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

April 15, 2026

€5,000,000–€6,000,000 per project; 2 projects funded; lump sum grants; duration typically 3–4 years

Supports research to improve data, methods, and tools for analyzing and addressing social sustainability challenges in EU agriculture.

--- ## Description This European Commission Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Action (RIA) aims to enhance analytical capacity and data infrastructure to better understand the social drivers influencing agriculture and assess social sustainability in the sector. The call seeks proposals that bridge knowledge gaps between agricultural policy priorities and available data, focusing on developing and harmonizing indicators, methodologies, and tools to capture social dimensions such as employment, demography, migration, inclusiveness, health, and gender equality. Projects should map and address existing data and modeling gaps, pilot new indicators and tools, and provide robust policy recommendations to improve social sustainability. Interdisciplinary approaches—especially those integrating social sciences and humanities—are encouraged. Wide dissemination of results to policymakers, farmers, businesses, and stakeholders is expected to support uptake and inform the evolution of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and the EU Vision for Agriculture and Food for 2040. --- ## Due Dates - April 15, 2026: Full application submission deadline (single-stage), 17:00 Brussels time --- ## Funding Amount - Approximate total available: €10,800,000 - Expected grant size: €5,000,000–€6,000,000 per project - Indicative number of grants: 2 - Funding is provided as a lump sum grant - Project duration typically 3–4 years --- ## Eligibility - Open to legal entities from EU Member States and countries associated with Horizon Europe (see [Annex B of the Work Programme General Annexes](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)) - International partners from non-associated countries may participate under certain conditions (see the [Horizon Europe Programme Guide](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/guidance/programme-guide_horizon_en.pdf)) - Proposals must involve a consortium (typically at least three independent legal entities from different eligible countries) - The Joint Research Centre (JRC) may participate as a beneficiary with zero funding or as an associated partner - Financial and operational capacity requirements apply (see [Annex C](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)) --- ## Application Process - Single-stage application process via the [EU Funding & Tenders Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL6-2026-03-GOVERNANCE-02?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=9&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate) - Submission system opens January 14, 2026 - Applications must use the standard Horizon Europe RIA forms (see [Application Form Template](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/temp-form/af/af_he-ria-ia_en.pdf)) - Proposals will be evaluated on excellence, impact, and quality/efficiency of implementation (see [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)) - Lump sum grants: funding is provided as a fixed amount based on the budget submitted and agreed upon --- ## Additional Information - Projects should engage social sciences and humanities disciplines (e.g., sociology, psychology, demography, behavioral science, education) - Proposals should consider results from prior related Horizon 2020/Europe projects - Wide dissemination and stakeholder engagement is expected - The call supports EU ambitions for fair jobs, social inclusion, and a just transition in agriculture --- ## External Links - [Call Details & Application Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-CL6-2026-03-GOVERNANCE-02?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](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 for Applicants](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 | |----------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Funder General Info | [European Commission](https://commission.europa.eu/index_en) | | Funder Contact Page | [Contact the European Commission](https://commission.europa.eu/about-european-commission/contact_en) | | Phone | +32 2 299 11 11 | | Research Enquiry | [Research Enquiry Service](https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/contact-us/research-enquiry-service_en) | | National Contact Points | [Find NCPs](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/ncp) |

Improving analytical capacity and understanding of social drivers in agriculture to better assess social sustainability in the sector - European Commission

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