About the conference
The European Commission (EC), Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development (DG AGRI), and the European Investment Bank (EIB) organised the 12th annual EU conference on EAFRD financial instruments on 'Investment needs and financial instruments for EU agriculture and bioeconomy: 2028 - 2034', which took place on Thursday, 15 October 2026, in Lisbon, Portugal.
This conference explored how EAFRD financing and financial instruments can support a more sustainable, resilient and competitive European agricultural sector. Bringing together over 160 representatives from managing authorities, financial institutions, the European Commission, the EIB Group and other key stakeholders, the event provided an opportunity to exchange insights and discuss the latest developments in agricultural finance and investment.
Participants gained insights into CAP reform and Member States' plans for agricultural financial instruments, alongside innovative financing solutions, ECF support for farmers, resource blending approaches, benchmarking practices and EIB support for the sector. The programme featured key takeaways from the latest fi-compass studies on investment gaps and financing needs in the EU agri-food-tech sector, agricultural investment priorities, and financial mechanisms supporting farmers’ integration into agri-food value chains, illustrated through real-world examples and case studies.
A networking cocktail was hosted on the evening of Wednesday, 14 October 2026, the day before the conference.
Presentations
Opening statement - Elisabeth Werner
Opening statement - José Manuel Fernandes
Opening statement - Gemma Feliciani
Progress with CAP financial instruments for agriculture and looking forward
Blending of resources and achieving impacts
Sustainable benchmarking by financial organisations for EU agricultures
Testimony from a Spanish Young Livestock Farmer
New and Innovative Agricultural Financial Instruments
Investment gaps and financial needs in the EU Agri-Food-Tech industry
Investment needs in EU agriculture and financial mechanisms for farmers’ integration in the EU agri-food value chains
Video recording
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