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Call: PRIMA Section 2 Multitopics

TYPE OF ACTION: (RIA) Research and Innovation action

TOTAL INDICATIVE AMOUNT ALLOCATED TO THIS CALL: EUR 36 million

OPENING DATE: 08 April, 2025

DEADLINE: 08 July, 2025 (17:00h Central European Time (CET)

STATUS: Open

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Topic Section 2 - Water management in the Nexus

Thematic Area 1-Water management in the Nexus

Topic 2.1.1-2025 (RIA*) Enhancing Policy Development through Impact-Driven Water Footprint and Virtual Water Concepts in the Mediterranean RegionPRIMA website.

 

In line with the European Green Deal priorities, notably the EU climate adaptation strategy and the EU’s climate mitigation ambition for 2030 and 2050, the Zero Pollution Action Plan, the Water Framework Directive EU and other EU water legislation addressing water scarcity and droughts, the EU Circular Economy Action Plan, the successful proposals will support the development of policies based on water footprint and virtual water concept.

Project results are expected to contribute to the following expected outcomes:

  • National policies on water management decisions are revised based on the water footprint concept; 37
  • Connecting the water footprint with the water-energy-food-ecosystems Nexus concept and its added value in the Mediterranean region;
  • Strengthen resilience to climate change impacts by integrating water footprint considerations into adaptation strategies;
  • Economic benefits of reducing water footprints, including cost savings from improved water efficiency and potential revenue from sustainable water use practices;
  • Facilitate a dialogue among city regulators, water utilities, communities, farmers and stakeholders, to exchange best practices and lessons learned in managing water footprints.
  • Encourage the adoption of crop varieties and industrial practices that require less water, while increasing the use of treated and reused water sources, to alleviate pressure on freshwater resources in the Mediterranean.

Recognising the limitations of traditional water footprint and virtual water concepts as purely quantitative measures, this topic highlights the need for integrated impact assessments in policy development across the Mediterranean. This approach is crucial given the region’s semi-arid to arid climate, limited freshwater resources, and rising water demands in sectors such as agriculture, industry, and tourism—further intensified by climate change impacts.

A key component of this approach is the establishment of clear limits specifically for blue water consumption, rather than just overall resource availability. These limits serve as a foundation for sustainable water governance, helping policymakers to assess not only the quantity of water used but also its source, quality, and broader environmental and socio-economic impacts.

The objective is to drive policies that promote equitable and efficient water use, reduce environmental degradation, prevent water pollution, and strengthen resilience to climate-related challenges. Given the transboundary nature of many Mediterranean water resources, fostering collaborative policy development is essential for effectively addressing cross-border water issues. Additionally, supporting less water-demanding crops and expanding water recycling and reuse systems in agriculture and industry are critical strategies to alleviate pressure on freshwater resources.

This integrated, impact-focused approach will enable a more adaptive and sustainable water management framework tailored to the Mediterranean’s unique challenges.

Proposed activities should cover at least one of the following aspects:

  • Evaluate national policies and regulations on water management decisions from the perspective of water footprint
  • Define the limitations of common water footprint and virtual water concepts and propose methodologies to improve them.
  • Analyse virtual water trade to manage the impacts of cross-border product trade on water resources and external chocks. Water scarcity footprint should be assessed for local and imported agricultural products.
  • Analyse, through case studies, the green, blue water and grey footprints at river basins with a focus on the main strategic crops and breeds.
  • Model and predict future changes and trends in water footprint and virtual water trade, considering their broader impacts.
  • Recommend institutional and regulatory reforms guided by impact-driven water footprint and virtual water concepts.
  • Establish a Water Footprint Network in Mediterranean countries Encourage Water-Efficient Practices: Promote the use of less water-demanding crops and the implementation of systems for water recycling and reuse in agriculture and industry. These measures are critical for enhancing water conservation efforts, supporting sustainable water management, and improving water efficiency in the region.

Proposals are encouraged to collaborate with other PRIMA and EU-funded projects by participating in joint and common communication and dissemination activities. Proposals should promote collaboration and complementarity with other PRIMA-funded projects, including a dedicated task with appropriate resources for this purpose. Collaboration is also encouraged with Horizon Europe initiatives, relevant European Partnerships, and EU Missions, such as the Water4All Partnership and the EU Mission: Restore our Ocean and Waters, to enhance collective impact in water sustainability efforts across the Mediterranean region.

Topic Section 2 - Farming systems in the Nexus

Topic 2.2.1-2025 Upscaling Agroecology Practices at the Farm Level in the Mediterranean

Aligned with the European Green Deal, EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, EU Climate Adaptation Strategy,  the Common Agricultural Policy, in consistency with the EU Mission “A Soil Deal for Europe” this call for proposals aims to enhance the adoption and effective implementation of agroecology practices at the farm level throughout the Mediterranean region. Successful proposals will demonstrate potential to drive significant advancements in sustainable farming, contributing to the ecological resilience and economic viability of the region’s agricultural sector.

Project results are expected to contribute to all the following expected outcomes:

  • Increased understanding, adoption, and implementation of agroecological practices, with a focus on small-scale farmers.
  • Generation of evidence showcasing agroecology’s potential in addressing climate change through mitigation and adaptation, highlighting its climate neutrality, biodiversity impact, and capacity to enhance farm socio-economic resilience.
  • Formulation of policy recommendations aimed at supporting the scaling up of agroecology practices that should recognise the pivotal role of state regulations and support alongside business models. These recommendations should encompass a range of incentives, regulations, subsidies, and other policy instruments to foster sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation effectively.
  • Implementation of scalable and cost-effective carbon measurement and verification methods tailored to agroecological practices.

Agroecology offers a comprehensive approach that blends ecological principles, traditional knowledge, and innovative techniques to enhance biodiversity, soil health, water conservation, and climate resilience. It simultaneously supports food security and livelihoods. There is an urgent call to expand agroecological practices by integrating diverse cultivation methods and interdisciplinary approaches, including leveraging microbial technologies to boost soil health and crop yields. It is crucial to develop sustainable business models that ensure profitability for small farmers, addressing challenges such as organic certification costs, market dynamics, and the need for cohesive legislation supporting micro and small enterprises. Policy recommendations should be formulated to facilitate widespread adoption of agroecology, emphasizing biodiversity conservation and the protection of endangered species in agricultural policies and practices.

Proposed activities should cover all the following aspects:

  • Providing a methodology that facilitates the identification of optimal combinations of agroecological practices and strategies to mitigate and adapt to climate change, while also preserving biodiversity and enhancing farm profitability.
  • Emphasizing the implementation of scalable and cost-effective methods for measuring and verifying carbon sequestration efforts, empowering farmers to accurately quantify and monetize their contributions to carbon reduction.
  • The proposed practices should cover a diverse range of crops and farming systems encompassing both conventional and organic practices.
  • Piloting innovative mechanisms to assist farmers in transitioning to agroecological practices.
  • Establishing Living Laboratories, including setting up demonstration plots, conducting participatory research with farmers, and hosting training sessions and workshops. These labs will be key to fast-tracking the adoption of agroecology practices, emphasizing microbiological solutions, with the aim of achieving targeted objectives across farms. This includes supporting and increasing plant yields and their resistance to diseases, reducing the use of artificial pesticides and fertilizers, minimizing food waste, and decreasing emissions of greenhouse gases.
  • Developing strategies for scaling out and scaling up agroecology practices beyond the project’s geographical area and duration. This involves identifying pathways for scaling, leveraging existing networks and institutions, and creating enabling environments for sustainable agricultural development.

Proposals should adopt a Multi-Actor Approach (MAA) to ensure significant involvement of the farming sector in decision-making and implementation processes.

PRIMA strongly encourage collaboration and complementarity with other Horizon Europe relevant projects including a dedicated task, appropriate resources, and a plan for collaborating with other PRIMA-funded projects with similar thematic focus and with the Mission “A Soil Deal for Europe“. In particular, proposals should include dedicated tasks and appropriate resources for coordination measures and joint activities with relevant projects funded by the Mission.39 PRIMA also encourages collaboration and complementarity with other Horizon Europe relevant projects or initiatives funded by European Partnerships such as the Agroecology Partnership.

Topic Section 2 - Agri-food Value chain in the Nexus

Topic 2.3.1 RIA Towards a Plant-Based Alternative Protein products Transition in the Mediterranean Region

In alignment with the European Green Deal priorities, the Farm-to-Fork Strategy for a fair, healthy, and environmentally friendly food system, and the EU’s climate ambitions for 2030 and 2050, this proposal will bolster research and innovation initiatives aimed at promoting and facilitating the adoption of plant-based protein alternative products (PBAPs)42 in Mediterranean diets.

This initiative closely connects to the Food 2030 pathway “Nutrition and Sustainable Healthy Diets” by expanding knowledge on factors shaping consumption choices in Southern Mediterranean countries. Key areas of focus include evaluating the potential market response to the increased availability of PBAPs and assessing consumer openness and readiness for these products. By examining these aspects, the proposal will yield valuable insights on how plant-based protein alternatives can be introduced and effectively integrated into current dietary patterns across the region.

The objective is to support projects that advocate for plant-based protein alternative products (PBAPs) in Mediterranean diets, reduce environmental impacts, and celebrate cultural heritage. By addressing key challenges in the region, this initiative aims to promote resilience, well-being, and long-term sustainability. Proposed strategies should be culturally sensitive, acknowledging the unique culinary heritage of the Mediterranean and addressing obstacles faced by local consumers. This approach will highlight the health and environmental advantages of PBAPs while respecting traditional dietary practices, fostering an inclusive transition towards sustainable, plant-based eating.

Proposed activities should cover all the following aspects:

  • Innovate technologies, formulation methods, and processing techniques to increase the acceptability, affordability, availability, and sustainability of plant-based protein alternative products (PBAPs) in Mediterranean diets. Focus on optimizing food composition and refining processing methods to enhance product quality, appeal, and shelf life.
  • Conduct studies on allergens and food intolerances associated with plant-based protein sources, focusing on the Mediterranean region. This includes identifying potential allergens and assessing their impact on consumer health and safety to ensure PBAPs are safe and accessible.
  • Assess the nutritional value, digestibility, and sensory quality of plant-based protein alternatives, with a particular focus on vulnerable population groups, including young people, pregnant individuals, and older adults. This may involve conducting sensory panels, nutritional analyses, and digestion studies to ensure these alternative proteins meet the specific nutritional and dietary needs of these groups, providing a thorough evaluation of
    overall quality and suitability.
  • Investigate the influence of media, including social media, and education in shaping consumer behaviour and dietary choices, particularly regarding PBAP adoption
    Enhance efforts to educate and inform consumers about sustainable food choices through initiatives such as clear labeling (targeted to improve clarity for consumers), educational campaigns, and community outreach programs. These activities aim to increase understanding and awareness of sustainable dietary options, empowering individuals to make informed food choices that support both health and environmental goals.

Proposals should embrace a ‘Multi-actor approach‘ by involving diverse stakeholders, particularly farmers and agricultural cooperatives, consumer organizations, national ministries, local authorities, producer organizations, food industry representatives, academia, research centers, private sector and technology providers, civil society organizations, NGOs, healthcare and nutrition experts, media and communication specialists, educational institutions, and community organizations.

Proposals are encouraged to incorporate dedicated tasks, sufficient resources, and collaborative plans with other PRIMA-funded projects on related field43 to promote cross-project cooperation, consultations, and joint activities addressing common issues. Commitment to sharing results and participating in collective meetings and communication events is essential. Proposals are also encouraged to seek complementarity/synergies with other Horizon Europe projects44 to maximize synergies and collective impact in promoting sustainable dietary practices and Mediterranean food system transformation.

Adopted Annual Work Programme 2025

Guidelines for Applicants Section 2

Budget Template– Section 2

National Regulations

KPI Handbook

Electronic Submission System Handbook

Proposal Template Part I

Proposal Template Part II

Call Text Section 2 Multi-topics

For questions related to this call for proposals, please contact Ali Rhouma at ali.rhouma@prima-med.org or Mohamed Wageih at [email protected].

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