This Financing Initiative, released in 16^th of July 2025, is a joint effort by the European Investment Bank (EIB), Rabobank, and DLL to provide substantial funding to support agricultural businesses, particularly those adopting sustainable practices, and to enhance access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises, thereby fostering innovation and growth.

Geographical focus:

• Europe-wide: The initiative targets SMEs across the European Union. 

• The Netherlands: Rabobank and DLL are Dutch-based financial institutions, underscoring the Netherlands' key role in the partnership.

 Tailored Financing for Sustainable Growth

• €1 billion in funding is being made available through matched loans from the EIB, Rabobank, and DLL.

• This capital is earmarked for climate-relevant and bioeconomy investments, including agriculture, making it highly aligned with the needs of SMEs seeking to modernize sustainably.

Sector-Specific Support

• At least 40% of Rabobank’s funds will go to climate-resilient projects, and another 40% to bioeconomy sectors, such as sustainable farming.

• DLL’s portion targets circularity, food systems, and energy transitions across multiple EU countries.

Geographic Relevance

• Rabobank focuses on Dutch SMEs, while DLL supports businesses in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Belgium, Sweden, Poland, Ireland, and the Netherlands.

• This broad coverage ensures that SMEs across Europe can benefit from the initiative.

Accessible and Flexible Financing

• The partnership offers favourable lending terms, including interest rate discounts for sustainability leaders.

• DLL provides tailored leasing solutions for sustainable equipment, lowering barriers for SMEs to invest in green technologies.

Strategic Timing

• The initiative arrives as SMEs face climate volatility, regulatory pressures, and rising demand for low-impact products, making access to capital more critical than ever.

Target audience:

Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) and Mid-Caps

• Businesses across the European Union, especially those in: 

  - Netherlands (via Rabobank)

  - France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Belgium, Sweden, Poland, Ireland (via DLL)

• Companies with up to 3,000 employees and investment projects under €25 million

Sustainability-Focused Enterprises

• Firms investing in: 

  - Climate-relevant projects

  - Energy transition technologies

  - Circular economy and bioeconomy sectors, including agriculture

Agricultural Businesses

• Agri-SMEs looking to modernize operations with sustainable equipment and practices

• Those affected by climate volatility and regulatory pressures, especially in the Netherlands

Financial Institutions and Leasing Partners

• Equipment manufacturers, dealers, and distributors partnering with DLL to offer leasing solutions for sustainable tech

The Expected Outcomes are summarized as follows:

• Accelerated access to sustainable finance for SMEs and mid-caps across Europe

• €1 billion in total funding, with at least 40% earmarked for climate-relevant projects and another 40% for bioeconomy sectors like agriculture

• Improved adoption of green technologies, including energy-efficient equipment and precision farming tools

• Enhanced resilience of agri-businesses facing climate volatility and regulatory shifts

• Increased market competitiveness for SMEs investing in sustainability, thanks to favourable financing terms

Relevant Next Steps

• Deployment of funds through Rabobank and DLL to eligible SMEs and mid-caps in designated EU countries

• Promotion of impact loans with interest rate discounts for sustainability leaders

• Expansion of leasing solutions via DLL to reduce upfront costs for sustainable equipment

• Encouragement of other financiers to replicate the model and support climate-focused entrepreneurship

• Eric Lagerwey
• Business Clients
• Financial Restructuring & Recovery
• Cooperative
• Rabo Investments/ Rabobank