Forest and Farm Facility

Forest and farm producer organizations as key change agents 
for climate-resilient landscapes and improved livelihood

WEBINAR SERIES

Webinar #4: Unlocking Investment and Global Funds for FFPOs

Thursday 10 September 2026

 

🕘 Time: 08.30–10.00 AM UTC-4    
Plurinational State of Bolivia: 08.30-10.00 | Guatemala: 06.30-08.00 | Ecuador, Colombia: 07.30-09.00 | Ghana, Liberia, Gambia, Togo: 12.30-14.00 | Italy: 14.30-16.00 | Zambia: 14.30-16.00 | Kenya, Tanzania, Madagascar: 15.30-17.00 | Nepal: 18.15-19.45 | Viet Nam: 19.30-21.00.

The webinar will take place via Zoom. Simultaneous interpretation will be available in Spanish, French and English.


Overview

Accessing external finance is the critical engine that Forest and Farm Producer Organizations (FFPOs) require to scale operations and impact. This can be  a major challenge, as FFPOs often fail to qualify for finance due to complex eligibility criteria, inadequate capacity, or perceptions of being high-risk due to a lack of traditional collateral. Many FFPOs fall into the “missing middle” of being too large for microfinance and too small for large-scale commercial finance.  

This session seeks to bridge the gap between FFPO and financiers by showcasing both perspectives. It explores how FFPOs use their operational and financial track record, internal finance mechanisms, and strengthened governance to move from being seen as “beneficiaries” to being recognized as legitimate investment partners by national governments, impact investors, financial institutions and international climate funds.   

Objectives of the session 

  • Share proven strategies that work for FFPOs to access external financial resources 
  • Provide insight into the investor or financier perspective in working with Showcase successful models of de-risking, blended finance, and direct access to global environmental / impact funds  

Discussion points

  • From farmers to investors: FFPOs become investment-ready by strengthening their own financial systems—such as savings schemes and cooperatives—building credibility and autonomy.
  • Finance that works for farmers: Financial solutions must reflect real agricultural cycles and risks, ensuring better outcomes for both producers and financiers.
  • Bridging the “missing middle”: Access to finance requires strong on-the-ground support—combining technical assistance with practical, day-to-day operational strengthening.
  • Innovative approaches to risk: Expanding the use of alternative collateral and value chain partnerships can unlock new financing opportunities for small producers.
  • Investing in youth: Access to finance is essential to empower young agri-entrepreneurs and drive innovation in resilient and sustainable food systems.
Watch the video recording
Webinar #4
Summary reportConcept note and agenda

Detailed programme

Cesar Diaz Morales
Executive director,  The Orographic Star of the Colombian Massif Foundation (FUNDECIMA) 

 

Moderator

Mr. Freddy Benito Cabello Luna

Manager and Legal Representative
Union of Peasant Cocoa Organizations - UNOCACE
Ecuador

Leveraging external finance from impact investors and carbon

Fabian Mendez, 
Portfolio Manager, FairCapital 

Unlocking the Rural Missing Middle – The financer perspective - Strategic Approaches to De-risking Agricultural Producer Organizations  

Ms. Luiza Maria da Silva Rodrigues
Project Coordinator
Cresol Credit Union - CRESOL
Brazil

Solving the collateral problem with saving and credit cooperatives tailored to rural producers

Mr. Hector Cu
President
The Federation of Cooperatives of Las Verapaces - FEDECOVERA
Guatemala

Scaling the Cooperative Model: FEDECOVERA’s Roadmap to Bankability and International Financial Inclusion

Felipe Sandoval
General Manager, El Ceibo LTDA 

Consolidated Cooperatives that mobilize national financial opportunities through international trade 

Alice Gerow
International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED)

Observations and key messages 

 

Deepa Oli 
Under Secretary and Head of Development Cooperation Coordination Section Ministry of Forests and Environment

Closing remarks and wrap up