Section 1 – Farming Systems in the Nexus 2024 Topic 1.2.1-2024 (IA) – Transformative Adaptation of Mediterranean dry farming systems using water harvesting techniques to address extreme drought in arid and semi-arid environments
Programme Category
Programme Name
Programme Description
PRIMA – Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area is the most ambitious joint programme to be undertaken in the frame of Euro-Mediterranean cooperation.
The overall objective of the PRIMA programme is to build research and innovation capacities and to develop knowledge and common innovative solutions for agro-food systems, to make them sustainable, and for integrated water provision and management in the Mediterranean area, to make those systems and that provision and management more climate resilient, efficient, cost-effective and environmentally and socially sustainable, and to contribute to solving water scarcity, food security, nutrition, health, well-being and migration problems upstream.
Identifier Code
Call
Summary
This call for proposals aims to address the challenges of dry-farming in arid Mediterranean areas by integrating traditional and modern hydro-technologies to create sustainable and resilient agricultural systems. The focus is on systems that prioritise the use of saline-resistant and drought-resistant species or underutilised species with minimal water requirements, adapted to seasonal rainfall variations, and tolerant to solar radiation and elevated temperatures, including halophytes, cacti, and similar plants.
Detailed Call Description
A circular economy approach is encouraged, promoting the recycling and re-use of various waste types as soil amendments, bio-fertilisers, or replacements for chemical inputs. Proposals should prioritise evaluating the impact on soil health and the circular economy of water resources, alongside broader environmental assessments. This approach enhances soil organic matter, carbon sequestration, water storage, nutrient use efficiency, and efficient water usage while considering the specific needs and contributions of women and men in the community.
This ensures solutions are locally relevant, socially acceptable, and technically viable, considering the diverse needs and perspectives of different gender. The goal is to translate the outcomes into tangible benefits for stakeholders and promote wider adoption of the proposed dry-farming system.
Projects are expected to build links with the Mission “A Soil deal for Europe”. Proposals should include dedicated tasks and appropriate resources for coordination measures and joint activities with relevant projects funded by the Mission.
Call Total Budget
Financing percentage by EU or other bodies / Level of Subsidy or Loan
The funding rate is 70%, except for non-profit legal entities in which case the funding rate is 100%.
PRIMA considers that proposals requesting a contribution from the EU in the range of €4.800.000, would allow this specific challenge to be addressed appropriately. Nonetheless, this does not preclude submission and selection of proposals requesting other amounts.
Thematic Categories
- Agriculture - Farming - Forestry
- Environment and Climate Change
- Rural development
Eligibility for Participation
- Central Government
- Farmers Unions
- Farmers, Agriculturalists
- International Organisations
- Legal Entities
- NGOs
- Non Profit Organisations
- Other Beneficiaries
- Private Bodies
- Researchers/Research Centers/Institutions
- State-owned Enterprises
Eligibility For Participation Notes
Legal entities established in the following countries and territories will be eligible to receive funding through PRIMA grants (Participating States): Algeria, Croatia, Cyprus, Egypt, France, Germany, Greece, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Lebanon, Luxembourg, Malta, Morocco, Portugal, Spain, Slovenia, Tunisia and Turkey.
In addition, the following entities can also receive funding through PRIMA grants:
- any legal entity created under the European Union law;
- an international European interest organisation, as defined in point (12) of Article 2(1) of Regulation (EU) No 1290/2013;
- any international organisation OR any legal entity established in countries not listed above, provided that at least one of the following conditions is fulfilled:
- participation is deemed to be essential for carrying out the action (access to unique know-how, access to research infrastructures, access to geographical environments, involving key partners in emerging markets, access to data, etc.);
- such funding is provided under a bilateral scientific and technological agreement or any other arrangement between the Union and the international organisation or, for entities established in a country that is not a Participating State, the country in which the legal entity is established.
Participants from countries not listed above can participate but they must fund their participation.
Consortium composition:
At least 4 legal entities established in at least 3 different countries considered as Participating States. Each of the three must be established in a different country considered to be PRIMA Participating State by submission deadline under the relevant call, out of which:
- at least 1 must be established in an EU Member State or a third country associated to Horizon 2020 and not being a Mediterranean Partner Country (MPC); and
- at least 2 must be established in a third country bordering the Mediterranean Sea (MPC).
All legal entities must be independent of each other.
MPC countries: Algeria, Jordan, Israel, Tunisia, Morocco, Lebanon, Egypt, Turkey.
A multi-actor approach involving farmers, researchers, policymakers, local communities, agronomic institutions, and living labs should be emphasised throughout the project’s design, implementation, and evaluation.
Call Opening Date
Call Closing Date
National Contact Point(s)
Research and Innovation Foundation
Competent RIF Officer:
Savvia Alexandraki
Email: salexandraki@research.org.cy
Τelephone: +357 22205070
EU Contact Point
Farming Systems in the Nexus:
Fabrice Dentressangle
Email: fabrice.dentressangle@prima-med.org