PRIMA call opens for Mediterranean water and food projects

Multi-partner international projects focusing on water management, food systems, and agri-food value chains in the Mediterranean region will be supported.

According to information from TÜBİTAK, applications have opened for the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA) call.

The call aims to support international collaborative projects addressing water management, food systems, and agri-food value chains in the Mediterranean region. Supported projects are divided into two sections. In the first section, proposals will be funded through resources allocated from the Horizon Europe Program to PRIMA.

This section includes topics such as decentralized desalination of brackish water for climate-resilient agriculture, sustainable next-generation animal feed, local processing of perishable agri-food products, and strengthening governance through the WEFE Nexus framework.

The second section consists of three main topics and will be funded by national funding bodies participating in PRIMA. In addition to the joint PRIMA application, research teams must also apply to their respective national funding agencies.

Projects under "water management" should focus on ecosystem-based restoration of seasonal rivers and improved water allocation. "Agricultural systems" proposals will address remote monitoring and control technologies against pests and diseases. "Agri-food value chain" projects will focus on strengthening traceability through context-sensitive digital solutions.

Project duration will be up to 36 months. Funding from TÜBİTAK per project will not exceed €150,000, with specific limits per institution type. Travel funding and other eligible costs such as personnel, equipment, and materials are also covered.

Application deadlines are May 15 for the first stage and September 29 for the second stage. Selected projects will be announced on December 16.