The European Commission has recently launched the EU Agri-Food Research Priorities Survey, a key public consultation aimed at gathering insights from stakeholders to shape the future of research and innovation (R&I) in the agriculture and food sector. This initiative seeks to identify critical priorities for future-proofing the EU's agri-food systems against emerging challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, and market volatility. Although the survey closed on January 25, 2026, its launch marks a pivotal moment for European researchers, farmers, and policymakers committed to sustainable food production.

This strategic approach aligns with the EU's Vision for Agriculture and Food, which envisions a competitive, resilient, and fair agri-food system by 2040. By involving diverse voices—from university researchers to rural communities—the survey ensures that upcoming R&I efforts under Horizon Europe address real-world needs in the agri-food domain.

The agri-food sector is the backbone of the EU economy, employing over 20 million people and contributing €1.4 trillion to GDP. However, it faces mounting pressures that necessitate innovative research solutions. The survey's focus on co-creation highlights the Commission's commitment to translating scientific advancements into practical outcomes for farmers and consumers alike.

🌱 Understanding the EU Agri-Food Research Priorities Survey

The EU Agri-Food Research Priorities Survey is a concise online questionnaire hosted on the EU Survey platform at ec.europa.eu/eusurvey. Designed for quick completion in about 10 minutes, it targeted key stakeholders including researchers, farmers, foresters, industry representatives, and citizens. Questions explored priorities across competitiveness, sustainability, resilience, and fairness in agri-food, forestry, and rural areas.

Participants were asked to rate the importance of R&I areas such as climate adaptation, digital technologies, biodiversity enhancement, and supply chain efficiency. This input will inform the new EU Agricultural R&I Strategic Approach, expected in mid-2026, which will guide funding and policies under programs like Horizon Europe Cluster 6: Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Environment.

The survey's launch in December 2025 followed extensive stakeholder dialogues, ensuring broad representation. Early promotions on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) by official EU accounts garnered significant engagement, underscoring public interest in shaping R&I agendas.

Challenges Facing EU Agri-Food Systems

European agriculture is under strain from climate change, with annual losses exceeding €28 billion due to droughts, floods, and extreme weather—equivalent to 6% of sector output. Greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture have decreased by 24% since 1990, but further reductions are needed to meet net-zero goals by 2050.

Other hurdles include biodiversity decline, soil degradation, and water scarcity. For instance, crop losses could rise by 66% by 2050 without adaptation measures. The sector must also navigate geopolitical tensions affecting supply chains and rising input costs, making R&I crucial for resilience.

• Climate hazards causing €28.3bn yearly losses across EU27.
• Stagnant emissions unless intensified action taken.
• Need for diversified cropping to boost sustainability.

These challenges emphasize the survey's timeliness, as it captures stakeholder views on priority R&I to mitigate risks and enhance food security.

Key Priorities Emerging from Stakeholder Feedback

While full results are pending, preliminary discussions and related consultations suggest strong emphasis on sustainable practices. Topics like precision agriculture, agroforestry, and circular bioeconomy are likely high priorities. Digital tools for data-driven farming and AI for crop monitoring were highlighted in promotional materials.

Universities play a central role, with institutions like Wageningen University and INRAE leading case studies on resilient food systems. For example, projects under Food 2030 pathways address healthy diets and zero pollution, aligning with survey themes.

Stakeholders advocated for increased funding for university-industry collaborations to accelerate innovation transfer. Internal opportunities for researchers abound, including research jobs in EU-funded consortia.

Integration with Horizon Europe and Cluster 6

The strategic approach feeds directly into Horizon Europe Work Programme 2026-2027 for Cluster 6, allocating substantial budgets—over €778 million for climate-relevant activities alone. Calls focus on fair food systems, circular bioeconomy, and biodiversity restoration.

Researchers can explore postdoc positions in these areas. Past successes, like the COACH project on collaborative agri-food chains, demonstrate how university-led R&I drives territorial innovation.

• Biodiversity and ecosystem services enhancement.
• Environment-friendly food from farm to fork.
• Digitalisation in agriculture and rural areas.

This integration promises €205 million in 2026 promotion funding to boost sustainable EU products globally.

Stakeholder Perspectives and Case Studies

Farmers emphasize practical solutions like drought-resistant crops, while researchers push for basic science on soil microbiomes. NGOs highlight equity in rural areas. Case studies from SURE-Farm project illustrate vulnerability assessments across EU farms.

At universities such as the University of Copenhagen, studies on diversified cropping systems show 2% nitrogen pollution reduction potential. These examples underscore multi-perspective input's value, with links to academic career advice for aspiring experts.

Industry views from FAIRR stress investor priorities in animal welfare and emissions.

Implications for Higher Education and Research Careers

European universities will benefit from aligned funding, fostering university jobs in agri-food R&I. Programs like EIT Food train next-gen innovators. The survey positions academia as a bridge between policy and practice, with opportunities in Europe-wide roles.

Step-by-step: (1) Analyze survey data; (2) Develop mid-2026 strategy; (3) Launch targeted Horizon calls; (4) Monitor impacts via KPIs like emission reductions.

Photo by Rowan Heuvel on Unsplash

Future Outlook and Actionable Insights

Post-survey, expect emphasis on AI-driven precision farming and regenerative agriculture. Scenar 2040 models predict 1.7% emission cuts with diversified systems. Researchers should prepare proposals, leveraging resume templates for funding applications.

For career growth, explore Rate My Professor for insights or higher ed career advice. The strategic approach promises a resilient sector, benefiting all stakeholders.

• Monitor mid-2026 strategy release.
• Engage in upcoming Horizon Info Days.
• Collaborate via university networks.