SMP COSME – European Agri-food Sustainability Cluster Partnerships – 2023

Objectives

• To support both preparatory and implementation actions for the establishment and development of new ‘European
  Agri-food Sustainability Cluster Partnerships’ supporting the implementation of the EU Code of Conduct on Responsible Food Business and Marketing Practices by SMEs
• To identify and strengthen existing agri-food industry support organisations of different types and maturity levels  together
• To support the development of agri-food cluster organisations in more EU regions, building on existing industry support organisations
• To create and maintain long-term sustainability expertise in agri-food clusters, industry support organisations and technology centres on all objectives of the EU Code of Conduct on Responsible Food Business and Marketing Practices

Priorities

• Priority 1: To improve the nutritional composition and environmental footprint of food products/meals
• Priority 2: To optimise and develop innovative solutions to prevent food waste during transportation, distribution, home storage and use
• Priority 3: To identify and implement measures to improve the material efficiency of processes
• Priority 4: To optimise the use of raw materials through valorisation
• Priority 5: To improve collaboration along the food supply chain to minimise food losses and waste
• Priority 6: To reduce energy use and improve energy efficiency for production through the use of less energy-intensive and low-carbon technologies
• Priority 7: To increase the use of renewable energy sources
• Priority 8: To improve water-efficiency
• Priority 9: To reduce net emissions by applying sustainable bio(-economy)-based solutions
• Priority 10: To improve sustainability of food and drink packaging

Among financed actions

• Selection of agri-food SMEs to be supported
• Identification and presentation of pre-existing best practices
• Definition of a Common Strategic Agenda
• Creating a network of agri-food technology centres
• Appointment of Green Transition Advisors in each agri-food cluster or industry support organisation
• Collective support actions
• Individual support actions to individual SMEs
• Communication on the results of the projects and exit strategy

Additional information

• This call for proposals is an open call for proposals.
• Initial duration of the action: between 30 and 36 months

Eligibility

• Be a legal entity
• Be or represent an agri-food cluster organisation; industry support organisation or agri-food technology centre
• A consortium composed of at least 4 entities, established in at least 3 different EU Member States or associated countries to the programme must be constituted

• Total budget of the call: 3 million euro
• Amount of the grant: 1 million euro
• Co financing rate: up to 90% of the total eligible costs