MEP Maria Walsh appointed lead negotiator for Horizon Europe funding programme

MEP Maria Walsh will act as the European People’s Party (EPP) rapporteur on the Agriculture Committee’s opinion regarding the future direction and funding of Horizon Europe for the 2028–2034 period. The programme, a cornerstone of EU research and innovation policy, is a major source of funding for Irish universities, research centres, agri-innovation projects, and rural development initiatives.

The proposed funding envelope for the next cycle is €175 billion, nearly double the current programme’s budget. Walsh emphasised that the increase represents a significant opportunity for Irish agriculture and the broader bioeconomy.

“Horizon Europe is hugely important for Ireland, and I’m delighted to be leading the negotiations on the Agriculture Committee for the EPP – the Parliament’s largest political group,” Walsh said. “As EPP negotiator, my priority is to make sure that Irish agriculture and our bioeconomy receive increased and substantive funding for the coming years. Food security, sustainable farming, and rural economies are strategic priorities for Ireland and Europe, which Horizon must reflect.”

Walsh highlighted the programme’s impact on Irish research and rural communities, noting that over €1.2 billion was secured by Irish institutions in the last programme period. She also stressed the importance of simplifying access to funding, particularly for small businesses and farmers.

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Irish-led Horizon projects have tackled issues ranging from farm safety and mental health to climate innovation and gender equality. Notable examples include:

- SafeHabitus (€4.7 million), coordinated by Teagasc, supporting farm safety and mental health.
- FLIARA (€3 million), led by the University of Galway, promoting female-led innovation in agriculture.
- Grass Ceiling (€2.9 million), coordinated by South East Technological University, advancing gender equality in rural areas.
- Paludiculture large-scale demonstration (€10 million), led by the University of Galway, focusing on water and peatland management to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Water management platform (€6 million), coordinated by University College Cork.

Walsh concluded: “Influencing the future of the Horizon programme has never been so important. With funding set to almost double, investment in agricultural research must rise in a way that is fair, credible, and benefits Irish farm families and agribusinesses. Horizon Europe directly supports our universities, research centres, agri-food sector, and rural communities, delivering real, practical outcomes.”