EIB and BNP Paribas launch €200m sustainable agriculture scheme

The European Investment Bank (EIB) has signed a €200 million financing agreement with BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions aimed at supporting SMEs and mid-cap companies operating across Europe’s agriculture and bioeconomy sectors.

The financing forms part of the EIB’s wider €3 billion pan-European agricultural programme launched in 2024, designed to accelerate sustainable investment across the sector while improving access to finance for farmers and agri-businesses facing increasing economic and environmental pressures.

The initiative will initially focus on Italy, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands and Spain, with funding targeted at businesses investing in modern agricultural equipment, renewable energy technologies and other sustainability-focused assets.

At least 30% of the financing will be dedicated to climate action and environmental sustainability projects. This includes supporting investment in more energy-efficient agricultural machinery such as tractors and combine harvesters, alongside technologies that contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation.

The programme also aims to address long-standing financing challenges within the agricultural sector, particularly the difficulty many businesses face in securing long-term funding for high-value assets with extended economic lifespans.

By leveraging BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions’ pan-European leasing platform, the agreement is expected to improve access to long-term finance, reduce financing costs and mobilise additional private sector investment. At least 70% of the financing will be allocated to SMEs, with mid-cap businesses accounting for up to 30%.

“This operation will help European farmers and agri businesses invest in modern, more sustainable equipment, strengthen their resilience and better manage climate and market pressures,” said EIB Vice President Gelsomina Vigliotti.

“By addressing persistent market gaps and working with trusted partners such as BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions, we are making long term finance more accessible, accelerating the transition towards a more resource efficient and competitive agricultural sector.”

Neil Pein, Chief Executive Officer of BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions, added: “This agreement reflects our commitment to supporting the transformation of European agriculture by making financing more accessible, more flexible and more aligned with the challenges our clients face.

“By combining the strength of the EIB with our pan-European leasing platform, we are helping farmers and agri-businesses invest in more efficient, sustainable equipment while preserving their capacity to grow.”

The initiative aligns with several key European policy priorities, including the EU Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), the EU Vision for Agriculture and Food, and the EIB Group’s 2024–2027 Strategic Roadmap, where agriculture and bioeconomy have been identified as strategic focus areas.

The agreement also supports wider EU rural development objectives by encouraging investment, supporting economic growth and helping improve employment opportunities across rural communities.

In 2025, the EIB Group provided €6.9 billion in financing to the agriculture and bioeconomy sector, with around 60% channelled to SMEs through partner financial institutions.

Through the collaboration, the EIB and BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions aim to accelerate the transition towards a more resilient, sustainable and competitive European agricultural sector while ensuring financing reaches businesses where it is most needed.