Policy Advocacy

EBIC Joins Coalition to Secure the Future of Agriculture in Horizon Europe

Protecting the Visibility of Agriculture and Bioeconomy in EU Research (2028–2034)

The European Biostimulants Industry Council (EBIC) has joined a broad coalition of organisations across Europe’s agriculture and bioeconomy sectors in co-signing a joint statement on the future of the EU’s research and innovation framework programme, Horizon Europe (2028–2034). This statement responds to proposed amendments in the European Parliament that seek to replace explicit references to “agriculture and bioeconomy” with broader, less specific terminology.

Preserving Visibility and Investment Signals

The signatories argue that explicitly naming these sectors is essential for maintaining a clear signal to researchers, investors, and industry players. The core arguments highlighted in the joint statement include:

• Strategic Growth: Agriculture and the bioeconomy are central to Europe’s sustainable growth and green transition.
• Resilience & Security: Agriculture ensures food security and system stability; the bioeconomy drives rural development.
• Risk of Dilution: Removing explicit mentions risks weakening the priority and funding allocated to these sectors in practice.
• Framework Stability: Reopening discussions on the programme’s architecture introduces unnecessary complexity and potential delays.

Impact on the Biostimulants Sector

For the plant biostimulants sector, a clear anchor within EU research policy is vital for driving the innovation and deployment of sustainable solutions. Biostimulants contribute to improved resource efficiency and more resilient agricultural systems. Ensuring these sectors remain prioritized in Horizon Europe is critical for supporting the continued research, innovation, and uptake necessary for a circular, bio-based economy.

European Biostimulants Industry Council (EBIC)

Joint Statement on Horizon Europe | Brussels, 2026 | biostimulants.eu