Biotechnology driven low emission food and feed production systems

Background and scope

Agriculture is the source of 11% of total EU greenhouse gas emissions, including over 54% of all methane (CH4) emissions. It is also the source of 94% of all ammonia (NH3) emissions. Livestock generates GHG emissions from enteric fermentation (CH4) and from manure management (CH4 and N2O), contributing respectively to 48% and 17% of total agricultural emissions. Furthermore, current agricultural practices that feature an inefficient use of mineral fertilizers and pesticides also have a highly detrimental effect on the biosphere and biodiversity.

Radically decreasing GHG emissions and the wider environmental footprint of the food production system requires further action on several fronts. In keeping with the ambitions of the Commission Communication on Building the future with nature: Boosting Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing in the EU, a critical technology identified under the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP), this Challenge focuses on supporting novel biotechnology driven solutions in four areas, (see Specific Objectives) which can in combination offer a GHG mitigation potential of nearly 1.5 billion tons (tCO2e), through approaches that: 

• Replace fossil fuels in the production of pesticides and fertilizers used in agriculture; 
• Achieve efficiency in resource use and support the deployment of climate smart agriculture (including livestock) technologies for sustainable food and feed production; 
• Mitigate enteric methane emissions from ruminants and reduce the environmental impact associated with some agricultural and animal farming practices; 
• Expand conventional food and feed production.

Specific objectives

The start-ups and SMEs to be supported under this initiative must focus on one (or more) of the following areas: 

• Biotechnology for biopesticides, bio-stimulants, and fertilizers of microbial origin: This strand focuses on scaling breakthroughs in the use of microorganisms or their biological components, and enzymatic or other biotechnology-based processes using biomass residues/waste streams in an innovative and sustainable way for the production of renewable materials thus contributing to the circular economy and preserving biodiversity. 
• Biotechnology to support precision crop and livestock farming: This covers approaches that could for example leverage new plant breeding technologies or enhance desirable traits through biotechnology to complement, and be integrated with, precision crop and livestock farming approaches to help increase yields and animal performance while reducing costs and optimising process inputs while reducing waste streams. 
• Biotechnology for ruminant methane mitigation: This includes approaches such as novel feed components, feed processing for digestibility, advanced feed additives and selective breeding, where compatible with livestock production system of EU animal welfare standards 
• Biotechnology for feed and food production: This focuses on precision fermentation for the sustainable production of food and feed ingredients traditionally derived from animal or plant sources.

Regardless of the specific area addressed, companies are encouraged to leverage digital tools such as AI, as appropriate, to facilitate the development of processes and make the resulting products and services suitable for integration into existing production systems. All projects must provide a lifecycle assessment (LCA) considering environmental, social and economic consideration. Proposals are also expected to consider regulatory aspects alongside issues surrounding consumer acceptance and articulate suitable strategies to support market entry within and beyond the EU.

Expected outcomes and impacts

In support of the Commission Communication on Building the future with nature: Boosting Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing in the EU, Mission Soil, the EU Green Deal, Farm to Fork strategy, Fit for 55 and REPowerEU policy actions, the Nature Restoration Law and the Communication on Ensuring availability and affordability of fertilisers, this Challenge aims to improve the sustainability, efficiency, and resilience of the European agri-food sector. By targeting breakthrough solutions, it will also support Europe’s future strategic autonomy and enhance the competitiveness of Europe’s agricultural sector by helping it overcome challenges linked to climate change and environment stresses including biodiversity loss and pollution.

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EIC Work Programme 2025

The EIC Challenges are extensively described in the EIC Work Programme. For more information about this challenge, please go to the corresponding section of the EIC Work Programme.