Descrição

TOPIC: 1.2.1-2026 (IA) – Next Generation of Sustainable and Alternative Animal Feeds for Circular and Resilient Mediterranean Farming Systems

TYPE OF ACTION: Innovation Action (IA)

TOTAL INDICATIVE BUDGET: EUR 10.814 million

Expected Outcomes

This call supports the transition toward sustainable, circular, and resource-efficient agri-food systems, in line with the EU Green Deal, Circular Economy Action Plan, and Vision for Agriculture and Food.

Expected outcomes include:

• Reduced dependence on imported animal feed through locally sourced, regionally adapted alternatives
• Lower environmental impact of feed production and use, including reduced methane emissions and improved resource efficiency
• Effective valorisation of food and agricultural waste, reducing organic waste and closing nutrient loops
• Improved animal health, welfare, productivity, and safety through affordable and nutritionally balanced feed solutions

Scope

Livestock and aquaculture systems in the Mediterranean face increasing pressure due to dependence on imported feed ingredients, environmental impacts, and market volatility. At the same time, significant quantities of agri-food by-products and biomass residues remain underutilised, limiting opportunities for circularity.

This call aims to develop and validate:

• Sustainable, economically viable alternative animal feed solutions based on regional biomass and agri-food waste streams
• Innovations that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, nutrient pollution, and resource inefficiency
• Feed systems that strengthen circularity and resilience in local value chains

Projects should demonstrate solutions at TRL 6–7 (near-operational environments), with a clear pathway toward scalability and investment readiness.

All proposals are expected to:

• Build on existing EU and PRIMA-funded research where relevant
• Ensure compliance with environmental, safety, and regulatory standards
• Contribute to methane reduction aligned with the Global Methane Pledge and EU Methane Strategy

Key Activities

Projects must address at least three of the following:

• Co-develop and optimise alternative feed formulations using regional biomass, legumes, and agri-food waste streams, ensuring nutritional adequacy, safety, and sustainability
• Test and validate feed solutions in real or near-operational environments (TRL 6–7), including livestock and/or aquaculture Living Labs
• Assess impacts on animal health, welfare, productivity, and product quality, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards
• Conduct environmental and economic assessments, including:
  • Life Cycle Assessment (carbon, water, land use, biodiversity impacts)
  • Cost-benefit and competitiveness analysis versus conventional feeds
  • Circularity and resource efficiency evaluation
• Develop scaling and commercialisation strategies, including business models, financing pathways, and investor engagement

Methodological Requirements

Proposals must demonstrate:

• Multi-Actor Approach (MAA): involvement of farmers, SMEs, researchers, technology providers, authorities, and other stakeholders across all stages
• Living Labs (encouraged): for co-design, testing, and validation in real-world conditions
• Strong integration of Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH), including governance, behavioural, socio-economic, and market adoption aspects
• Use of the Societal Readiness Thinking Tool (recommended) to ensure responsible and inclusive innovation

Additional expectations:

• Clear pathways to market uptake and impact
• Strong involvement of SMEs and innovation actors
• Demonstrated cost-effectiveness and competitiveness versus conventional feed systems
• Monitoring of relevant KPIs (including PRIMA KPI 6 on social and behavioural outcomes)

Call Documents

• Annual Work Programme 2026
• Guidelines for Applicants (Section 1)
• KPI Handbook
• Electronic Submission System Handbook
• Pre-proposal Templates (RIA & IA Stage 1 Part I & II)
• Full Call Text