Future-proofing EU Agri-Food through research and innovation

EU strategic approach to Research and Innovation

The agri-food sector, critical for Europe’s economy and society, faces rapid change driven by climate change, technological and market shifts, and rising geopolitical uncertainty. To thrive, Europe must accelerate innovation and turn research results into gains in terms of productivity, resilience, and competitiveness.

Europe is a world leader in research. But much more can be done to strengthen the path from scientific knowledge to delivering tangible benefits for all stakeholders, including farmers, foresters, rural communities, businesses as well as citizens in general.

The EU strategic approach to research and innovation (R&I) for competitive, resilient and sustainable agriculture, forestry, rural areas and food systems aims to:

• strengthen the agri-food innovation ecosystem from early-stage research and innovation to the full market deployment of new technologies;
• accelerate the uptake of new knowledge, best practices and new technologies by farmers, foresters and rural communities;
• focus on users’ challenges and needs and delivers tangible results by bringing together stakeholders from across the value chain, to develop real world solutions.

One strategic approach, two interlinked frameworks:

• AgRI 2040: agriculture, forestry and rural areas;
• Food 2040: food systems, including fisheries and aquaculture.

AgRI 2040

Research and innovation for agriculture, forestry and rural areas

AgRI 2040 provides a forward-looking framework to identify, co-create and update research and innovation needs in agriculture, forestry and rural areas over time.

It contributes directly to the objectives of the Vision for Agriculture and Food, including the competitiveness, resilience, sustainability, fairness and attractiveness of the sectors. The framework is designed to evolve as scientific knowledge, technologies, economic conditions and the needs of farmers, foresters and rural communities change.

The approach updates and builds on the 2016 strategic approach to EU agricultural R&I.

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Fostering innovative solutions to market and support scale-up

Farmers, foresters, rural actors and advisory services are key users and co-creators of research and innovation within a multi-actor approach. Their experience and knowledge are essential for identifying practical needs, testing solutions and ensuring that innovations can be applied effectively.

Accelerating knowledge and innovation uptake

AgRI 2040: 8 areas of action

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These areas provide a basis to start co-creating with stakeholders and can be adapted if needed. They will help identify where research and innovation can contribute most effectively to real needs and foster the competitiveness, sustainability and resilience of agriculture, forestry and rural areas.