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
New policy brief: lessons from a decade of EU international R&I partnerships for sustainable agri-food systems
The SCAR ARCH Working Group has released the policy brief Quo vadis: lessons learned from 10 years of EU funded international R&I partnerships to foster the sustainability of globally connected agri-food systems.
Based on an analysis of 15 EU-funded projects (2014–2024), the PA highlights how international partnerships -particularly with low and middle-income countries - have strengthened local R&I ecosystems, supported inclusive collaboration, and delivered solutions to challenges such as climate change and food insecurity.
The analysis identifies key gaps, including limited LMIC participation, short project durations, and insufficient mechanisms...
Workshop: Identifying Research Gaps for a Resilient Bioeconomy in the Poly-Crisis Context
On March 5 and 6, the Poly-crisis Workshop will bring together experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to explore how bioeconomy systems can better respond to complex and interconnected global challenges. The event aims to foster dialogue, identify critical knowledge gaps, and highlight research and innovation pathways that can strengthen resilience in the face of multiple, simultaneous crises.
We invite experts and stakeholders to participate in this workshop organised by the SCAR Bioeconomy Working Group in collaboration with the ARCH Working Group and the Forest Working Group. The workshop will benefit from diverse expertise across relevant fields.
SCAR Protein Task Force Presents Upcoming Policy Report at the European Parliament
The SCAR Protein Task Force was invited to present its upcoming Policy Review & Analysis Report at the European Science Alliance for Agriculture and Food (ESAAF) Strategic Dialogue, “Diversifying Proteins for Sustainable Food Systems and Farmers,” held at the European Parliament in Brussels.
The report, titled “R&I for Alternative Protein Sources Towards Strategic Autonomy and Sustainability in EU Protein Production,” has been developed collaboratively by the Task Force. It highlights the essential role of research and innovation in strengthening Europe’s protein resilience, enhancing sustainability, and advancing strategic autonomy in EU protein production.
🚨Workshop 'Identifying Research Gaps for a Resilient Bioeconomy in the Poly-Crisis Context' to help shape research priorities for a resilient bioeconomy (5,6 March). EI and selection:🔗https://t.co/F3HOehZ1CS#SCAR Bioeconomy, Forest and ARCH WGs supported by @RefreSCAR_ pic.twitter.com/re0ndu1x59
— RefreSCAR (@RefreSCAR_) Februar7y 23, 2026
AGENDA
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Featured Events
RefreSCAR Spotlight On Webinar n°5
“Land and Water – Strategies for Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Agriculture”
The RefreSCAR project held its 5th Spotlight On webinar where more than 35 attendees tuned in to hear from:
- Casper Zulim de Swarte, Senior Manager at the Policy Agriculture and Food for One Planet Business for Biodiversity (OP2B) and the WBCSD – World Business Council for Sustainable Development
- Bernhard Schmid, Professor of Environmental Sciences at the University of Zurich and Adjunct Professor at the Institute of Ecology, University of Beijing
With the webinar moderated by the RefreSCAR partner Foodscale Hub's Marina Arnaut Stefanovic, those in attendance could pose questions related to both science and policy in biodiversity conservation, particularly the history and types of biodiversity management approaches. This included the shift towards ecological intensification in agriculture and the upscaling of regenerative practices, with a focus on the contributions of these practices to biodiversity from both business modelling and policy perspectives.
Events calendar
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next events
| 04 Mar 2026 SCAR AKIS Working Group Online Meeting |
| 05 Mar 2026 Online Workshop - Identifying Research Gaps for a Resilient Bioeconomy in the Poly-Crisis Context |
| 12 Mar 2026 SCAR Fish meeting |
| 31 Mar 2026 SCAR 103rd Steering Group |
SCAR Newsletter