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

The European Investment Bank (EIB) Group has announced a €3 billion financing plan to support agriculture and the bioeconomy in Europe. This package, which will mobilise a total of €8.4 billion , including 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 funding to boost the use of innovative technologies . In addition, projects related to water management, soil health and training in sustainable agricultural practices will be prioritised, with the aim of preparing the sector for the climate and environmental challenges of the future. The EIB's focus in this investment package is:

1. New technologies and digital tools : Support for innovative companies in areas such as sustainable biofuels, biomaterials, payment tools for ecosystem services and agrotechnology.
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 programme will be to support young farmers and women, who often face greater difficulties in accessing finance. Resources will be allocated to facilitate the purchase of agricultural land, reduce gender and age gaps in the sector, and encourage greater diversity in agri-food activity. Specifically:

• Support for young farmers and women : Funds 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 agrotechnology and food technologies.

Climate risk management

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

Expected impact

This initiative is part of the EIB's plan for the "Strategic Dialogue on the Future of Agriculture in the EU" 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 programme “will contribute to the future of the new generation of farmers and companies active in the agri-food industry”.

With this initiative, the EIB is strengthening 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 .