TOPIC:1.3.1-2026 (IA): Sustainable on-site transformation of perishable Mediterranean agri-products
TYPE OF ACTION: (IA) Innovation and Action
TOTAL INDICATIVE AMOUNT ALLOCATED TO THIS CALL: EUR 10.814 million
OPENING DATE: 20.03.2026
SUBMISSION DEADLINE STAGE 1: 15.05.2026 (13:00h Central European Time (CET))
Reducing post-harvest losses and improving the capacity to retain value locally are critical priorities for strengthening climate resilience and economic sustainability in Mediterranean agri-food systems. In several parts of the region, losses of fresh and perishable products may reach 30–50%, largely due to climatic stress, insufficient storage, and limited access to appropriate processing infrastructure (FAO, 2019; MedECC, 2020) .
This topic aims to support decentralised and renewable-powered on-site or near-site transformation solutions that extend shelf life, enhance product quality, and increase the share of added value retained within territories. By enabling resource-efficient, low-carbon, and socially inclusive value chain models, projects funded under this call will contribute to the objectives of the Vision on Agriculture and Food, the New Circular Economy Action Plan and the EU Bioeconomy Strategy, by enabling inclusive rural entrepreneurship, safeguarding agrobiodiversity, and increasing the added value retained within territories. while contributing to the decarbonisation goals of the Renewable Energy Directive (RED II as amended by RED III) and the REPowerEU Plan.