The Department of Agriculture has issued a call for research proposals under the updated competitive research funding programme worth €18m.

Projects across key thematic areas are sought, which include climate and biodiversity, sustainable animal and plant health and production, agri-digitalisation and the bioeconomy.

Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture Martin Heydon said: “Research and innovation is absolutely critical if the agriculture sector is to prosper and respond effectively to the key overarching challenges of our time.

“This research programme will provide funding support to our top researchers to develop solutions for our farmers, foresters and food industry, in areas such as competitiveness, sustainability and innovation.”

EU competition

The research is hoped to disseminate knowledge to support resilience in agri-food systems through enhancing biodiversity, providing ecosystem services, delivering nutritious food and contributing to a sustainable circular bioeconomy.

Minister Heydon continued: “This research call is also a significant commitment to providing farmers and industry with the tools and solutions they need to deliver on the ambitions of our new Ag-climatise roadmap.

“By helping to build bio-based research capacity in Irish research organisations, the call will position researchers to successfully compete for EU funding opportunities under the new Horizon Europe programme.”

Deadline

The Department of Agriculture in Northern Ireland has teamed up with the Department to provide funding to enable three research performing organisations in the north to participate in this call.

The deadline for proposal applications is at 28 February 2021 at 1pm. Apply here.

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