Valorization & Safeguarding the Mediterranean Diet through New Research Projects

The EU’s long-term budget, together with NextGenerationEU (NGEU), the temporary instrument designed to boost the recovery, is the largest stimulus package ever funded in Europe.

A total amount of €2.018 billion has been allocated to help rebuild a post-COVID-19 Europe.

It will be a greener, more digital, and more resilient Europe.

In this context, Portugal started its Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR), a nationwide program, with an implementation period until 2026, which will implement a set of reforms and investments, aimed at boosting the country on the path to recovery, sustained economic growth, and convergence with Europe, over the next decade, guided by a concept of sustainability inspired by the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The PRR is aligned with the six relevant pillars of the European 2030 strategy:

  • Green transition;
  • Digital transformation;
  • Smart, sustainable and inclusive growth, including economic cohesion, employment, productivity, competitiveness, research, development and innovation, and a well-functioning Single Market with strong small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs);
  • Social and territorial cohesion;
  • Economic, social and institutional health and resilience, including with a view to increasing crisis response and preparedness;
  • Policies for the next generation, children and youth, including education and skills.

Based on the Innovation Agenda for Agriculture 2020-2030, of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food, a Contest Notice was opened, under the PRR, for Sustainable Food, which aims to stimulate national production, the adoption of production systems and more sustainable distribution, short supply chains, the promotion of quality products, the Mediterranean diet and the awareness of consumers and the population in general for the adoption of a nutritionally balanced diet and the consumption of seasonal products.

18 applications were received, which are currently being analyzed by the competent authorities, with the maximum total amount to be approved being €4,000,000.

For more information, visit the website: RRN – bolsas de iniciativa PRR.

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