The investment bridge - From blueprints to bankable projects

In September 2021, FAO introduced the One Country One Priority Product (OCOP) initiative as a framework for catalysing the sustainable development and financing of value chains for special agricultural products (SAPs). These unique, location-linked goods are rooted in cultural heritage and hold significant untapped potential for food security, bioeconomies and rural livelihoods. While special agricultural products offer strong opportunities for high-value domestic and international markets, realizing this potential requires a transition from traditional practices to comprehensive, investment-ready value chains.

The experience with special agricultural products has demonstrated that the primary hurdle for these country-led initiatives is not a lack of vision but the mobilization of sufficient funding and investment. Securing capital is essential to:

• implement national upgrading strategies effectively;
• bridge socioeconomic gaps in the Europe and Central Asia region; and
• ensure the long-term commercial viability and impact of these value chains.
  

Recognizing that robust financial partnerships are the engine of rural transformation, FAO will host an interactive side event during the Thirty-fifth Session of the Regional Conference for Europe. This event will bring together high-level policymakers, donors and development partners to focus on resource mobilization and investment strategies designed to scale the sustainable value chains of SAPs.

The Europe and Central Asia region presents unique opportunities for scaling special agricultural products value chains, but it also faces persistent bottlenecks in value chain finance, market access, institutional capacity and partnership coordination. Many countries continue to depend heavily on donor-driven grants, limiting the long-term sustainability and market competitiveness of value chain interventions – particularly in areas such as value chain finance, market access, institutional capacity and partnership coordination.

To ensure lasting impact, there is an urgent need to:

• mobilize sustainable and blended financing for SAP value chain development;
• facilitate public–private partnerships and strengthen collaboration with banks, agribusinesses and international financial institutions;
• identify successful regional models, such as the Albanian chestnut case, that demonstrate how strategic investment can unlock SAP potential; and
• support countries in transitioning from grant-based support to support based on market-driven growth models.
  

This side event will provide a platform for Members, resource partners and technical experts to explore practical solutions, exchange experiences and identify concrete avenues for investment and partnership.

 

Agenda

Webcast