Policy Briefing #23. Agroforestry Needs in EU Research Framework Programmes (2025-2027)

This document is produced by the EURAF Scientific Committee as a short contribution to the EU consultation on the “past, present and future of European Research and Innovation Programmes 2014-2027 ”.

Building on past EU funded projects and scientific publications, a series of activities were organised ahead of drafting this document:

• collecting feedback from experts affiliated to EURAF (through surveys);
• reviewing the scientific literature, organised in line with recognised academic criteria;
• identifying the knowledge gaps highlighted by this literature review; 
• prioritising topics for future research and innovation projects – which would maximise the contribution of  AF to meet the EU’s agricultural and environmental objectives (i.e. EU Green Deal). 

EURAF’s Scientific Committee identified four priorities which may assist the future strategic orientations of Horizon Europe (2025-2027). Topics wre defined in line with the key objectives of the programme (i.e. maximising scientific, technological, economic and societal impacts), as well with the Food 2030 initiative and the FAO Science and Innovation Strategy. The priorities are: 

2.1. Empowering the farming community to make a bolder contribution towards EU’s environmental and climate targets;

2.2. Further develop a toolbox to strengthen the links between researchers, AF practitioners and communities;

2.3. Improving EU’s food, fibre and energy self-sufficiency; 

2.4. Accelerating the transition from ‘silo thinking’ to a multidimensional view of food production, while bridging the gap between science and practice.