Cluster 6 Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture & Environment update
Funding opportunities
It has been a very busy first quarter for Cluster 6 with many Irish applicants planning and preparing submissions for the current Horizon Europe Work Programme for 2026. To date Irish applicants have drawn down approximately €170 million under the cluster and indications suggest that we have a strong pipeline for the 2026 calls. A budget of €638M is available through Cluster 6 to fund EU research in food, bioeconomy, natural resources, agriculture and environment.
The budget is spread over seven destinations with four destinations open since January and closing this month. The three remaining destinations will open for submissions mid-April:
Biodiversity and ecosystem services
Single-stage - Next call for proposals opens on 17 April 2026
Circular economy and bioeconomy sectors
Single-stage - Next call for proposals opens on 17 April 2026
Clean environment and zero pollution
Single-stage - Next call for proposals opens on 17 April 2026
Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU)
CBE JU is a €2 billion partnership between the European Union and the Bio-based Industries Consortium (BIC) that funds projects advancing competitive circular bio-based industries under Horizon Europe.
By supporting innovation in Europe’s bio-based sector, CBE JU helps turn policy ambitions into tangible results - from innovative new bio-based products to new jobs and regional value chains.
CBE JU plays a key role in building Europe’s bioeconomy by supporting the transition from fossil-based to bio-based production. Through targeted investment, the partnership de-risks investments, supports industrial scale-up and ensures the sustainable use of biomass, creating long-term value for Europe’s economy, environment and regions.
The CBE JU country & organisation participation dashboard provides a clear, interactive overview of how EU Member States and associated countries are involved in CBE JU-funded projects.
Through its support to the bio-based sector, CBE JU contributes to the wider development of Europe’s bioeconomy by :
- Advancing industrial activities to increase the EU’s competitiveness and reduce dependency on strategic imports.
- Creating jobs and boosting local economies, in particular rural and coastal areas.
- Contributing to the EU’s climate and environmental goals.
- Enhancing market conditions and reducing investment risks for bio-based solutions and services.
- Enabling efficient, circular technologies.
- Engaging all actors in the bio-based value chain, from primary producers to industry, and building sustainable value chains throughout Europe.
2026 Call for proposals
The 2026 call for project proposals will open for submissions on 23 April 2026 and close on 22 September 2026. The overall budget is €171 million.
Call topics:
Innovation actions – flagship (IA-flagship)
- Boosting biorefinery competitiveness through biotech – €20M
- Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) bio-based alternatives for fertilising and/or crop protection products – €20M
- SSbD bio-based solutions for home and/or personal care – €20M
- Diversification of nutritional food ingredient sources for increased EU resilience and strategic autonomy – €20M
Innovation actions (IA)
- Biotech routes for valorisation of residual biomass – €14M
- Bio-based additives as alternatives to unlock and increase recyclability and/or biodegradability – €14M
- Bio-based chemicals and/or materials from woody residues – €14M
- High-performance, circular-by-design, bio-based thermosets – €14M
- Films and coatings for circular packaging – €14M
Research and innovation actions (RIA)
- Addressing separation and purification challenges in biorefineries – €6.5M
- SSbD bio-based polymers from alternative sources – €6.5M
- Breakthrough and sustainable bio-based textile fibres – €6.5M
Coordination and support actions (CSA)
- Supporting industry in the switch to sustainable and circular bio-based products and processes – €1.2M
CBE JU Info Days
The 2026 Info Day took place online in March, bringing together more than 1 000 participants. CBE JU, BIC and European Commission experts presented the 2026 call topics, explained the applicable rules, conditions and requirements and shared practical tips for preparing strong proposals based on lessons learned from previous calls. You can access the recording and slides from the event here.
Intertrade Ireland also hosted an all-Ireland info day held at the Agri-Food & Biosciences Institute (AFBI) in Hillsborough. The event was well attended by participants from all parts of Ireland and will hopefully continue the strong engagement from Ireland with the CBE JU in upcoming calls. A big shoutout to Janet Toal (Intertrade Ireland), Elaine Groom (Northern Ireland NCP for Cluster 6) and Patrick Barrett (DAFM) for organising.
Virginia Puzzolo (Head of Programme CBE JU) and James Gaffey (MTU) presenting at the Irish National Info Day
CBE JU Networking Event
Date:
21 April 2026
Location:
Brussels, Belgium
The CBE JU Networking Event will be held in Brussels as a full day of meetings to establish collaborations around the CBE JU 2026 call for project proposals. Applicants to the call wishing to meet face-to-face will be able to take part in an interactive in-person event bringing together CBE JU staff, representatives from the European Commission and the Bio-based Industries Consortium, as well as other funding programme experts. Participants will have the opportunity to connect with fellow applicants, exchange ideas, discuss collaboration opportunities and take part in dedicated training sessions. Find more information and registration here.
EPA Research Call 2026 launches with €10.5m for new environmental and climate research
The EPA has announced funding of up to €10.5 million for new environmental research. They are inviting proposals from the research community for innovative projects to support the development and implementation of environmental policies in Ireland. In particular, multi and trans-disciplinary teams are welcomed to bring diverse perspectives to complex environmental challenges.
Scope of Call
Applicants may apply under 9 Themes addressing identified policy and evidence needs with projects ranging in duration from 24 to 48 months.
- Cross-cutting Theme (1 Theme)
- Addressing Climate Change Evidence Needs (2 Themes)
- Delivering a Healthy Environment (2 Themes)
- Facilitating a Green and Circular Economy (2 Themes)
- Protecting and Restoring our Natural Environment (2 Themes)
The EPA will be hosting an information webinar for potential applicants on 16 April 2026, you can register here and find more information on the event here.