The Department of Agriculture, Livestock, and Food has approved 22 new Operational Groups under the European Innovation Partnership (EIP) during the 2026 call of the Strategic Plan for the CAP 2023-2027. With an investment of €2.5 million, these pilot projects aim to revolutionize the agri-food and forestry sectors, offering funding of up to 80% of eligible costs.
Boosting Innovation in the 2026 Call
The 2026 call of the Strategic Plan for the CAP 2023-2027 presents an opportunity to finance pilot projects that promote innovation in the agri-food and forestry sectors. With a budget of €2.5 million, funding for each project will range between €30,000 and €120,000. The approved projects cover a spectrum from agricultural practices to the management of by-products and biomass, and will be developed from 2026 to 2029.
Of the 22 approved projects, 10 focus on agriculture, while the rest target sectors such as livestock and innovative transformation and marketing. This diversity reflects the comprehensive approach of the call, which seeks to tackle multiple challenges within the agri-food sector.
Connecting Innovation and Sector Needs
The EIP Operational Groups primarily aim to connect the agri-food and forestry sectors with research entities, cooperatives, and other key organizations. Through knowledge transfer and the application of technologies, the goal is for innovation to address the real needs of the sector.
The Department of Agriculture, Livestock, and Food considers this line of pilot projects strategic for enhancing the profitability and sustainability of the Aragonese agricultural sector. In a context of globalized markets and challenges such as climate change, these initiatives are crucial for maintaining competitiveness and productive activity in the region.
Impact Since 2016 and Intersectoral Collaboration
Since 2016, eleven calls have been launched that have led to the creation of 277 operational groups, with a total investment of €31.8 million in funding and €39.7 million in expenditures by beneficiaries. A total of 186 groups have completed their projects and published results, while 91 are still underway.
The participation of around 200 beneficiary entities and over 1,100 non-beneficiary participants highlights the capacity of this line to bring together the productive sector, research, and other agents of the rural environment. This collaborative approach is essential for developing useful and sustainable solutions for the territory.
