Developing innovative phytosanitary treatments for regulated plant pests to support safe international trade (HORIZON-CL6-2026-02-FARM2FORK-01)

Budget: 11.8 EUR million

Expected Outcome: Project results are expected to contribute to all of the following expected outcomes: 

• innovative cost-effective environmental-friendly phytosanitary treatments for regulated plant pests with proven efficacy and practical applicability are developed and tested; 

• science-based guidelines and standardised protocols to support the consistent and efficient application of the developed treatments are available;

• enhanced capacity for implementation, including scalability and cost-effectiveness of treatment solutions and engagement of industry and trade actors, regulatory authorities, and third parties involved in testing and application. 

Scope: Effective plant health measures play a vital role in protecting agriculture and supporting global food security, safeguarding the environment, forests, and biodiversity, and enabling safe international trade. Among these measures, (post-harvest) phytosanitary treatments ¹³⁹ — such as vapour, heat, cold, irradiation, and controlled atmosphere — are critical tools to prevent the introduction and spread of regulated plant pests ¹⁴⁰ through imported goods.