ODF secures EUR 10 million loan from Invest International to boost organic agriculture in emerging markets

Published: November 19, 2024

Organic Development Finance (ODF) has secured its first senior loan of EUR 10 million from prominent Dutch investor Invest International. This crucial funding will expand ODF’s capacity to provide fair-priced working capital loans to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in emerging markets that aggregate and export organic ingredients.

These SMEs are critical to scaling sustainable agriculture and connecting smallholder farmers to global markets. ODF was established in 2020 by Tradin Organic, with support from USAID’s West African Trade and Investment Hub and Germany’s GIZ; it is managed by FOUNT.

This blended finance facility leverages both concessional and private capital to build a market-driven financing instrument, addressing the finance gap for organic companies in developing countries by enhancing access to capital and supporting growth and innovation.

ODF has already developed a portfolio of over 14 transactions with 8 companies. With this new financing, the fund aims to expand partnerships, attract additional impact investors, and strengthen sustainable agricultural supply chains.

Floris Wesseling, CEO of Tradin Organic, emphasized the importance of connecting organic suppliers with appropriate financing to sustainably improve operations and strengthen communities economically, socially, and environmentally.

Susie Horth, Chairperson of ODF’s Supervisory Board, stated that this loan is a major milestone demonstrating trust in ODF’s investment strategy.