The European Investment Bank is boosting agri-food innovation with a €3 billion financing package.

The European Investment Bank (EIB) Group announced a €3 billion financing plan to support agriculture and the bioeconomy in Europe. This package, which will mobilize a total of €8.4 billion in contributions from other financial institutions, will focus on promoting innovation in the agri-food system and contributing to the EU's sustainability goals.

Key investments in innovation and sustainability

The EIB plan includes financing to boost the use of innovative technologies . In addition, projects related to water management, soil health, and training in sustainable agricultural practices will be prioritized, with the aim of preparing the sector for future climate and environmental challenges. The EIB's focus of this investment package is:

1. New technologies and digital tools : Support for innovative companies in areas such as sustainable biofuels, biomaterials, payment for ecosystem services tools, and agricultural technology.
2. Climate resilience : Financing for water management, soil health, and climate change adaptation.
3. Training in sustainable agricultural practices : Initiatives to train farmers in more environmentally friendly techniques.

Specific measures to boost the agri-food sector

A key focus of the program will be supporting young farmers and women, who often face greater difficulties in accessing financing. Resources will be allocated to facilitate the purchase of agricultural land, reduce gender and age gaps in the sector, and promote greater diversity in agri-food activities. Specifically:

• Support for young farmers and women : Funding to encourage the participation of these groups and reduce gender and age gaps in the sector.
• Access to agricultural land : Programs to facilitate the purchase of land by new farmers.
• Loans and private capital : Programs aimed at promoting private investment in agricultural technology and food technologies.

Climate risk management

In response to the increase in extreme weather events, such as droughts and floods, the EIB will collaborate with the European Commission to develop innovative agricultural insurance and strengthen climate change adaptation measures. These initiatives seek to protect agricultural production and ensure stable livelihoods in rural areas. Among other things, they aim to mitigate the effects of extreme weather events, such as floods and droughts, which affect agricultural productivity.

Expected impact

This initiative is part of the EIB's "Strategic Dialogue on the Future of Agriculture in the EU" plan and seeks to ensure a sustainable, innovative, and competitive agri-food system, with a direct impact on small and medium-sized enterprises, which represent the core of the European agricultural sector.

According to Nadia Calviño, President of the EIB Group, this program "will contribute to the future of the new generation of farmers and companies active in the agri-food industry."

With this initiative, the EIB strengthens its support for a more innovative, sustainable, and competitive agri-food system, ensuring a positive impact throughout the sector's value chain. A commitment to sustainability and resilience that guarantees a promising future for European agriculture .