Call for
Curt Bergfors Food Planet Prize
Application Deadline:
15 April 2025
About Organisation
The Curt Bergfors Foundation, established on August 30, 2019, is driven by the recognition that food—while essential for human survival—is also the leading contributor to environmental degradation. With food systems placing immense pressure on the planet, the Foundation emphasizes the urgent need to reform how food is produced, distributed, and consumed. Their vision is a world where all people are well-nourished, living on a thriving and sustainable planet. Their mission is to catalyze a rapid transformation of global food systems by supporting groundbreaking solutions through research funding, awareness campaigns, and the prestigious Food Planet Prize. The Foundation acknowledges that while humans cannot stop eating, we can and must rethink our food systems to ensure planetary survival. They foster holistic collaboration across the food value chain and believe in awarding potential rather than past success—focusing on impactful ideas and individuals that can lead revolutionary changes in the sector if given the right support.
About the Grant
The Curt Bergfors Food Planet Prize is the world’s largest environmental award, offering USD 2 million annually to a project that addresses the urgent need for sustainable transformation within the global food system. Unlike many awards that recognize past achievements, this prize is uniquely focused on potential—honoring individuals or organizations whose innovative ideas could drive significant positive change if given the opportunity. The selection process is inclusive, valuing the insights of scientists, chefs, farmers, policymakers, and entrepreneurs equally. This collaborative approach ensures a comprehensive evaluation of projects and reinforces the Foundation’s commitment to a holistic, cross-sectoral response to food system challenges. The Food Planet Prize celebrates innovations that have the power to radically shift how we feed the world while minimizing harm to the environment. By rewarding initiatives capable of accelerating systemic change, the Prize plays a pivotal role in supporting sustainable solutions that ensure both human and planetary well-being.
Who can Apply?
The Food Planet Prize welcomes nominations from across the globe, embracing diversity in both commercial and non-commercial sectors. Individuals, teams, startups, NGOs, research institutions, and large organizations are all eligible, provided their initiatives are aligned with creating positive environmental impact through the food system. Self-nominations are encouraged, as are nominations for other impactful projects or people. The key eligibility criteria include a strong potential to influence and transform food systems sustainably, a scalable approach, and a solution that addresses environmental concerns through innovative practices in food production, consumption, or distribution. The award is ideal for forward-thinking innovators who have the vision and capability to implement change but may lack the resources to do so. Projects at different stages—whether in development, pilot, or ready-to-scale—are welcomed. The evaluation process reflects the Foundation’s commitment to holistic transformation, ensuring the Prize supports those with ideas that can redefine the way we feed the planet.
How to Apply?
Nominations for the Food Planet Prize are accepted throughout the year. Applicants can submit their own projects or nominate others making a difference in the food system via the official nomination form available on the Foundation’s platform.
Application Deadline
There is no fixed deadline. Nominations are accepted on a rolling basis, offering flexibility for applicants to apply at any time during the year.
Last Date To Apply
The nomination process remains open all year, meaning there is no specific last date to apply for the Food Planet Prize.
Grant Amount
The Curt Bergfors Food Planet Prize awards a single annual winner with a grant of USD 2 million, making it the largest environmental prize globally focused exclusively on food system transformation.
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
