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

September 16, 2025 (full proposals, 17:00 Brussels time)

~€12 million total; expected EU contribution per project around €6 million; typically 2 projects funded

Supports research and innovation to scale up circular water management in agriculture, focusing on alternative water sources, sustainable practices, and farmer adoption across the EU.

--- ## Description This Horizon Europe Innovation Action funds projects that address barriers to scaling up circular water management in agriculture, with an emphasis on alternative water sources (e.g., rainwater harvesting, water reuse, desalination). The call aims to increase the resilience of farming systems to water scarcity and climate change, improve knowledge on long-term impacts of alternative water use, and enhance farmer and consumer confidence in such practices. Projects should test and demonstrate innovative strategies and technologies for irrigation and agricultural uses, evaluate business models for economic sustainability, and analyze long-term effects on soil health, crop productivity, and environmental safety. Proposals must also address societal, behavioral, and regulatory challenges, develop recommendations for incentives and policies, and include robust dissemination, training, and multi-actor engagement activities. The topic requires a multi-actor approach, including scientists, companies, farmers, and consumers, and encourages international collaboration, especially with expertise from Africa and the Mediterranean. Social sciences and humanities (SSH) integration is mandatory, particularly regarding societal and behavioral change. --- ## Due Dates - **September 16, 2025**: Submission deadline for full applications (17:00 Brussels time) --- ## Funding Amount - **Total call budget:** ~€12 million - **Expected EU contribution per project:** ~€6 million - **Indicative number of grants:** 2 - **Funding rate:** Up to 70% of eligible costs (100% for non-profit entities) - **Project duration:** Typically 36–48 months --- ## Eligibility - **Consortium requirements:** At least three independent legal entities from three different EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries. - **Eligible countries:** EU Member States, Horizon Europe Associated Countries, and certain low- and middle-income countries (see [Horizon Europe List of Participating Countries](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/programme-guide_horizon_en.pdf)). - **Type of action:** Innovation Action (IA) - **Multi-actor approach required:** Proposals must involve scientists, companies, farmers, and consumers. - **SSH integration:** Social sciences and humanities expertise must be included. - **Gender Equality Plan:** Required for public bodies, research organizations, and higher education institutions from Member States and Associated Countries. - **Exclusions:** Entities from Russia, Belarus, or non-government-controlled territories of Ukraine are not eligible. Entities established in China are not eligible for Innovation Actions unless exceptionally justified. --- ## Application Process - **Submission:** Proposals must be submitted electronically via the [EU Funding & Tenders Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL6-2025-02-FARM2FORK-03). - **Format:** Single-stage application; follow the [standard application form for HE RIA/IA](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/temp-form/af/af_he-ria-ia_en.pdf). - **Page limit:** 45 pages for full proposals. - **Key documents:** - [Work Programme 2025 – Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2025/wp-9-food-bioeconomy-natural-resources-agriculture-and-environment_horizon-2025_en.pdf) - [General Annexes](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2025/wp-14-general-annexes_horizon-2025_en.pdf) - [Horizon Europe Programme Guide](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/programme-guide_horizon_en.pdf) - **Evaluation:** Proposals are assessed on excellence, impact, and quality/efficiency of implementation. See [evaluation form](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/temp-form/ef/ef_he-ria-ia_en.pdf). --- ## Additional Information - Proposals must include a plan for dissemination, exploitation, and communication. - Complementarity with other relevant EU/national projects and partnerships (e.g., PRIMA, Water4All) is encouraged. - The Joint Research Centre (JRC) may participate as a consortium member. - Activities using satellite-based data should utilize Copernicus and/or Galileo/EGNOS services. - Proposals must address business models, regulatory/policy barriers, and real-life demonstration beyond small experimental sites. - Special attention should be paid to emerging contaminants and long-term environmental safety. --- ## External Links - [Call Topic & Submission Portal (HORIZON-CL6-2025-02-FARM2FORK-03)](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL6-2025-02-FARM2FORK-03) - [Horizon Europe Programme Guide](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/programme-guide_horizon_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) - [Work Programme 2025: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2025/wp-9-food-bioeconomy-natural-resources-agriculture-and-environment_horizon-2025_en.pdf) - [EU Funding & Tenders Portal FAQ](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/faq) - [National Contact Points](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/ncp) --- ## Contact Information | Type | Details | |---------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | General Enquiries | [Research Enquiry Service](https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/contact-us/research-enquiry-service_en) | | IT/Submission Help | [IT Helpdesk](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/helpdesks/contact-form) | | National Contact Points | [Find your NCP](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/ncp) | | European Commission | +32 2 299 11 11 ([Contact page](https://commission.europa.eu/about-european-commission/contact_en)) |

Overcoming the barriers for scaling up circular water management in agriculture

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