Cluster 6: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment

The Work Programme 2026-2027 of Cluster 6, “Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment” supports the transition to sustainable, resilient and competitive food, agricultural and environmental systems. The Work Programme 2026-2027 focuses on strengthening food security, protecting and restoring natural ecosystems, sustainable use of natural resources and developing a circular, low-emission bio-economy capable of creating economic value and employment.

The Cluster promotes science- and innovation-based solutions, integrating technology, digital and nature-based approaches, and enhancing the contribution of social sciences and humanities to accompany changes in production and consumption patterns. The programme also reinforces the use of tools that foster the scalability, deployment and adoption of developed solutions, including innovative procurement, European partnerships and follow-up actions.

Why is it important for companies and what opportunities does it offer?

The WP Health 2026-2027 is relevant for enterprises because:

• • • • enables the development and testing of solutions for agribusiness, bio-economy and sustainable management of resources (soil, water, biodiversity);
      • opens up market opportunities related to circular economy, bio-based products, pollution reduction and new traceability/sustainability requirements in supply chains;
      • helps reduce risks and costs related to climate, resource scarcity and compliance, improving resilience of processes and supply chains;
      • facilitates European partnerships with companies, research and territories, useful for innovation, scaling and access to new customers/countries;
      • strengthens competitive positioning by anticipating EU standards and priorities, with spill-over effects on investment and industrial strategies.

EU strategic background

The Work Programme responds to the following EU policies:

• • • • European Green Deal
      • European Climate Law (climate neutrality and resilience to 2050)
      • EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030
      • Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework
      • EU Clean Industrial Deal
      • EU Zero Pollution Action Plan
      • EU Bioeconomy Strategy
      • EU Forest Strategy for 2030
      • EU Soil Strategy for 2030
      • European Ocean Pact
      • Long-term Vision for the EU's Rural Areas
      • Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability
      • EU Plastics Strategy
      • 8th Environment Action Programme (EAP).

The work programme is divided into 7 Destinations, i.e. thematic areas that contribute to achieving the expected impacts identified in the Horizon Europe Strategic Plan:

1. 1. 1. Biodiversity and ecosystem services
      2. Fair, healthy and environment-friendly food systems from primary production to consumption
      3. Circular economy and bioeconomy sectors
      4. Clean environment and zero pollution
      5. Land, ocean and water for climate action
      6. Resilient, inclusive, healthy and green rural, coastal and urban communities
      7. Innovative governance, environmental observations and digital. solutions in support of the Green Deal