The past few years have witnessed the evolution of innovative financing mechanisms targeting the agricultural sector, similar to what happened with micro-finance in the 1990s. New modes of delivering credit to producers, processors and traders are being implemented, underscored by different approaches and tailor-made to suit individual countries´ needs and stages of development. The next step is to mainstream these approaches. Building on the rich work programme of analysis, technical assistance and advice on commodity finance that have been developed over the last 10 years, UNCTAD is well placed to contribute to the achievement of this goal through this meeting.
The meeting will draw on experiences and various initiatives in the area of agriculture finance around the world, looking at practical options and modalities that show that it is time to put aside the scepticism and fear of agricultural lending that has resulted from past experiences. Financing tools to be discussed include semi-equity finance, warehouse receipt finance and collateral management. The meeting will also explore opportunities and ways to finance agriculture based on new technologies like smart cards, and the use of risk management tools to facilitate access to credit.
Confirmed speakers include Rabobank, TransZambezi Industries Ltd, FAO, Denton Wilde Sapte, National Commodity & Derivatives Exchange, ACE Audit Control & Expertise, SGS, Cotecna, Pivot Capital Partners, New Africa Capital Partners, Rural Bank of Panabo and India´s National Bank of Agricultural Development.
