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

September 4, 2025 (Stage 1) | February 18, 2026 (Stage 2)

~€7,000,000 per project; 2 projects funded; project duration typically 3-5 years

Supports research to enhance crop resilience to multiple abiotic and biotic stresses, advancing EU climate, biodiversity, and sustainable agriculture goals.

Two-stage application; first stage is a blind evaluation.

--- ## Description This funding opportunity aims to support research and innovation projects that increase the resilience of agricultural crop systems by enhancing tolerance to multiple, often simultaneous, abiotic (e.g., drought, salinity, temperature extremes) and biotic (e.g., pests, diseases) stresses. The call aligns with the European Green Deal, EU climate policies, and the EU biodiversity strategy for 2030, focusing on adaptation to climate change, supporting biodiversity in agroecosystems, and promoting low-input, sustainable practices. Projects should deepen knowledge of crop traits and mechanisms conferring multi-stress resistance, identify and utilize local crop varieties with high plasticity, and develop agro-ecological practices that improve stress tolerance while supporting biodiversity. The integration of advanced technologies—such as multi-omics, high-throughput phenotyping, computational modeling, and artificial intelligence—for evaluating genotype-environment-management (GxExM) interactions is strongly encouraged. Expected outcomes include: - Improved knowledge and characterization of traits for tolerance and resistance to multiple stresses. - Enhanced identification and use of local varieties and agro-ecological practices supporting biodiversity. - Strengthened capacity to evaluate multi-stress effects in crops. - Practical recommendations for advisors and farmers on variety performance and multi-stress management. Proposals should complement ongoing Horizon Europe projects and collaborate with relevant European research infrastructures. All farming systems, including organic, are in scope. --- ## Due Dates - **Stage 1 (Outline Proposal):** September 4, 2025, 17:00 Brussels time - **Stage 2 (Full Proposal):** February 18, 2026, 17:00 Brussels time The call follows a two-stage submission and evaluation process. The first stage is a blind evaluation, so applicants must not disclose their organization or personnel details in the initial proposal. --- ## Funding Amount - **Indicative budget per project:** ~€7,000,000 - **Total indicative budget for the topic:** €14,000,000 - **Number of projects funded:** 2 - **Project duration:** Typically 3–5 years Up to 20% of the EU funding may be allocated as financial support to third parties (max €60,000 per third party). --- ## Eligibility - Open to legal entities (universities, research institutes, companies, NGOs, etc.) from EU Member States and associated countries. - Proposals must comply with the Horizon Europe rules for participation and eligibility (see [Annex B](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2025/wp-14-general-annexes_horizon-2025_en.pdf)). - International cooperation is encouraged, especially where it supports the objectives of the call. - All farming systems and approaches are eligible; special attention for organic systems if addressed. --- ## Application Process - **Submission:** Electronic via the [EU Funding & Tenders Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-BIODIV-02-two-stage?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=12&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate) - **Stage 1:** Submit a short, blind proposal—no identifying information about the consortium. - **Stage 2:** If invited, submit a full proposal with detailed information. - **Templates and guides:** [Standard application forms](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/temp-form/af/af_he-ria-ia_en.pdf), [Online Manual](https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/funding-tenders-opportunities/display/OM/Online+Manual), and [Programme Guide](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/programme-guide_horizon_en.pdf). - **Evaluation:** Based on excellence, impact, and quality/efficiency of implementation. Stage 1 is blind; Stage 2 is not. - **Financial support to third parties:** Consortia may allocate up to 20% of the budget for third-party grants (max €60,000 per third party). --- ## Additional Information - Proposals should justify selected crops and ensure activities cover a range of relevant agro-climatic conditions. - Collaboration with European research infrastructures (e.g., AnaEE-ERIC, EMPHASIS) is encouraged. - Proposals should build on and complement existing Horizon Europe projects. - Interdisciplinary approaches, including social sciences and humanities, are welcome. - Gender and diversity considerations should be addressed where relevant. --- ## External Links - [Call Topic Page (EU Funding & Tenders Portal)](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-BIODIV-02-two-stage?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=12&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) - [Standard Application Form (HE RIA, IA)](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/temp-form/af/af_he-ria-ia_en.pdf) - [General Annexes 2025](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2025/wp-14-general-annexes_horizon-2025_en.pdf) - [Partner Search Tool](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/how-to-participate/partner-search?order=DESC&pageNumber=1&pageSize=50&sortBy=lastModified&isExactMatch=true&type=ORGANISATION,PERSON&frameworkProgramme=43108390) --- ## Contact Information | Contact Type | Details | |-------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Funder General Contact | [European Commission Contact Page](https://commission.europa.eu/about-european-commission/contact_en) | | Research Enquiry Service | [Research Enquiry Service](https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/contact-us/research-enquiry-service_en) | | National Contact Points (NCPs) | [Find your NCP](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/ncp) | | IT Helpdesk (Portal Support) | [IT Helpdesk Form](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/helpdesks/contact-form) | ---

Breeding for resilience: enhancing multi-stress tolerance in crops

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