[European Commission](https://commission.europa.eu/index_en)

April 14, 2026

Around €6,000,000 per project; typically 2 projects funded; lump sum grant

Supports the development and validation of innovative, scalable breeding tools to accelerate and improve the sustainability of fruit and nut perennial crops.

--- ## Description This grant supports research and innovation projects focused on developing and implementing advanced, scalable, and accessible breeding tools for perennial crops, specifically fruits and nuts (excluding berries). The aim is to overcome the challenges of traditional breeding—such as long juvenile phases and complex genetics—by creating tools and methods that shorten breeding cycles and enhance sustainability traits (e.g., pest and disease resistance, yield stability, quality, and climate adaptability). Projects are expected to implement and validate genomic selection models, ensure scalability and accessibility, develop standardized protocols, and assess environmental impacts and trade-offs. Collaboration with existing European research infrastructures and prior Horizon 2020/Horizon Europe projects is encouraged, as is engagement with SMEs and cross-testing tools across species. --- ## Due Dates - April 14, 2026: Full application submission deadline (single-stage call) --- ## Funding Amount - Total indicative budget for this topic: €12,000,000 - Expected funding per project: Around €6,000,000 (typically 2 projects funded) - Lump sum grant model applies - Financial support to third parties (FSTP) is permitted, with a maximum of €60,000 per third party --- ## Eligibility - Proposals must involve at least three independent legal entities from three different eligible countries (EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries). - Non-EU/Associated Countries may participate under certain conditions (see [Annex B](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2026-2027/wp-15-general-annexes_horizon-2026-2027_en.pdf)). - All legal entities (universities, research organizations, SMEs, industry, etc.) are eligible. - Proposals must target fruit and/or nut crops as defined by the FAO Indicative Crop Classification (excluding berries). - Projects are encouraged to collaborate with European research infrastructures and build on previous Horizon projects. --- ## Application Process - Single-stage submission process via the [EU Funding & Tenders Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL6-2026-02-FARM2FORK-04?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=9&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate). - Applications must follow the templates and guidelines provided in the [Online Manual](https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/funding-tenders-opportunities/display/OM/Online+Manual). - Proposals must adhere to page limits and layout as described in the application form and [Annex A/E](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2026-2027/wp-15-general-annexes_horizon-2026-2027_en.pdf). - Evaluation criteria, scoring, and thresholds are detailed in [Annex D](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2026-2027/wp-15-general-annexes_horizon-2026-2027_en.pdf). - The submission system is expected to open on January 14, 2026. --- ## Additional Information - Financial support to third parties (FSTP) is allowed to facilitate cross-testing and SME engagement, capped at €60,000 per third party. - All breeding approaches are in scope, but proposals should demonstrate scalability, accessibility, and transferability to breeders. - Projects should evaluate environmental impacts and potential trade-offs of developed tools. - Collaboration with ongoing Horizon Europe and Horizon 2020 projects is strongly encouraged. --- ## External Links - [Call Topic & Application Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL6-2026-02-FARM2FORK-04?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=9&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate) - [Horizon Europe Programme Guide](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/programme-guide_horizon_en.pdf) - [General Annexes (eligibility, evaluation, legal)](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2026-2027/wp-15-general-annexes_horizon-2026-2027_en.pdf) - [Online Manual](https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/funding-tenders-opportunities/display/OM/Online+Manual) - [Partner Search Tool](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/how-to-participate/partner-search) --- ## Contact Information | Contact Type | Details | |----------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | General Enquiries | [European Commission Contact Page](https://commission.europa.eu/about-european-commission/contact_en) | | Research Enquiries | [Research Enquiry Service](https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/contact-us/research-enquiry-service_en) | | National Contact Points | [Find your NCP](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/ncp) | | IT/Portal Support | [IT Helpdesk](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/helpdesks/contact-form) | | Phone | +32 2 299 11 11 |

Accelerating the development of breeding tools for perennial crops, specifically fruits and nuts - European Commission

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