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
đ Time: 08.30â10.00 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 âmissing middleâ 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 âbeneficiariesâ 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 systemsâsuch as savings schemes and cooperativesâbuilding 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 âmissing middleâ: Access to finance requires strong on-the-ground supportâcombining 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.
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 | Leveraging external finance from impact investors and carbon |
Fabian Mendez, | Unlocking the Rural Missing Middle â The financer perspective - Strategic Approaches to De-risking Agricultural Producer Organizations |
Ms. Luiza Maria da Silva Rodrigues | Solving the collateral problem with saving and credit cooperatives tailored to rural producers |
Mr. Hector Cu | Scaling the Cooperative Model: FEDECOVERAâs Roadmap to Bankability and International Financial Inclusion |
Felipe Sandoval | 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
|
