Europe's Digital Decade Policy Programme
mediumThe Digital Decade sets concrete digital transformation targets for 2030 across skills, digital infrastructures, business digitalization, and public services across member states.
Evaluators expect proposals to identify strategic avenues for co-funding and coordinating national and EU digital research initiatives to meet 2030 digital milestones.
Paris Agreement
mediumThe Paris Agreement is a legally binding international treaty on climate change adopted in 2015, aiming to hold the increase in global average temperature well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels.
Evaluators expect proposals to reflect how strategic policy advice and joint national-EU research investments directly support decarbonization pathways and climate targets.
EU Forest Strategy
lowThe new EU Forest Strategy for 2030, part of the European Green Deal, aims to improve the quantity and quality of EU forests, strengthen their protection and restoration, and promote sustainable forest management. It recognizes the multi-functional role of forests for biodiversity, climate, and socio-economic benefits.
Proposals must clearly demonstrate how they align with the objectives of the EU Forest Strategy, particularly regarding sustainable forest management, biodiversity protection, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and the restoration of forest ecosystems. The focus on 'managed forests' and 'natural/semi-natural lands' makes this strategy highly relevant.
Life Sciences Strategy
lowThe EU's initiatives in life sciences provide strategic frameworks to leverage genomics, bioinformatics, and biological data processing for sustainable agriculture, human health, and bio-industrial development. They emphasize open data sharing, cross-border research infrastructures, and technological sovereignty in biosciences.
Evaluators look for robust data governance models that bridge biological data, agronomic sensors, and life-science analytical tools to drive targeted research and evidence-based farm management.
AI Continent Action Plan
lowThe EU strategic approach to artificial intelligence focuses on building an ecosystem of excellence and trust, aligning investments across Member States to accelerate AI adoption and research.
Evaluators seek coherent alignment between EU research frameworks and national AI roadmaps, ensuring coordinated investments and collaborative research infrastructures.
European Ocean Pact
lowThe European Ocean Pact represents the EU's commitment to integrated ocean governance, reconciling ocean conservation with a sustainable blue economy. It reinforces commitments across marine protection, sustainable fisheries, and cross-border maritime management.
Evaluators look for holistic approaches linking sustainable seafood supply chains with broader ocean health, stakeholder stewardship, and alignment with maritime governance priorities.
European Water Resilience Strategy
lowThe European Water Resilience Strategy addresses water scarcity, drought risk, and water quality degradation across European industries and ecosystems. It emphasizes water efficiency, circular water reuse, and the protection of freshwater resources.
Evaluators look for evidence that bio-based industrial processes (which often have high water footprints) minimize freshwater consumption, implement closed-loop water systems, and prevent water pollution.
Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework
lowAdopted under the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in 2022, this global framework sets 4 global goals and 23 targets for 2030 to halt and reverse biodiversity loss. It includes key targets on sustainable agriculture, reducing pesticide risks, and integrating biodiversity values across all economic sectors.
Evaluators expect proposals handling agricultural data to demonstrate how data-driven farming practices actively measure, monitor, and support biodiversity conservation and ecological restoration on managed farmlands.
Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Agreement
lowThe BBNJ Agreement (High Seas Treaty) under UNCLOS addresses the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction, covering marine genetic resources and area-based management tools.
Evaluators look for international cooperation mechanisms and coordinated research strategies that uphold fair access, benefit-sharing, and conservation standards in international waters.
EU strategy for outermost regions
lowThe EU strategy for outermost regions aims to unlock the unique potential of the EU's outermost territories while mitigating challenges tied to their remoteness, insularity, and vulnerability to climate change.
Evaluators expect proposals to integrate outermost regions into strategic research advice networks, ensuring their tailored inclusion in EU and national R&I synergy roadmaps.
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