Why does the EU support research and innovation in agriculture, forestry, and rural areas?
Agriculture and forestry provide food, feed, and non-food products to meet the demands of a wide range of industries and consumers, under a variety of geographical and socio-economic conditions. They also provide social and environmental benefits and play an important role in developing rural areas, improving quality of life, and creating jobs.
World population growth, hunger, obesity, and evolving consumer demands put pressure on agricultural production to improve food and nutrition security globally. Simultaneously, farming and food systems must be resilient against the challenges of finite resources, environmental degradation, climate change, and the loss of biodiversity.
Transitions require locally adapted solutions that both improve the economic viability and social conditions of farming, enable generational renewal and contribute to the development, resilience, and attractiveness of rural areas.
Research and innovation are critically important to develop and upscale knowledge, practices, technological and social innovations, policies, and governance that will enable transitions towards sustainable farming systems and rural communities.
EU agricultural research and innovation is guided by a long-term strategic approach that focuses on creating value from the land through sustainable primary production and on enhancing rural innovation.
Our Project Sustainable is such an agricultural initiative combined with research and innovation funded by the European Commission.