Official call identifier: HORIZON-CL6-2026-02-FARM2FORK-06
Objective of the call
This call aims to strengthen the competitiveness and sustainability of controlled environment agriculture (CEA) through advanced innovative solutions.
It supports the development and integration of technological advancements, including artificial intelligence (AI), to optimise crop production, improve resource efficiency and enhance climate resilience in CEA systems.
The topic contributes to the EU Vision for Agriculture and Food, the Common Agricultural Policy, the EU Action Plan for the Development of Organic Production, the European Green Deal and the Apply AI Strategy.
Scope of activities
Proposals must:
- Develop and assess cost-effective, innovative and sustainable solutions (including nature-based solutions) addressing key challenges in CEA, such as crop health and yield, energy and water efficiency, nutrient management, automation, environmental impact, pest and disease management, scalability and food safety
- Develop data-driven decision-support tools, smart automation and precision farming techniques, including predictive analytics and AI-based plant growth optimisation models
- Explore new business and cooperation models adapted to the proposed solutions, considering organisation, distribution and regulatory requirements
- Promote knowledge sharing and training to support testing and adoption of innovative CEA solutions
Solutions must address both conventional and organic production systems.
Projects must follow the multi-actor approach and ensure the involvement of farmers, SMEs, start-ups, scientists and technology developers.
Proposals may include Financial Support to Third Parties (FSTP), particularly for SMEs developing, testing or validating innovative technologies. A maximum of 30% of EU funding may be allocated to this purpose.
Synergies with relevant past and ongoing projects, including the topic HORIZON-CL6-2025-02-FARM2FORK-08, are encouraged.
Eligible applicants
- Innovative SMEs, startups and enterprises aiming to scale and strengthen competitiveness
- Public-sector organisations driving transformation and societal impact
- Research and academic institutions commercialising knowledge
- Non-profit organisations delivering purpose-driven innovation
- Organisations based in EU Member States, EFTA/EEA, or Associated Countries (described in General Annex A, General Annex B, General Annex C)
- Minimum 3 independent partners from 3 eligible countries
Specific consortium we are looking for:
- Farmers and CEA operators (greenhouses, vertical farms, hydroponics, aquaponics, aeroponics systems)
- Agricultural technology SMEs and start-ups
- Universities and research organisations
- Technology developers (including AI and automation providers)
- Innovation actors across conventional and organic production systems
Applicants must form multi-actor consortia.
Eligible costs
Eligible costs follow standard Horizon Europe Innovation Action (IA) rules and include:
- Personnel and innovation development costs
- Prototype development and testing
- Automation and AI system integration
- Pilot implementation and validation activities
- Financial Support to Third Parties (up to 30% of EU funding)
- Knowledge sharing, training and dissemination activities
Funding conditions
Type of action:
Innovation Action (IA)
Funding rate:
70% of eligible costs (except for non-profit legal entities, where a rate of up to 100% applies)
EU contribution per project:
Around EUR 6 million
Number of funded projects:
2 projects
Project duration:
Typically 36 months
Technology Readiness Level (TRL):
Activities are expected to achieve TRL 6–7 by the end of the project
*Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) describe the maturity of a technology, from basic research (TRL 1) to fully deployed, market-ready solutions (TRL 9).
Deadline for submission
14 April 2026