The Office of the Managing Director of the Amsterdam-based Common Fund for Commodities (CFC) has announced the opening of applications for financing projects along commodity value chains (deadline 10 April 2023). The CFC provides a range of financial and technical instruments to support projects proposed by SMEs, enterprises, cooperatives and institutions along the entire commodity value chain. The expectation on the part of the CFC is that these business activities cover all segments of the value chain (including production, processing, financing, marketing, research, etc.). This includes support services and functions, which help all participants in the value generation process to improve the economic, social and environmental well-being of the poorest participants at the bottom of the pyramid. Support is offered mainly through equipment loans, capital or trade finance to invest in productivity and value chain upgrades. The CFC seeks applications from projects that have achieved a state of economic, social and environmental sustainability. There is a particular interest in female entrepreneurs and project proposals that incorporate innovative solutions for the commodity sector (e.g., new agritech applications, innovative productivity practices, regenerative technologies, increased availability of renewable and affordable energy, expansion of environmental services, food security, climate-friendly practices contributing to biodiversity, preventing deforestation, digitisation, etc.). Further information can be found at https://www.common-fund.org/call-for-proposals . In addition, interested parties can participate in the webinar to be held on 8 February from 3 to 4 p.m.
