Summary
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.
Description
Project results are expected to contribute to the following outcomes:
• Reduction of post-harvest losses and spoilage of perishable Mediterranean agri-food products, particularly in water-scarce or infrastructure-constrained regions.
• Greater market value and competitiveness of traditional, local, and underutilised agricultural products through sustainable processing at or near the point of origin.
• Enhanced circular bioeconomy models, including valorisation of agrobiodiversity and agro-industrial by-products.
• Improved economic resilience and income diversification for smallholders, cooperatives, and rural communities, including in remote and mountain areas.
• Increased participation of women and youth in entrepreneurial and value-added agri-food activities.
• Greater local energy autonomy and reduced reliance on fossil fuels, through renewable-powered or hybrid processing solutions tailored to Mediterranean climatic conditions.
Proposals should support the co-design, development, demonstration, and validation of compact, modular, and cost-efficient processing solutions enabling the on-site or near-site transformation of perishable Mediterranean the on-site or near-site transformation of perishable Mediterranean plant agricultural products (e.g., onions, tomatoes, peppers, grapes, olives, citrus fruits, figs, etc.) into higher-value food products (such as dried fruits, pastes, spreads, fermented products, preserved vegetables, herbal extracts etc.). Solutions should be adapted to typical Mediterranean agro-climatic conditions and socio-economic contexts, including areas with limited water availability and weak infrastructure. Technologies should be simple to operate, maintain, repair, and replicate locally, ensuring long-term adoption and sustainability. Processing units may be powered by renewable energy sources (e.g. solar, wind, biomass) or hybrid off-grid systems, and may include capabilities such as drying, cooling, fermentation, preservation, or green extraction. Where relevant, digital and AI-enabled functionalities may be integrated to improve quality control, resource efficiency, and traceability along the value chain.
In line with the award criteria for Innovation Actions, proposals will be assessed on the credibility of their pathways to impact, including the meaningful involvement of SMEs and other innovation actors, as well as on the economic and financial viability of the proposed processing solutions.
LINK to call & more info:
https://prima-med.org/submit-your-project/food-value-chain-in-the-nexus/
