The AGRO-WELL project, funded under the European Union’s Horizon Europe programme, has opened its Topic A Open Call to support the real-world demonstration of cutting-edge smart farming solutions that improve working conditions and advance sustainable agriculture. The initiative will fund four sub-projects, each receiving a lump-sum grant of up to €37,500 at 100% funding, for implementation over 12–18 months starting in October 2026. Applications must be submitted by 4 February 2026.

This opportunity targets startups, SMEs, research institutions, NGOs, and commercial farms developing or deploying AI, robotics, or augmented reality (AR) technologies in greenhouse, open-field, orchard, or pig farming systems.

Objective: Human-Centred Innovation in Agriculture

AGRO-WELL seeks solutions that directly address the physical and ergonomic challenges faced by farm workers. Funded projects must demonstrate how digital tools can:

  • Reduce repetitive strain and manual labour
  • Enhance occupational safety and health
  • Enable data-driven decisions for resource efficiency
  • Improve environmental performance across crop and livestock systems

Proposals must focus on real-world validation on commercial farms, moving beyond lab prototypes to field-ready impact.

Eligibility: Who Can Apply?

The call is open to individual organisations and small consortia (up to 3 partners) established in:

  • EU Member States
  • Horizon Europe Associated Countries, including several African nations such as South Africa, Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt, Kenya, and Nigeria
  • Other eligible countries as defined under the HORIZON‑C6‑2024‑GOVERNANCE‑01‑7 rules

Applicants may include:

  • Startups, SMEs, and scale-ups developing smart farming technologies
  • Research institutes, NGOs, and agricultural innovation organisations
  • Commercial farms developing or hosting on-farm trials of AI, robotics, or AR solutions

Note: Existing AGRO‑WELL consortium members and their affiliates are not eligible to apply.

Note: Existing AGRO-WELL consortium members and their affiliates are not eligible.

Funding and Implementation Framework

Selected projects will receive non-reimbursable lump-sum funding of up to €37,500, covering personnel, equipment, travel, and subcontracting—without the need for detailed financial reporting. Funding is contingent on the successful delivery of agreed milestones across three phases:

  1. Design – Finalising solution specifications and test protocols
  2. Development – Adapting and preparing the technology for field use
  3. Validation – On-farm demonstration and impact assessment

For fruit and vegetable systems, validation must span at least one full growing season. All projects must include a mandatory evaluation of impacts on safety, ergonomics, productivity, and sustainability.

Key Deadlines and Submission Process

  • Call Opens: 5 November 2025
  • Application Deadline: 4 February 2026
  • Evaluation: February–April 2026
  • Grant Agreements: May–July 2026
  • Project Start: October 2026

To apply:

  1. Complete the online application form
  2. Compile all documents per the Guide for Applicants
  3. Email the zipped PDF package to agro-well.FSTP@euroquality.fr

Late, incomplete, or duplicate submissions will be rejected. Only the final version received before the deadline will be considered.

Access Application Resources and Contact

Download official documents:

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