The EU and Finland are currently driving a transformative agenda for food systems. Ambitious initiatives such as the European Partnership for a Sustainable Future of Food Systems (FutureFoodS) bring together 86 partners across 29 countries with a budget of approximately €108 million to support collaborative innovation. This programme illustrates the scale and impact of current funding opportunities and is one of several initiatives that require careful regulatory alignment and comprehensive documentation.
Advancing food and feed innovation in Finland and Europe requires not only technical expertise but also a solid understanding of evolving funding opportunities and the regulatory expectations linked to them. In this blog, we outline key funding programmes, the requirements they typically involve and the points applicants should consider when planning research and development projects.
FutureFoodS and Other Key Funding Programmes
The next FutureFoodS co-funded call will open in late November 2025, focusing on sustainable diets, circular food processing and food supply chain transparency. Finnish applicants can access funding via Business Finland and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. Projects require partners from at least three countries, with each partner submitting an application to their national funder.
Other notable sources of funding for food and feed innovation include:
- Business Finland innovation grants and pilot projects
- Finnish Research Impact Foundation programmes fostering industry–academia collaboration
- Novo Nordisk Foundation research and nutritional science grants
- Jane & Aatos Erkko Foundation multidisciplinary funding
- EU Horizon Europe calls for research, development and innovation
Agri-food Transition Pathway Platform
In 2024, the European Commission released a Transition Pathway for the Agri-food sector, recognising it as an industrial ecosystem spanning the entire food supply chain. The pathway aims to accelerate green and digital transition and strengthen sector resilience.
To support implementation, an online platform was launched on 16 June 2025 to provide stakeholders – particularly SMEs – with access to information, tools and funding opportunities. A dedicated Funding & Financing section consolidates EU and national financial instruments relevant to transition actions.
European Cluster Collaboration Platform (ECCP)
Cluster organisations play an important role in fostering collaboration, innovation and knowledge sharing within the agri-food sector. The ECCP serves as the EU’s online hub for cluster stakeholders, including cluster organisations, policymakers and other ecosystem actors. It offers:
- Matchmaking events for cross-border collaboration
- An interactive map of cluster organisations, including agri-food clusters
- Up-to-date funding information for innovation and sustainability projects
Through these resources, SMEs and research actors can identify suitable partners and opportunities that support technology transfer and innovation uptake.
Enterprise Europe Network (EEN)
The Enterprise Europe Network supports businesses in innovation and international growth. Its dedicated Agri-food Sector Group focuses on innovation, sustainability and trade within the food and feed sectors. Stakeholders can benefit from:
- Access to international partnering opportunities
- Advisory services for innovation and market expansion
- Local contact points in every EU country providing tailored assistance
These services help companies explore new markets, build partnerships and connect with innovation-driven collaborators worldwide.
Single Market Programme (SMP)
The €4.2 billion Single Market Programme (SMP) aims to strengthen the functioning of the EU single market. Its objectives include improving market surveillance, supporting problem-solving for citizens and businesses and reinforcing competition policy.
A core focus of the SMP is to enhance the competitiveness of SMEs and strengthen innovation capacity. A new agri-food call under the SMP is expected in 2026, offering additional opportunities across the food value chain.
Stay Updated on Funding Opportunities
Applicants can follow the latest funding calls and programme updates through the official EU and national platforms:
- FutureFoodS Portal
- Agri-food Transition Pathway Platform
- European Cluster Collaboration Platform (ECCP)
- Enterprise Europe Network (EEN)
- Single Market Programme (SMP)
- Business Finland News
- Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MMM) Funding Website
How Medfiles supports your funding application
Medfiles provides practical regulatory expertise to support high-quality funding applications. Our services include:
- Regulatory document review to ensure compliance with Finnish and EU requirements
- Clear interpretation of evolving regulatory frameworks
- Guidance on consortium structure, eligibility and documentation expectations
- Advisory support for compliance requirements and procedural questions
- Readiness checks to ensure applications are complete and well-prepared
Our Food and Feed Regulatory Affairs experts assist companies, research organisations and consortia with knowledgeable legislative interpretation, eligibility assessments and regulatory insights. For dependable regulatory advice tailored to your innovation projects and funding applications, contact Medfiles and benefit from decades of expertise rooted in Finnish and European regulations.
Author:
Amin Yousefvand, Ph.D.
Regulatory Affairs Expert
Food and feed
Amin Yousefvand joined Medfiles in 2025 and works in projects related to food and animal feed product development, regulatory affairs, and food supplements. His work involves collaboration with companies on projects concerning novel foods, postbiotics, functional ingredients, feed additives, and food supplements. Amin holds a Ph.D. in Food Microbiology and Technology and has over a decade of academic and industry experience, including research and teaching at the University of Helsinki. He has expertise in microbiology, fermentation technologies, food safety, and bioactive and antimicrobial compounds, as well as experience in designing research studies, preparing EU regulatory dossiers in line with EFSA guidance, and supporting submissions to FDA.
