Call for Applications: AgriFI Offers €5 Million for Agrifood, Forestry Businesses
Agrifood and forestry businesses in developing and emerging markets can apply for investment financing of between €500,000 and €5 million through the Agriculture Financing Initiative (AgriFI).
Funded by the European Union and managed by EDFI Management Company, AgriFI is an impact investment facility designed to provide medium- to long-term financing to commercially viable businesses operating across agricultural and forestry value chains.
Unlike conventional grant programmes, AgriFI provides investment capital through instruments including senior and junior debt, quasi-equity and equity. The facility offers financing with medium- to long-term tenors of around 5–10 years or more, with flexible commercial terms that can include local-currency financing and grace periods.
Who Can Apply?
The opportunity is aimed at small and medium-sized enterprises, financial institutions and impact funds operating within the agrifood and forestry value chains in eligible developing countries.
Priority is given to businesses whose activities can deliver measurable development impact, particularly enterprises that:
- Integrate smallholder farmers into agricultural and forestry value chains;
- Increase farmers’ incomes and productivity;
- Create sustainable employment opportunities;
- Promote sustainable and climate-resilient production;
- Strengthen food security and market access; and
- Generate additional investment in underserved agricultural markets.
AgriFI’s investment approach is focused on businesses that are commercially viable while delivering clear benefits to smallholder farmers and local communities.
What Funding Is Available?
Eligible enterprises can seek investment ranging from €500,000 to €5 million.
The financing can support businesses at different stages of growth and may be structured through debt, equity or quasi-equity, depending on the needs and characteristics of the investment.
AgriFI also provides selected investees with technical assistance, helping businesses strengthen their capacity and improve the sustainability and impact of their operations.
Key Eligibility Requirements
Applicants are expected to demonstrate a credible business model and the ability to achieve financial viability. AgriFI materials indicate that eligible companies should generally have an established operational track record, with projects expected to demonstrate measurable benefits for smallholder farmers. Applicants must also meet relevant environmental and social standards.
Projects must be located in eligible low- and lower-middle-income countries, depending on the specific AgriFI investment window.
How to Apply
Businesses interested in securing AgriFI investment can submit an investment request through EDFI Management Company’s official AgriFI application channel.
Applicants should be prepared to provide detailed information about their business, financial position, proposed investment, development impact and how the financing will contribute to growth.
It is important to note that AgriFI is an investment facility, not a grant programme. Successful applicants receive financing under agreed investment terms rather than a non-repayable grant.
With investment tickets of up to €5 million, AgriFI provides an opportunity for established agrifood and forestry enterprises seeking patient, long-term capital to expand operations, strengthen value chains and increase their impact on smallholder farmers.
Application: Interested businesses can review the investment criteria and apply through the official AgriFI platform.
