PRIMA Award “Woman Greening Food Systems Award in the Mediterranean"

Code: 33148 | Programme name: PRIMA – Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (2018 – 2028) | Start submission calls: 08/03/2024 | End submission calls: 07/06/2024

The aim of the new Award launched by PRIMA is to recognise and celebrate the outstanding contributions of women in promoting sustainable and resilient food systems. Its goal is to spotlight the accomplishments of women who have played a pivotal role in advancing positive change within the food and agriculture sector in the Mediterranean Region.

PRIMA Section 2 Multitopics 2024

Code: 33019 | Identifier Code: PRIMA Section 2 | Programme name: PRIMA – Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (2018 – 2028) | Start submission calls: 11/03/2024 | End submission calls: 03/10/2024

Under the Annual Work Plan 2024 for the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA), the call PRIMA Section 2 Multitopics 2024 has opened for submission of proposals.

The topics that have opened under the present call are the following:

• Thematic Area 1 – Water management in the Nexus: Topic 2.1.1-2024 (RIA) Effective water accounting approaches under crisis conditions: climate change and external shocks
• Thematic Area 2 – Farming systems in the Nexus: Topic 2.2.1 (RIA) Revitalizing agroforestry practices for sustainable land use and climate resilience in the Mediterranean Region
• Thematic Area 3 – Food value chain in the Nexus: Topic 2.3.1 (RIA) Leveraging urban and local food systems for sustainable food systems transformation

PRIMA - Section 1 Food Value-chain in the Nexus 2024 Topic 1.3.1 (IA) - Developing cost-effective and sustainable technologies adapted to Mediterranean Food Systems to decrease food loss and waste

Code: 32508 | Identifier Code: Topic 1.3.1 (IA) | Programme name: PRIMA – Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (2018 – 2028) | Start submission calls: 02/02/2024 | End submission calls: 25/09/2024

This Call aims to support the deployment and demonstration of sustainable solutions to reduce food losses and waste, save energy, and enhance food safety during postharvest activities, including transportation, storage, and processing. The specific focus is on plant-based food and waste. These solutions should be scalable, sustainable, cost-effective, and tailored to smallholders in rural areas with limited access to electricity.

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

Code: 32505 | Identifier Code: Topic 1.2.1-2024 (IA) | Programme name: PRIMA – Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (2018 – 2028) | Start submission calls: 02/02/2024 | End submission calls: 25/09/2024

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.

Section 1 - Water management in the Nexus 2024 - Topic 1.1.1-2024 (IA) - Sustainability of Mediterranean irrigated agriculture through the implementation of WEFE Nexus approach

Code: 32503 | Identifier Code: Topic 1.1.1-2024 (IA) | Programme name: PRIMA – Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (2018 – 2028) | Start submission calls: 02/02/2024 | End submission calls: 25/09/2024

This call is designed to promote the creation of innovative solutions rooted in the Nexus approach, with a cross-sectoral perspective that enhances the sustainability of irrigated regions within the Mediterranean area. Moreover, projects should focus on mitigating current challenges that obstruct the effective implementation of the WEFE Nexus approach when adopting novel irrigation technologies.

WEFE NEXUS Award 2023

Code: 27555 | Identifier Code: WEFE NEXUS Award | Programme name: PRIMA – Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (2018 – 2028) | Start submission calls: 13/02/2023 | End submission calls: 22/05/2023

PRIMA will award a monetary recognition prize dedicated to promoting scientific research and demonstrating the economic and social benefits of the Water Energy Food and Ecosystem (WEFE) Nexus in the Mediterranean Area, the PRIMA WEFE Nexus Award.

Section 2 Multitopics 2023

Code: 27551 | Identifier Code: Section 2 | Programme name: PRIMA – Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (2018 – 2028) | Start submission calls: 23/01/2023 | End submission calls: 05/04/2023

The topics that have opened under the present call are the following:

• Thematic Area 1-Water management: Topic 2.1.1-2023 (RIA) New governance models to define best practices for sustainable water management and conflict mitigation. 
• Thematic Area 2-Farming systems: Topic 2.2.1 (RIA) A step toward carbon-neutral farms: coupling renewable energy sources with circular farming systems. 
• Thematic Area 3-Food value chain: Topic 2.3.1 (RIA) – Assessing novel antimicrobial food packaging and coating materials to reduce food waste to improve safety in the Mediterranean food supply chain. 

The proposal must be submitted by the coordinator of the transnational project centrally to PRIMA and all the partners must submit the first stage pre-proposal to their National Funding Agency.

The deadline for the submission of stage 1 pre-proposals to PRIMA is 29 March 2023, 17h00 (Brussels time). The deadline for the submission of stage 2 full proposals to PRIMA is 13 September 2023, 17h00 (Brussels time).

The deadline for the submission of stage 1 pre-proposals to RIF is 05 April 2023, 13h00 (Cyprus time). The deadline for the submission of stage 2 full proposals to RIF is 20 September 2023, 13h00 (Cyprus time).

Section 1 – Nexus - Management Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystems 2023 Topic 1.4.1-2023 (IA) Accelerate adaptation and mitigation to climate change in the Mediterranean region by deploying WEFE nexus solutions

Code: 27549 | Identifier Code: Topic 1.4.1 | Programme name: PRIMA – Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (2018 – 2028) | Start submission calls: 23/01/2023 | End submission calls: 06/09/2023

The call supports the Nexus cross-sectoral concept as a tool in climate adaptation and mitigation strategies by designing and integrating Nexus solutions into existing climate change adaptation plans at the sectoral level and assessing their impact on the livelihoods of populations and the socio-economic performance in the Mediterranean region.

The deadline for the submission of stage 1 pre-proposals is 22 March 2023. The deadline for the submission of stage 2 full proposals is 06 September 2023.

Section 1 - Thematic Area 3- Agro-Food value chain 2023 Topic 1.3.1-2023 (RIA) Increasing resilience of agri-food supply chain (cereal) in the MENA region

Code: 27547 | Identifier Code: Topic 1.3.1 | Programme name: PRIMA – Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (2018 – 2028) | Start submission calls: 23/01/2023 | End submission calls: 06/09/2023

This call aims to guide evidence-based recommendations for strategies, action plans, best practices and solutions to enhance the Mediterranean food supply chain’s resilience (mainly cereal) to external stressors such as climate shocks and economic and political crises.

The deadline for the submission of stage 1 pre-proposals is 22 March 2023. The deadline for the submission of stage 2 full proposals is 06 September 2023.

Section 1 - Thematic Area 2-Farming Systems 2023 Topic 1.2.1-2023 (IA) Actions to restore and return degraded lands in the Mediterranean region into productive agroecosystems

Code: 27544 | Identifier Code: Topic 1.2.1 | Programme name: PRIMA – Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (2018 – 2028) | Start submission calls: 23/01/2023 | End submission calls: 06/09/2023

The call supports the deployment of measures and practices adapted to biophysical and socio-economic conditions in the Mediterranean region to restore degraded natural resources and their ecosystem functions.

The deadline for the submission of stage 1 pre-proposals is 22 March 2023. The deadline for the submission of stage 2 full proposals is 06 September 2023.

Section 1 - Thematic Area 1-Water management 2023 Topic 1.1.1 (IA) Integrated adaptive wastewater management plans in the Mediterranean region

Code: 27541 | Identifier Code: Topic 1.1.1 | Programme name: PRIMA – Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (2018 – 2028) | Start submission calls: 23/01/2023 | End submission calls: 06/09/2023

Proposals submitted to this call are expected to develop wastewater treatment and reuse approaches in connection with nutrient and energy recovery and cost-effective design solutions for managing and minimising micro-pollutants.

The deadline for the submission of stage 1 pre-proposals is 22 March 2023. The deadline for the submission of stage 2 full proposals is 06 September 2023.

PRIMA Section 2 Multitopics 2022

Code: 18071 | Programme name: PRIMA – Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (2018 – 2028) | Start submission calls: 29/03/2022 | End submission calls: 20/09/2022

The topics that have opened under the present call are the following:

• Thematic Area 1-Water management: Topic 2.1.1-2022 (RIA) Prevent and reduce land and water salinization and pollution due to agri-food activities.
• Thematic Area 2-Farming systems: Topic 2.2.1-2022 (RIA) Improving the sustainability of agro-pastoralism in the Mediterranean Region under the context of climate change.
• Thematic Area 3-Food value chain: Topic 2.3.1-2022 (RIA) Enabling the transition to healthy and sustainable dietary behaviour

PRIMA – Section 1 - WEFE NEXUS Award 2022

Code: 18069 | Programme name: PRIMA – Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (2018 – 2028) | Start submission calls: 15/03/2022 | End submission calls: 06/09/2022

PRIMA plans to award a monetary recognition prize dedicated to promoting scientific research and demonstrating the economic and social benefits of the Water Energy Food and Ecosystem (WEFE) Nexus in the Mediterranean Area, the PRIMA WEFE Nexus Award.

PRIMA – Section 1 - Nexus Management Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystems 2022 (CSA) Topic 1.4.2-2022 (CSA) Development of a Mediterranean Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystem (WEFE) Community of Practice

Code: 18067 | Programme name: PRIMA – Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (2018 – 2028) | Start submission calls: 15/03/2022 | End submission calls: 06/09/2022

Proposals are expected to contribute to the establishment of a Mediterranean WEFE Nexus Community of Practice (NCoP), which is envisaged to:

• promote the identification and communication of WEFE Nexus best practices and technical solutions;
• act as an effective and sustainable forum/platform to attract and stimulate collaboration and knowledge sharing across stakeholders;
• interface science, policy and practice around WEFE Nexus demonstration cases as socio-innovation experiments in the Mediterranean Region.

PRIMA – Section 1 - Nexus Management Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystems 2022 (IA) Topic 1.4.1-2022 (IA) Predicting and testing options of socio-economic adaptation to declining Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystem (WEFE) resources in the Mediterranean Region

Code: 18063 | Programme name: PRIMA – Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (2018 – 2028) | Start submission calls: 15/03/2022 | End submission calls: 06/09/2022

The call supports the development of strategies and policies that boost populations’ capacity to adapt to dwindling Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystem (WEFE) resources in the Mediterranean Region.

PRIMA – Section 1 - Thematic Area 3-Agri-food value chain 2022 Topic 1.3.1-2022 (IA) Alternative protein sources for the Mediterranean food value chain. From production, extraction, processing and marketing, to societal acceptance

Code: 18055 | Programme name: PRIMA – Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (2018 – 2028) | Start submission calls: 15/03/2022 | End submission calls: 06/09/2022

Alternative proteins from different origins and new sources (terrestrial and aquatic) should be considered for animal feed and direct human consumption, considering the possible religious and cultural resistance.
Food based on microbial fermentation – possibly inspired from traditional fermented Mediterranean foods – could be considered a lever to improve food bio-preservation, nutrition need, food security and acceptability. Thus, strategies to tackle or adapt to eventual cultural and religious barriers and resistances towards the “EU Novel foods”, should be developed to increase social acceptance.

PRIMA – Section 1 - Thematic Area 1-Water management 2022 Topic 1.1.1 (IA) Sustainable and integrated management of natural and artificial water storage systems and distribution infrastructure

Code: 18051 | Programme name: PRIMA – Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (2018 – 2028) | Start submission calls: 15/03/2022 | End submission calls: 06/09/2022

The specific goal is to improve the water storage and distribution capacities in representative demo areas through a combination of soil-water conservation practices integrated into appropriate management regulations.

PRIMA – Section 1 - Thematic Area 2-Farming systems 2022 Topic 1.2.1 (RIA) Developing integrated soil data for the Mediterranean Region: a gateway for sustainable soil management

Code: 18039 | Programme name: PRIMA – Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (2018 – 2028) | Start submission calls: 15/03/2022 | End submission calls: 06/09/2022

The main objective of this call is to derive a set of soil quality indicators (chemical, physical and biological), methods, measurements that need to be validated and harmonised to enhance the quantity, quality and availability of soil data and information in the Mediterranean for the sustainable management and protection of soil resources.

PRIMA - Nexus management Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystems 2021 - Topic - 1.4.1-2021 (IA) Leveraging knowledge on the Nexus management of Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystems resources in the Mediterranean region: from concepts to practical solutions

Code: 3776 | Identifier Code: 1.4.1-2021   | Programme name: PRIMA – Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (2018 – 2028) | Start submission calls: 05/03/2021 | End submission calls: 13/04/2021

The call for proposals aims at creating a PRIMA portfolio of demonstration cases at specific sites in the Mediterranean region to operationalise the Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystems (WEFE) Nexus concept and translate conceptual considerations first into practical solutions and then into specific policy-making processes. To this end, technologies, processes and management models, including decision support system tools, digital solutions, data infrastructure, should be implemented and validated in demonstration areas under a practical approach. This action should identify and implement solutions for gaining efficiency and saving of water-energy-food resources.

PRIMA - Thematic Area 3-Agri-food value chain 2021 – Topic 1.3.1-2021 (IA) Increase adherence to the Mediterranean diet as a sustainable pattern including environmental, social and health aspects

Code: 3780 | Identifier Code: 1.3.1-2021   | Programme name: PRIMA – Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (2018 – 2028) | Start submission calls: 05/03/2021 | End submission calls: 13/04/2021

The present topic is in continuity with the one proposed in 2020 Calls. While the previous one, focused on the health aspects of the Mediterranean diet, based on its composition and effects on consumers., this one aims to enhance the adherence to the Mediterranean dietary pattern. The topic, essentially, focuses on increasing awareness and promotion of this healthy diet and sustainable lifestyle model across the Mediterranean region and in other parts of the world.