From a joint European vision
to joint action...
WHAT IS SCAR?
The Standing Committee on Agricultural Research (SCAR) is a comitology body of the European Commission (EC) originally established in the 1970s. Comitology refers to a set of procedures, including meetings of representative committees, that give European Union (EU) countries a say in the implementation of EU law.
SCAR’s remit lies in the area of agriculture, fisheries, food, forestry and the wider bioeconomy, with a focus on research and innovation (R&I). Its main task is to provide strategic R&I policy advice in this domain, helping to create an integrated European Research Area (ERA).
It is a key platform for creating Horizon Europe Partnerships, which address some of Europe’s most pressing challenges through concerted R&I initiatives.
How is SCAR organised, what are its goals and who are its members?
BECOME (MORE) ACTIVEINTERESTEDINSPIREDIN THE SCAR COMMUNITY!
BUILD THE FUTURE RESEARCH AGENDA
The SCAR Working Groups form an inspiring network of motivated peers. They offer unique platforms to develop R&I agendas, co-construct European R&I partnerships, and exchange experiences and best practices. Moreover, being a member of the SCAR helps delegates and scientists implement national research priorities at the European level, and helps align national and European R&I agendas.
ARE YOU...
…already a member of the SCAR community, and interested in helping it grow? Take up an active role in the Working Groups or Plenary Meeting, motivate your research community to join the SCAR Working Groups, and disseminate the results in your country to increase the SCAR’s impact.
…a scientist, eager to meet peers to exchange knowledge and learn from them? Contact your country’s SCAR delegate and request to join one of the Working Groups.
NEWS
The study proposes a holistic governance framework to help countries assess and accelerate sustainable food-system change. It identifies 17 guiding principles covering leadership, coordination, accountability, learning, innovation, and societal values, and offers a practical tool to evaluate policies across agenda setting, design, and implementation.
The report highlights that real transformation requires not only technical improvements but also shifts in power relations, governance, and social norms.
7thRefreSCAR "Spotlight On…” Webinar Series- Recording is available on RefreSCAR’s YouTube channel
On 29 May 2026, experts from research, policy and practice gathered for the 7th RefreSCAR “Spotlight On” webinar titled “Healthy Soils for Europe: Research, Policy and Living Lab Innovations for Sustainable Land Management”.
The webinar addressed the growing challenges of soil degradation, biodiversity loss, and climate pressures, highlighting the critical role of healthy soils in supporting resilient ecosystems, sustainable food systems, and climate action across Europe. Discussants explored the intersection of research, policy development and agricultural practice, with particular attention to regenerative agriculture, Mission Soil initiatives and innovative approaches to sustainable land management...
In February, the European Commission hosted an on-line workshop to discuss R&I strategic approaches related to the agri-food system.
The workshop had over 70 participants of the Standing Committee on Agricultural Research (SCAR), including SCAR delegates, SCAR working group chairs and co-chairs, and the European Commission.
A summary of the workshop has now been published and can be viewed here.
🚀 The SCAR Startup & Scaleup Task Force has a new homepage!
— RefreSCAR (@RefreSCAR_) April 16, 2026
Bridging the gap between R&I and market deployment in agri-food, forestry & rural areas 🌱
Discover the Task Force's aims, approach and Co-chairs here🔗 https://t.co/AGtmTdj0ol pic.twitter.com/hsB8tYfm5n
AGENDA
Stay up to date
Featured Events
The third edition of the SCAR Insights Series webinar, under RefreSCAR project, will take place on 9th July at 2:00 PM (CEST). The SCAR Protein Task Force representatives will share key insights on protein production and consumption in Europe, EU-funded research on alternative proteins, and the main challenges and opportunities identified throughout the Task Force's work.
PROGRAM:
- Pablo Gómez Grande - SCAR Protein Task Force Scope and Context of protein production and consumption in Europe
- Geert van Royen - Portfolio analysis of EU projects funded on alternative proteins: gaps, challenges and needs
- Adeline Boire - Challenges and opportunities identified through the Protein Task Force's work
next events
| 09 Jul 2026 14:00 - 15:30 Webinar - SCAR INSIGHTS Series "ALTERNATIVE PROTEINS IN EUROPE: KEY INSIGHTS FROM THE SCAR PROTEIN TASK FORCE" |
| 29 Sep 2026 Workshop on ruminants and greenhouse gases |
SCAR Newsletter
June 2026
