Expected Outcome: 

In line with the European Green Deal priorities, the zero pollution action plan, chemical strategy for sustainability, farm to fork strategy for a fair, healthy and environment‑friendly food system, the biodiversity strategy for 2030, notably its objective of reducing pollution, and the EU’s climate ambition for 2030 and 2050, the successful proposal will support R&I to reduce pollution coming from food systems (and eventually stop it), contributing to the transformation of food systems to deliver co‑benefits for climate (mitigation and adaptation), biodiversity, environmental sustainability and circularity, sustainable healthy nutrition and safe food, food poverty reduction, empowerment of communities, and thriving businesses. Food systems, on the one hand, are a source of pollution and, on the other hand, suffer from the consequences of pollution. Moving towards zero-pollution food systems can therefore contribute to building the resilience of food systems and the natural ecosystems on which they depend.

Scope: 

Contaminants have been accumulating in food products, whether due to food being in contact with specific materials at various stages of the food supply chain, such as food processing plants, packaging, or in agriculture with contaminated soils, air and water. In the context of the Industrial Emissions Directive and the relevant Best Available Techniques (BAT) conclusions for the food, drink and milk industries, some data are already available. However, there are currently several knowledge gaps regarding emerging and less well-known pollutants, as well as their combined effects on the environment and human health. 

Some activities in the food and drink industries can lead to soil, water, and air pollution, which can, in turn, adversely affect food safety, biodiversity, and human health. 

Proposals must implement the multi-actor approach by involving a wide range of food system actors and conducting multi-disciplinary research (including on environmental science and biodiversity). 

International cooperation is strongly encouraged.

In total, two projects will be funded, with the European Union providing the funding.

Budget per project: Around € 6.000.000,00

Call deadline:  17 Sep 2025 17:00 CET

Funding rate 

• IA: 70% (100% non-profit) - TRL 6-7 

Reducing pollution from the food and drink industries

HORIZON-CL6-2025-01-ZEROPOLLUTION-07