Agroforestry for soil health at landscape level

Di cosa tratta questo bando?

The call funds innovation actions that pilot agroforestry at landscape scale to improve soil health, together with business models, financing and training for actors along the value chain. Farmers, foresters, researchers, businesses and public administrations work together.

Cosa finanzia questo bando?

Background

Agroforestry integrates trees and shrubs into farmland and can improve soil health, conserve water and support biodiversity and farm profitability. Its uptake in the EU remains limited, mainly because of lack of expertise, high set-up costs and slow financial returns. A landscape approach can help overcome these barriers.

Proposals should

• Co-design, co-develop and pilot locally adapted agroforestry systems at landscape level in a variety of pedo-climatic areas across the EU and Associated Countries.
• Establish a soil baseline and monitor the impact of agroforestry practices on soil health, including a comparison of conventional and organic farming.
• Assess technical, social, economic, cultural and environmental viability and potential for scaling.
• Mobilise public and private finance, including blended finance, and test long-term business models.
• Provide policy recommendations and capacity building for farmers, advisors, businesses, consumers and policymakers.
• Coordinate with the Horizon Europe Agroecology Partnership and make data FAIR through the EU Soil Observatory.

Expected outcomes

Wider adoption of agroforestry at landscape level, better access to agroecological tools, validated business models along the value chain and better understanding of the benefits of and barriers to agroforestry.

Quando scade il bando?

8 aprile 2027 (153 giorni)

Two-stage call: first-stage deadline 8 April 2027; second-stage deadline 14 September 2027.