EBRD approves new food and agribusiness strategy

• Bank's new Food and Agribusiness Strategy 2025 acknowledges the complexity of food systems
• Strategy emphasises the sustainable transformation of the agrifood sector
• Renewed emphasis on private-sector engagement and more prominence for partnerships within global food systems

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has approved its new Food and Agribusiness Strategy 2025. The strategy outlines the Bank's vision for the sustainable transformation of the agrifood sector amid the complexities of global food systems.

The new 2025 strategy enhances and sharpens the Bank's approach, considering the agrifood sector within the broader context of food systems. It places greater emphasis on environmental, social and economic sustainability, private-sector engagement and partnerships within global food systems. In this new strategy cycle, the Bank aims to increase its targets in the areas of green investment and economic inclusion.

"The 2025 strategy commits to exploring new opportunities, while maintaining a focus on sector priorities," said Natalia Zhukova, EBRD Head of Food and Agribusiness. "Its central concept, incremental radicalism, is a strategic approach that gradually incorporates emerging solutions that address urgent demands while ensuring long-term sector stability, limit economic disruptions and improve food security."

The 2025 strategy will be implemented in the context of the EBRD's Strategic and Capital Framework, supporting key priorities such as the green economy transition, equality of opportunity, gender equality and digital transformation. It will also support the Bank's six transition qualities for a sustainable market economy.

At the same time, the 2025 strategy will serve as a guiding framework for all EBRD operations, investments and policy activities in the agrifood sector. This ensures coherence and alignment across all EBRD operations while being mindful of country-specific priorities. This integrated approach is critical to addressing global and regional challenges, seizing new opportunities and meeting the Bank's sustainability and innovation goals.

The 2025 strategy's approach is based on the EBRD's deep understanding of regional markets, allowing it to make the most of emerging opportunities to steadily and sustainably transform the agrifood sector. It aims to create sustainable and resilient food systems that can adapt to the ever-changing global landscape.