Funding for Agricultural Research and Food Quality

Ekhagastiftelsen awards grants to research projects that improve public health and the quality of food, with a focus on projects that strengthen agricultural systems and food quality. The foundation typically funds projects that clearly explain how results will benefit public health and the capacity of agricultural systems to deliver safe, nutritious food.

Quick facts (must‑know)

• Application window: The application system opens April 1 and closes May 20 each year.
• Language: Applications may be submitted in Swedish or English; Swedish can be an advantage if possible.
• Format required: Submit general information, a signed letter of recommendation from your department head (if from an academic institution), and a project description as a PDF.

“Application deadline is May 20 every year. The application system opens for applications April 1 and closes at midnight the night between May 20 and 21.”

Who should consider applying

• Agricultural researchers, university teams, research institutes, and applied agronomy groups whose work links to food quality, public health, nutrition, or sustainable production.
• Projects that show clear relevance to the foundation’s aims and can demonstrate measurable benefits for food safety, nutrition, or reduced reliance on harmful inputs.
• Applicants from outside Europe are eligible, but a research cooperation with a Swedish institution is strongly recommended.

What to include in your application

1. General information (lay summary) Write a clear, popular‑science summary that explains the problem, why it matters for public health or food quality, and how your project will help farmers, processors, or consumers. Avoid jargon so non‑specialists can understand the impact.

2. Letter of recommendation If you apply from an academic institution, upload a signed letter (max 3 pages) from the department head that:

• Confirms the applicant’s competence;
• Summarizes the project;
• Explains how the project fits the department’s research;
• Confirms institutional approval and any co‑financing.

3. Project description (PDF) Keep the main text concise (recommended ≤10 pages; absolutely no more than 20 pages). Include:

• Problem statement and hypothesis;
• Objectives and expected outcomes for farmers and food systems;
• Methods and materials;
• Time plan and realistic budget (see currency note below);
• How results will be evaluated and shared with farmers, extension services, or value‑chain partners;
• CVs and key publications for lead researchers.

4. Budget and currency

• Provide a budget summary in SEK (Swedish Krona) in the general information.
• You may present detailed budgets in other currencies inside the project description, but always include the SEK summary.
• Be realistic: the foundation prefers projects where its contribution is meaningful rather than a tiny fraction of a much larger budget.

Practical tips to increase your chances

• Explain relevance clearly. State explicitly how the project advances public health, food quality, or the foundation’s priorities.
• Be precise about funding needs. Avoid vague statements like “we can use any amount.” Show how each budget item supports project milestones.
• Plan start dates after results are announced. Grants are decided in the fall; plan project start dates accordingly.
• Follow instructions exactly. Many applications fail because applicants miss required documents or formatting rules.
• If you are outside Europe, describe any Swedish cooperation and how partners will participate.

Evaluation and timeline

• Applications are reviewed by a scientific advisory council; final decisions are made by the foundation’s board in the fall (usually October–November).
• Evaluation focuses on relevance to the foundation’s aims, the scientific quality of the approach, and the applicant team’s competence. Projects must not conflict with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Payment and reporting

• Grants are usually paid in instalments tied to the project timeline. Typically 20% of the grant is withheld until the final report is approved.
• Awardees must follow the foundation’s terms and conditions and reporting requirements.

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 websites and portals of this opportunity for complete program details and verified application instructions. Applicants are also strongly encouraged to exercise due diligence before submitting any personal or sensitive information.