Food Planet Prize 2026 – Accelerating Change in Global Food Systems

The Curt Bergfors Food Planet Prize is the world’s largest environmental award, dedicated exclusively to transforming the global food system. In 2026, the prize will award USD 1.5 million to the winner and USD 150,000 to each finalist, recognizing initiatives that can radically change the way we produce, distribute, and consume food.

Because nothing impacts the environment more negatively than the way we eat, the Prize focuses solely on projects within the food system.

What Makes the Prize Unique

Unlike many awards, the Food Planet Prize seeks to support initiatives that will succeed if given the chance, rather than only those that have already achieved success. This approach ensures that promising, high-impact ideas receive the resources they need to scale.

Equally important is the Prize’s holistic focus across the food value chain. The jury represents science, policy, business, and practical food work, with each vote carrying equal weight — whether from a climate scientist, a farmer, or a chef.

The Prize Process

The selection process is rigorous and transparent:

• Nominations are open year-round, with over 1,000 submissions annually.
• Initiatives are mapped into a 400-spot master grid to ensure diversity across geography, innovation type, and sector.
• A top-50 longlist is created, followed by deeper evaluation and interviews.
• The shortlist of up to 10 candidates undergoes due diligence, scientific review, and site visits.
• The jury deliberates in Sweden, with equal representation across disciplines, before recommending the winner.
• The Foundation’s board makes the final decision, and winners are announced globally.

Why It Matters

The Prize is designed to accelerate change by:

• Supporting transformative food innovations with global potential.
• Catalyzing collaboration across the entire food value chain.
• Highlighting scalable solutions that can be adapted worldwide.
• Driving environmental sustainability through better practices in production and consumption.

Nominate

Anyone can nominate an initiative. The process takes only a few minutes, but it could change the world. Nominations are accepted year-round, though submissions before May 2026 have a higher chance of being considered for the following year’s award.

Nominate here and help accelerate the transformation of our food systems.

Disclaimer

This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement by Agri-web. Interested applicants are encouraged to visit the official Food Planet Prize platforms for complete program details and verified application instructions. Applicants are also strongly encouraged to exercise due diligence before submitting any personal or sensitive information.