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Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, Biotechnology

The primary aim in funding food, agriculture, fisheries and biotechnology research under FP7 is to build a European Knowledge Based Bio-Economy (KBBE) (food, feed, forest, fisheries, agriculture, aquaculture, chemistry, etc.) by bringing together all industries and economic sectors that produce, manage and exploit biological resources and related services, supply or consumer industries, such as food, fisheries, forestry, agriculture, etc.

What will be funded?

The "Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, and Biotechnology" theme is built around three major "activities":

Sustainable production and management of biological resources from land, forest and aquatic environments;
Fork to farm: Food (including seafood), health and well-being;
Life sciences, biotechnology and biochemistry for sustainable non-food products and processes.

View leaflet for detailed information on these activities.

Why is it important?

The knowledge-based bio-economy will play an important role in a global economy, where knowledge is the best way to increase productivity and competitiveness and improve our quality of life, while protecting our environment and social model. It is a sector estimated to be worth more than € 1.5 trillion per year.
Furthermore, it addresses the following needs:

Growing demand for safer, healthier, higher quality food;
Sustainable use and production of renewable bio-resources;
Increasing risk of epizootic and zoonotic diseases and food related disorders;
Threats to the sustainability and security of agricultural, aquaculture and fisheries production;
Increasing demand for high quality food, taking into account animal welfare and rural and coastal contexts and response to specific dietary needs of consumers.

Budget

The EU Member States have earmarked more than € 1.9 billion for funding this theme over the duration of FP7.