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Horizon Europe’s 2025 draft Cluster 6 Food, Bioeconomy Work Programme – any call topic of interest to you?


11th March 2025 at 2:51 pm



Blog series 5/6: Work Programmes 2025

Research & innovation for a greener future

Cluster 6 of Horizon Europe’s Pillar 2 is one of the most diverse clusters, offering funding for a wide range of research and innovation projects from advancing sustainability from food systems to biodiversity that share a common goal: contributing to the European Green Deal, a central policy priority for the European Union. The 2025 draft Work Programme allocates a total of 948.9 million euros to address a variety of challenges, including ensuring a fair and sustainable food supply, advancing the circular economy, and restoring the EU’s biodiversity and ecosystem services. While the budget shows a modest increase compared to 2024, it still provides significant opportunities for research and innovation across a broad spectrum of environmental and sustainability issues.

2024 vs 2025 on the Cluster 6 Work Programme (please note that the draft Cluster 6 Work Programme can be subject to change and its official publication by the EC is expected for April/May 2025)

Unlocking the future: Draft insights on the Horizon Europe 2025 Work Programme

An advanced draft of the 2025 Cluster 6 Work Programme is now available online, offering an excellent opportunity to begin planning and reaching out to potential project partners. This will allow you to transform your idea into a competitive proposal over the coming months. While changes are still anticipated, this early access provides a valuable head start before the official publication of the Work Programme later this year.

The draft Work Programme is organised into seven Destinations, reflecting the cluster’s diverse focus areas. Notably, all calls have deadlines in September 2025, with most being evaluated based on a single-stage proposal. However, across several destinations, some call topics require a two-stage evaluation, with the first-stage proposal due in September and the second-stage proposal due in February 2026.

2025 call deadlines and call topics/budget per destination (please note that the draft Cluster 6 Work Programme can be subject to change and its official publication by the EC is expected for April/May 2025)

Horizon Europe initiatives for the European Green Deal – our team helps you turn your ideas into projects

At accelopment, we have extensive experience in securing EU funding for research and innovation projects, with a strong track record in Horizon Europe food and environment projects. Our team of experts supports researchers, companies and institutions throughout the entire funding process – from strategic grant planning, to proposal writing, project management and communication and dissemination. With deep knowledge of Pillar II funding opportunities, we help our partners maximise their chances of success in securing European research grants across Cluster 6. We are currently involved in several significant food and environment projects, including DECIDE, PHOTONFOOD and more, and look forward to supporting researchers in the upcoming calls.

Horizon Europe 2025 Cluster 6 call topics – key facts for you to know*

Prepare to explore the most significant funding opportunities for food, environmental and bioeconomy research under Horizon Europe in 2025! The tables below provide a detailed breakdown of key calls by Destination, highlighting where the EU is focusing its investments in transformative innovations, from achieving a circular economy and zero pollution to restoring European biodiversity. If you’re seeking funding for groundbreaking solutions to address the European Green Deal, this is your comprehensive guide to the next major opportunity.

Destination: Biodiversity and ecosystem services

Call topicTypeBudget
(EUR million)
Budget/
project
Deadline
HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-BIODIV-01: Additional activities for the European Biodiversity Partnership: Biodiversa+COFUND20Around 60 (2025-2027)17/09/2025
HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-BIODIV-02: Strengthening the capacity of citizen science in biodiversity observationCSA4Around 417/09/2025
HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-BIODIV-03: Strengthening taxonomic approaches for biodiversityRIA24Around 1217/09/2025
HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-BIODIV-04: Large-scale in situ biodiversity observations for better understanding of biodiversity state, drivers of its decline, and impacts of policiesRIA22Around 1117/09/2025
HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-BIODIV-05: Assessing and modelling ecosystems’ dynamic processes to guide restoration activities and to improve models used for climateRIA18Around 617/09/2025
HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-BIODIV-06: Assessing and modelling socio-economic impacts of nature restorationRIA165 to 617/09/2025
HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-BIODIV-07: Integrated and coordinated approaches for coral reefs and associated ecosystems (mangroves and seagrass beds) conservation, restoration, and climate mitigation and adaptationRIA12Around 617/09/2025
HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-BIODIV-08: Strengthening pathways to alternative socio-economic models for continuous improvement of biodiversityRIA14Around 717/09/2025
HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-BIODIV-09: Understanding the perceptions of and improving communication on the biodiversity crisis and nature restoration benefits to sustain citizen engagement and democratic governanceRIA6Around 317/09/2025
HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-BIODIV-10: Supporting the implementation of nature restoration measures for sustainable farming systemsRIA115 to 617/09/2025
HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-BIODIV-01-two-stage: Living labs and lighthouses co-creating innovative solutions for forests and freshwater ecosystems restorationRIA14Around 704/09/2025 (first stage)
HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-BIODIV-02-two-stage: Breeding for resilience: enhancing multi-stress tolerance in cropsRIA14Around 718/02/2026 (second stage)

Destination: Circular economy and bioeconomy sectors

Call topicTypeBudget
(EUR million)
Budget/
project
Deadline
HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-CIRCBIO-01: Novel circular business models to enable the just transition to a sustainable and circular economyIA10Around 517/09/2025
HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-CIRCBIO-02: Improving ecodesign of products and development of testing methods for products prioritised under the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products RegulationRIA8Around 417/09/2025
HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-CIRCBIO-03: Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) of policy and market-relevant product groupsRIA8Around 417/09/2025
HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-CIRCBIO-04: Development and testing of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes within the priority Circular Economy Action Plan value chainsIA10Around 517/09/2025
HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-CIRCBIO-05: Consumption patterns and environmental awareness as enablers of transition to circular economyIA12Around 617/09/2025
HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-CIRCBIO-06: Indicators for the transition to sustainable and circular economyRIA8Around 4.0017/09/2025
HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-CIRCBIO-07: Demonstration, deployment, and upscaling of circular systemic solutions in cities and regions (Circular Cities and Regions Initiative)IA18Around 917/09/2025
HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-CIRCBIO-08: Bioprospecting and optimized production of terrestrial natural products: new opportunities for bio-based sectorsIA11Around 5.517/09/2025
HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-CIRCBIO-09: Unleashing the potential and advancing the impact of digitalization/Artificial Intelligence in climate-neutral bio-based value chainsIA10Around 517/09/2025
HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-CIRCBIO-10: Support to the EU Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Initiative: scoping actionCSA2Around 217/09/2025
HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-CIRCBIO-11: Demonstration of reduced energy use and optimised flexible energy supply for industrial bio-based systemsIA11Around 5.517/09/2025
HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-CIRCBIO-12: Harmonizing and optimising composting plant performances in EuropeCSA2Around 217/09/2025
HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-CIRCBIO-13: Reconstructing areas affected by conflicts: the role of bio-based solutionsRIA8Around 417/09/2025
HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-CIRCBIO-14: Bioprospecting and optimised production of marine/aquatic natural products in the omics & artificial intelligence eraIA12Around 617/09/2025
HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-CIRCBIO-15: European partnership: Forests and Forestry for a Sustainable FutureCOFUND10Around 70 (2025-2027)17/09/2025
HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-CIRCBIO-01-two-stage: Open Topic: Innovative solutions for the sustainable and circular transformation of SMEsIA10Around 504/09/2025 (first stage)
18/02/2026 (second stage)

Destination: Clean environment and zero pollution

Call topicTypeBudget
(EUR million)
Budget/
project
Deadline
HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-ZEROPOLLUTION-01: Innovative and advanced monitoring and modelling systems for revised air quality policiesRIA10Around 1017/09/2025
HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-ZEROPOLLUTION-02: Environmental impacts from the production of agricultural crops for bio-based industrial systemsCSA2.00Around 217/09/2025
HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-ZEROPOLLUTION-03: Environmental biotechnology applications in service of remediation of polluted ecosystemsRIA8Around 417/09/2025
HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-ZEROPOLLUTION-04: Towards a comprehensive European strategy to assess and monitor aquatic litter, including plastic and microplastic pollutionRIA6Around 6.0017/09/2025
HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-ZEROPOLLUTION-05: Cumulative impacts of marine pollution on marine organisms and ecosystemsRIA12Around 617/09/2025
HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-ZEROPOLLUTION-06: Provide digital solutions tailored to small and medium-sized farms to monitor and sustainably manage agricultural inputs and natural resourcesIA8Around 817/09/2025
HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-ZEROPOLLUTION-07: Reducing pollution from the food and drink industriesIA12Around 617/09/2025
HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-ZEROPOLLUTION-01-two-stage: Substances of concern and emerging pollutants from bio-based industries and products: mapping and replacementIA10Around 504/09/2025 (first stage)
18/02/2026 (second stage)

Destination: Fair, healthy and environment-friendly food systems from primary production to consumption

Call topicTypeBudget
(EUR million)
Budget/
project
Deadline
HORIZON-CL6-2025-02-FARM2FORK-01: Additional activities for the European partnership on accelerating farming systems transition – agroecology living labs and research infrastructuresCOFUND30Around 90 (2025-2027)16/09/2025
HORIZON-CL6-2025-02-FARM2FORK-02: Additional activities for the European partnership on animal health and welfareCOFUND40Around 120 (2025-2027)16/09/2025
HORIZON-CL6-2025-02-FARM2FORK-03: Overcoming the barriers for scaling up circular water management in agricultureIA12Around 616/09/2025
HORIZON-CL6-2025-02-FARM2FORK-04: Enhancing plant protein production to bolster the resilience of agricultural systems and EU self-sufficiency in plant protein used as feedRIA11Around 5.516/09/2025
HORIZON-CL6-2025-02-FARM2FORK-05: Developing innovative phytosanitary measures for plant health – focus on systems approach for pest risk managementRIA12Around 616/09/2025
HORIZON-CL6-2025-02-FARM2FORK-06: Improving grassland management in European livestock farming systemsRIA16Around 816/09/2025
HORIZON-CL6-2025-02-FARM2FORK-07: Fostering animal breeding and genetics for climate change adaptation and mitigation, improved robustness, and resilienceRIA12Around 616/09/2025
HORIZON-CL6-2025-02-FARM2FORK-08: Exploring the potential of controlled environment agriculture (CEA)RIA6Around 616/09/2025
HORIZON-CL6-2025-02-FARM2FORK-09: Strengthening the EU crop breeding research and innovation ecosystem for competitive, resilient, and sustainable agricultureCSA3Around 316/09/2025
HORIZON-CL6-2025-02-FARM2FORK-10: Diversifying aquaculture production with emphasis on low-trophic speciesIA12Around 616/09/2025
HORIZON-CL6-2025-02-FARM2FORK-11: Towards modern, integrated, and effective fisheries monitoring, control, and surveillance (MCS) systemsIA12Around 616/09/2025
HORIZON-CL6-2025-02-FARM2FORK-12: Nutrition and mental healthRIA10Around 516/09/2025
HORIZON-CL6-2025-02-FARM2FORK-13: Raising citizen awareness on alternative proteins derived from biotechnologyCSA2Around 216/09/2025
HORIZON-CL6-2025-02-FARM2FORK-14: Nutrients produced by microbes utilising primarily CO₂ from the air, with the support of biotechnologyIA12Around 616/09/2025
HORIZON-CL6-2025-02-FARM2FORK-15: Additional activities of the European partnership on sustainable food systems for people, planet, and climateCOFUND35Around 130 (2025-2027)16/09/2025
HORIZON-CL6-2025-02-FARM2FORK-16: Developing a joint AU-EU Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation System (AKIS) supporting the Food and Nutrition Security and Sustainable Agriculture (FNSSA) partnershipRIA6Around 616/09/2025
HORIZON-CL6-2025-02-FARM2FORK-17: Nutrition in emergency situations – Ready-to-use Supplementary Food (RUSF) and Ready-to-use Therapeutic Food (RUTF)RIA8Around 416/09/2025
HORIZON-CL6-2025-02-FARM2FORK-01-two-stage: Emerging and future risks to plant healthRIA12Around 604/09/2025 (first stage)
18/02/2026 (second stage)
HORIZON-CL6-2025-02-FARM2FORK-02-two-stage: Open topic: Innovating for on-farm post-harvest operations, storage, and transformation of crops into food and non-food productsIA12Around 604/09/2025 (first stage)
18/02/2026 (second stage)
HORIZON-CL6-2025-02-FARM2FORK-03-two-stage: Making food systems more resilient to food safety risks through the deployment of technological solutionsIA12Around 604/09/2025 (first stage)
18/02/2026 (second stage)
HORIZON-CL6-2025-02-FARM2FORK-04-two-stage: Research and innovation for food waste prevention and reduction at household level through measurement, monitoring, and new technologiesRIA8Around 404/09/2025 (first stage)
18/02/2026 (second stage)
HORIZON-CL6-2025-02-FARM2FORK-05-two-stage: Developing agroecology living labs and lighthouses for climate action under the Food and Nutrition Security and Sustainable Agriculture (FNSSA) partnershipRIA12Around 604/09/2025 (first stage)
18/02/2026 (second stage)

Destination: Land, ocean and water for climate action

Call topicTypeBudget
(EUR million)
Budget/
project
Deadline
HORIZON-CL6-2025-02-CLIMATE-01: The ocean-climate-biodiversity nexus and marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR)RIA12Around 616/09/2025
HORIZON-CL6-2025-02-CLIMATE-02: The ocean-climate-biodiversity-people nexus: uncovering safe operating space for safeguarding the integrity and health of the global oceanRIA19.5Around 6.516/09/2025
HORIZON-CL6-2025-02-CLIMATE-03: Understanding and managing medium- and longer-term challenges and opportunities for agriculture stemming from shifting climatic zones and changing agroecological environmentsRIA10Around 516/09/2025
HORIZON-CL6-2025-02-CLIMATE-04: Monitoring, reporting, verification, and mitigation of non-CO₂ greenhouse gas emissions and related air pollutants from agricultureRIA12Around 616/09/2025
HORIZON-CL6-2025-02-CLIMATE-05: Additional activities for the European Partnership Water Security for the Planet (Water4All)COFUND23Around 70 (2025-2027)16/09/2025
HORIZON-CL6-2025-02-CLIMATE-01-two-stage: Strengthening the resilience of water systems and the water sector to climate and global socio-economic change impactsIA18Around 604/09/2025 (first stage)
18/02/2026 (second stage)

Destination: Resilient, inclusive, healthy and green rural, coastal and urban communities

Call topicTypeBudget
(EUR million)
Budget/
project
Deadline
HORIZON-CL6-2025-02-COMMUNITIES-01: Adapting to and mitigating demographic trends in rural areas through evidence-based planning and innovative solutionsRIA13.00Around 6.5016/09/2025
HORIZON-CL6-2025-02-COMMUNITIES-02: Exploring and improving access to housing in rural areas and developing the houses and villages of the futureRIA6.00Around 6.0016/09/2025
HORIZON-CL6-2025-02-COMMUNITIES-03: Innovative solutions for resilient and climate-adapted coastal communities in the AtlanticIA6.00Around 6.0016/09/2025
HORIZON-CL6-2025-02-COMMUNITIES-04: Creating urban co-creation spaces for driving sustainable food system transformationRIA12.00Around 6.0016/09/2025

Destination: Innovative  governance,  environmental  observations  and  digital  solutions  in support of the Green Deal

Call topicTypeBudget
(EUR million)
Budget/
project
Deadline
HORIZON-CL6-2025-03-GOVERNANCE-01: Improving analytical capacity and understanding of the bargaining power and interactions of farmers with the operators of the value chainsRIA6Around 624/09/2025
HORIZON-CL6-2025-03-GOVERNANCE-02: Upscaling innovative payments to support farmers in the delivery of agri-environment-climate public goodsIA12Around 624/09/2025
HORIZON-CL6-2025-03-GOVERNANCE-03: Boosting the attractiveness of agriculture and the connection between the farming community and societyRIA12Around 624/09/2025
HORIZON-CL6-2025-03-GOVERNANCE-04: Operationalisation of bioeconomy sustainability principlesRIA8Around 424/09/2025
HORIZON-CL6-2025-03-GOVERNANCE-05: Exploring options to resolve land and sea use competitionRIA9Around 4.524/09/2025
HORIZON-CL6-2025-03-GOVERNANCE-06: Strengthening and connecting bioeconomy networksCSA4.4Around 4.424/09/2025
HORIZON-CL6-2025-03-GOVERNANCE-07: Strengthening the European Research Area by enhancing the bioeconomy research and innovation ecosystem in BIOEAST countriesCSA4Around 424/09/2025
HORIZON-CL6-2025-03-GOVERNANCE-08: Effective environmental observing systems and associated governanceRIA10Around 524/09/2025
HORIZON-CL6-2025-03-GOVERNANCE-09: Delivering Earth Intelligence to accelerate the green and digital transitionIA15Around 7.524/09/2025
HORIZON-CL6-2025-03-GOVERNANCE-10: Improving and integrating polar observation systems in response to user requirements at local, regional, and international levelsRIA16Around 824/09/2025
HORIZON-CL6-2025-03-GOVERNANCE-11: Enhancing sustainability and resilience of agriculture, forestry, and rural development through digital twinsRIA12Around 624/09/2025
HORIZON-CL6-2025-03-GOVERNANCE-12: Increasing knowledge flows to practice within Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems (AKIS) via thematic networksCSA3Around 324/09/2025
HORIZON-CL6-2025-03-GOVERNANCE-13: Strengthening knowledge and skills of advisors and integrating them within Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems (AKIS) via an EU advisory networkCSA10Around 1024/09/2025
HORIZON-CL6-2025-03-GOVERNANCE-14: Preparing farmers, their workforce, and advisors for the future of agriculture by providing the relevant knowledge, skills, and competences at the right time and placeRIA8Around 824/09/2025

* This information has been extracted from the draft Cluster 6 Work Programme available online. As its content is subject to change, accelopment cannot be held responsible for the content of this blog.

Has any of these call topics sparked your interest? Reach out to our experts now to discuss how we can support you with our services!

Dr Johannes Ripperger

Dr. Johannes Ripperger
Research & Innovation Manager

Jacqueline Strehler

Jacqueline Strehler
Research & Innovation Project Manager

Blog series 5/6: Work Programmes 2025