Boosting the competitiveness of protein crops in Europe

Expected Outcome

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

• the competitive production of protein crops is boosted across Europe, by developing and testing sustainable and cost-effective innovations tailored to different farming systems, regions and contexts;
• farmers profitability is boosted via the integration of protein crops into diversified farming systems, the development of local value chains and the valorisation of protein crops’ by-products;
• plant-based proteins production in Europe is increased, contributing to greater economical and environmental sustainability (including agrobiodiversity) and strengthening the European food and feed autonomy.

Scope

Protein crops[1] can play a key role in advancing sustainable and resilient European agriculture offering environmental, agronomic, economic and nutritional benefits. Despite their potential, the production and use of protein crops in Europe remains limited and require targeted efforts to scale up. Several barriers continue to hinder their development, including the lack of adapted local protein crops for the different European environmental conditions, the limited availability of effective and safe pest management practices and tools, the inadequacy of the machinery used in their production, poor infrastructure for processing and marketing, the absence of well-established local value chains, etc. A key element for a wide adoption of protein crops by farmers is demonstrating their potential benefits (economic competitiveness, environmental impacts, social engagement, adaptability) that enhance their market value and appeal.

Proposals should:

• develop innovative solutions tailored to different conditions across the EU (agro-climatic, edaphic, socio-economic), to address key challenges hindering the inclusion of protein crops into diverse cropping systems. This should be done at farm level (addressing for instance yield, quality, resource optimization and resilience of protein crops under varying climatic and soil conditions) as well as the whole agri-food value chain (such as access to marketing outlets), increasing the competitiveness of protein crops;
• promote circular bioeconomy by valorising protein crops’ by-products to develop economically viable and resilient farming models that enhance farmer profitability and reduce production risks. Explore and demonstrate innovative pathways for converting protein crops’ by-products into safe feed and food sources. If relevant, build on already identified protein crop by-products and value chains to develop concrete case studies that showcase practical circular and successful business models;
• develop or adapt innovative and scalable integrated pest[2] and weed management strategies tailored for protein crops to enhance crop resilience, soil health, and productivity across a wide range of production systems and climate conditions, while limiting the impact on the environment and ensuring food safety;
• conduct a comprehensive cost-benefit evaluation of the proposed approaches and solutions to ensure overall feasibility across diverse farming system;
• explore, test and adapt available machinery for sowing, field management, harvesting and postharvest operations, tailored to different protein crops. Consider, if relevant, the integration of digital/AI tools. Propose viable avenues for increasing access to this specific equipment, including through cooperatives/producers’ associations or collaborating with SMEs/startups;
• support farmers to transition to the incorporation of protein crops in the European production systems by widely sharing practical knowledge through existing advisory networks, digital platforms or capacity building programmes and potentially deployed at large scale. Create diverse practice-oriented dissemination materials, such as audiovisuals, brochures, presentations, that showcase innovations in a creative way, incorporating artistic elements for engaging storytelling.

Proposals must implement the multi-actor approach including a range of actors to ensure that knowledge and needs from various sectors are brought together. An active participation of farmers, retailers, SMEs and consumers is encouraged, in local protein crops value chains, through the development of near-farm activities to drive local innovation. Beneficiaries. may provide financial support to third parties (FSTP) to, for instance, engage SME’s or startups to develop, test and demonstrate the proposed innovative solutions.

Proposals should address diverse farming systems/approaches, including conventional and organic farming.

Proposals should include a dedicated task, appropriate resources and a plan on how they will collaborate with other relevant projects in particular those to be funded under the topic "HORIZON-CL6-2027-02-FARM2FORK-05: Enhancing farmers profitability and resilience through innovations for diversified crops and value chains". Moreover, proposals should build on existing knowledge and the results of other relevant projects funded under previous work programmes.

The projects under this topic are relevant to the EU policies related to the objectives of the common agricultural policy, the EU Action Plan on the Development of Organic Production[3], align with the Vision for Agriculture and Food, and support the EU's ambition to increase plant protein production and reduce reliance on imports.

Technology Readiness Level - Technology readiness level expected from completed projects

Activities are expected to achieve TRL 6-8 by the end of the project – see General Annex B. Activities may start at any TRL.

[1] In this topic, protein crops refer to crops that provide a high concentration of protein and are important for both human consumption and animal feed.

[2] A pest is defined here as any species, strain or biotype of plant, animal or pathogenic agent injurious to plants or plant products (EU Regulation 2016/2031).

[3] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A52021DC0141R%2801%29