Strengthening the EU plant protection ecosystem for a future-proof agriculture

Expected Outcome

Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following expected outcomes:

• EU-wide dialogue and cooperation on plant protection challenges and solutions is improved for policymakers, researchers, innovators and other stakeholders;
• policymakers, researchers, innovators and other stakeholders participate in a co-creative, multi-actor environment to jointly identify and address research and innovation needs towards stronger alignment of R&I efforts, guided by shared priorities and evidence-based insights;
• coordinated transition plans and broader uptake by all actors of sustainable, scalable and biodiversity friendly plant protection solutions across the EU.

Scope

The projects under this topic are relevant to the EU policies related to the EU’s Vision for Agriculture and Food by strengthening the plant protection ecosystem and supporting a future-proof, resilient agricultural sector.

The EU ambition to reduce the use of harmful pesticides is important for the long-term resilience of farming, health and environmental protection. However, the introduction of alternatives in the form of biological or innovative low-risk plant protection products has not followed with the same pace as the withdrawal of active substances from the EU market. If this trend continues, it could affect the EU’s ability to ensure food security and sovereignty.

To ensure a smooth transition, coordinated action is needed. Strengthening dialogue, guiding research, and supporting innovation should equip policymakers and sectors to adapt and build a resilient, nature and biodiversity-friendly crop protection system.

Proposals should:

• establish or reinforce an inclusive, multi-actor platform for an EU-wide network to facilitate dialogue, knowledge exchange, cooperation among policymakers, regulatory bodies, farmer organisations, researchers, industry actors, and other stakeholders;
• provide guidance to identify critical uses of active substances at risk of withdrawal, assess potential agronomic and economic impacts and map existing alternatives, including those that support agro-biodiversity, and research needs;
• facilitate targeted discussions to prioritise the most affected crops and regions, define pathways for the development and adoption of alternative solutions with a priority on issues where a risk of deadlock situation has been identified as a result of the withdrawal of harmful pesticides, and shape strategic research and innovation agendas;
• support agricultural sectors in co-developing actionable plans - from early-stage research to field-level deployment - that address the impacts of substance withdrawals and foster mutual learning across sectors and EU Member States.

Proposals should consider the perspectives and needs of the different 27 EU Member States to ensure a high level of representation. Proposals must implement the multi-actor approach including a range of actors to ensure that knowledge and needs from various sectors are brought together.

The Joint Research Centre (JRC) may participate as member of the consortium selected for funding. The participation could involve contributing to prioritization of critical active substances based on the potential economic, environmental and social impacts of the pests controlled by the active substances and assessment of the acceptability of alternative solutions by agents in the food system.

Proposals should capitalise on relevant research findings and tools, included those developed under previous research projects and collaborate with projects funded in HORIZON-CL6-2026-02-FARM2FORK-02: Tackling pesticide resistance: early detection, management strategies, and foresight.