Strengthening plant health: addressing emerging plant pest risks

Di cosa tratta questo bando?

The topic funds research projects that tackle emerging plant pests threatening EU agriculture and forestry, from risk knowledge to detection and control tools. It runs as a two-stage call with a multi-actor approach.

Cosa finanzia questo bando?

Scope

Projects target one or more emerging plant pests, regulated or not, introduced or native, that threaten agriculture or forestry in the EU and Associated Countries. Pests already targeted in two earlier Horizon Europe plant health topics are excluded. Applicants should justify their choice of pests.

Activities

• Improve knowledge of pest biology, introduction pathways and spread to reduce uncertainty in risk assessments.
• Develop rapid, safe and cost-effective tools for prevention, early detection, surveillance, treatment and biological control, in line with integrated pest management.
• Assess social, economic and environmental impacts on farmers and forest owners and develop mitigation strategies.
• Contribute to identifying resistant or tolerant traits.

Financial support to third parties

Proposals may provide financial support to third parties, for example to develop, test and demonstrate detection, surveillance, treatment and control tools.

Expected outcomes

Better understanding of what drives pest emergence, validated and environmentally friendly measures for farmers and forest owners, and stronger scientific support for decision-making. Results should cover diverse farming systems, including conventional and organic farming.

Cosa ci si aspetta dalle proposte?

• International cooperation with countries affected or threatened by the same pests is strongly encouraged.

Quando scade il bando?

8 aprile 2027 (154 giorni)

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