The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has opened applications for the Co-operative Research Programme (CRP): Sustainable Agricultural and Food Systems 2027, offering international research opportunities for scientists, researchers, and academic institutions working on critical challenges affecting agriculture, food systems, fisheries, forests, and environmental sustainability. The OECD CRP provides funding support through individual research fellowships and international conference sponsorships, creating opportunities for researchers to collaborate with global experts, exchange knowledge, and contribute evidence-based solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges, including food security, climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable resource management. The programme is designed to strengthen scientific cooperation between researchers from participating countries while ensuring that funded activities contribute to future policy development and sustainable transformation of global food systems. OECD CRP Sustainable Agricultural and Food Systems 2027 Overview The OECD Co-operative Research Programme supports innovative research and international collaboration by funding: Short-term international research fellowships for individual scientists. Conferences, workshops, and symposiums focused on agricultural and food system challenges. Knowledge exchange between researchers, policymakers, industry stakeholders, and scientific institutions. The programme places strong emphasis on research that can inform government policies and promote sustainable approaches to agriculture, fisheries, forestry, and food production. For 2027 funding, the OECD CRP is welcoming applications from researchers interested in conducting international research visits or organising scientific events addressing emerging issues in sustainable agricultural and food systems. Research Areas Supported by the OECD CRP The programme focuses on three major research themes that reflect global sustainability priorities: 1. Managing Natural Capital This theme supports research aimed at protecting and improving natural resources that underpin food production systems. Areas of interest may include: Biodiversity conservation. Sustainable soil management. Water resource protection. Ecosystem services. Reducing environmental impacts of agriculture and food production. Researchers exploring solutions for balancing agricultural productivity with environmental protection are encouraged to apply. 2. Strengthening Resilience Against Multiple Risks The OECD CRP recognises that agriculture and food systems face increasing pressures from climate change, economic uncertainty, disease outbreaks, and global disruptions. Research under this theme may focus on: Climate adaptation strategies. Food system resilience. Sustainable fisheries and aquaculture. Disaster preparedness. Risk management approaches. Improving food security in vulnerable regions. The programme aims to support research that helps societies develop stronger and more adaptable food systems. 3. Transformational Technologies and Innovation The third theme supports scientific advances and emerging technologies that can improve sustainability and productivity. Examples include: Digital agriculture. Biotechnology. Artificial intelligence applications in agriculture. Precision farming. Sustainable production technologies. Innovative approaches to climate-smart agriculture. Researchers working on technological solutions for sustainable food systems are encouraged to participate. International Research Fellowship Opportunity The OECD CRP provides individual travel fellowship awards for scientists from participating CRP member countries. The fellowships support short-term research projects that allow scientists to: Visit international research institutions. Work alongside leading experts. Develop international collaborations. Exchange scientific knowledge. Build long-term research partnerships. According to the OECD, more than 75% of previous fellowship recipients have developed lasting collaborations with their host institutions, demonstrating the programme’s impact on global scientific cooperation. The fellowship opportunity is particularly valuable for researchers seeking international exposure, access to specialised facilities, and opportunities to strengthen their academic networks. Conference and Workshop Sponsorship Funding In addition to fellowships, the OECD CRP supports international scientific events including: Conferences. Workshops. Research symposiums. Supported events bring together scientists, policymakers, industry representatives, and development stakeholders to discuss innovative research and translate scientific findings into practical policy recommendations. Previous supported events have explored topics such as: Sustainable aquaculture. Climate-smart agriculture. Antimicrobial resistance. Circular food systems. Biodiversity protection. Agricultural biotechnology. Researchers and institutions interested in organising events addressing priority sustainability challenges are encouraged to submit applications. Who Can Apply? The OECD CRP opportunity is suitable for: Researchers and scientists in agriculture-related fields. University academics. Research institution professionals. Experts in food systems, fisheries, forestry, and environmental sciences. Organisations planning international scientific events. Applicants should demonstrate that their proposed research or event aligns with the OECD CRP themes and contributes to international scientific cooperation. Application Deadline The deadline to apply for the OECD Co-operative Research Programme Sustainable Agricultural and Food Systems 2027 Funding Opportunities is: Thursday, 10 September 2026, at midnight Paris time. Interested applicants are encouraged to prepare their proposals early and carefully review the programme requirements before submission. Why Researchers Should Consider This Opportunity The OECD CRP offers an important platform for researchers seeking to expand their international networks and contribute to global sustainability solutions. Successful applicants gain opportunities to: Collaborate with internationally recognised researchers. Participate in global scientific discussions. Strengthen research partnerships. Contribute to evidence-based policymaking. Advance solutions for sustainable agriculture and food security. At a time when climate change, population growth, and environmental pressures are transforming global food systems, research-driven solutions are essential for creating resilient and sustainable futures. The OECD CRP provides scientists with the opportunity to move beyond traditional research boundaries by connecting scientific innovation with international cooperation and policy impact. How to Apply Interested researchers and organisations should consult the official OECD Co-operative Research Programme application guidelines and submit their applications before the deadline. Applicants should ensure their proposals clearly demonstrate: Scientific relevance. International collaboration potential. Alignment with CRP research themes. Contribution to sustainable agricultural and food systems. Official Contact:OECD CRP SecretariatEmail: TAD.Prog@oecd.org LEARN MORE HERE For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) does not take ownership or credit for the opportunities shared on this platform. All opportunities are sourced from official announcements and external sources for informational purposes only. Applicants are encouraged to verify all details, deadlines, and eligibility requirements from the official source before applying. Opportunities may be updated or changed by the providing organisations. JOIN GSO WHATSAPP CHANNEL NOW