Organic Development Finance (ODF), an Amsterdam-based initiative, has secured a €10 million senior loan from Invest International, a Dutch impact investment organization. The funding is earmarked to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in emerging markets that focus on organic agriculture. These SMEs play a crucial role in sustainable development by connecting smallholder farmers to global markets through organic ingredient aggregation and export.
Furthermore, the funding will enable ODF to expand its capacity to provide fair-priced working capital loans. This, in turn, promotes the growth of sustainable agricultural practices in regions where access to affordable financing remains a significant barrier.
This loan marks Invest International's inaugural blended finance debt initiative. The organization aims to use this opportunity as a springboard to attract further impact investments within the organic agriculture sector.
Susie Horth, Chairperson of ODF’s Supervisory Board, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “This €10 million loan represents a significant milestone for ODF as we scale our support for innovative companies driving sustainable organic agriculture in emerging markets. Partnering with a prominent organization like Invest International demonstrates the strength and credibility of our investment strategy.”
ODF’s Mission: Empowering Organic Agriculture in Emerging Markets
ODF is dedicated to addressing the financial hurdles faced by certified organic agricultural businesses in low-income and emerging economies. Established by Dutch company Tradin Organic and managed by impact investment firm FOUNT, the fund strengthens organic commodity supply chains between emerging markets and Europe.
With the support of global development organizations like USAID’s West African Trade and Investment Hub and Germany’s GIZ, ODF offers affordable financing solutions that enable organic agriculture businesses to innovate and grow. This initiative fosters local supply chains, enhances environmental sustainability, and delivers social benefits through ethical farming practices.
Floris Wesseling, CEO of Tradin Organic, highlighted the transformative power of ODF’s work, stating, “By providing tailored financing, ODF empowers organic suppliers to improve operations sustainably. This not only strengthens supply chains but also contributes to economic, social, and environmental development within their communities.”
Wesseling also welcomed Invest International as a partner, describing their collaboration as a shared mission to build a robust organic value chain “from farm to fork.”
Tangible Impact: Supporting Farmers and Communities
ODF’s impact is already evident in its portfolio, which includes over 14 transactions across eight companies. A recent $1 million investment in Sierra Leone’s organic cocoa sector illustrates the fund’s focus. The initiative has supported nearly 30,000 smallholder farmers by providing training in sustainable practices, achieving Fairtrade certification, and facilitating access to international markets. These efforts boost local economies, support reforestation, and enhance community well-being.
Bernadette Blom, Founding Partner of FOUNT, emphasized the significance of Invest International’s support. “This capital allows us to scale investments that create positive ripple effects along the organic supply chain. By fostering environmentally friendly practices and strengthening local economies, we can achieve long-term sustainability goals.”
Blom added that tailored capital solutions for SMEs within the organic supply chain make measurable impacts on both local economies and global sustainability initiatives.
A Vision for Fair Financing and Sustainable Growth
ODF’s leadership sees fair financing as a transformative tool for companies in emerging markets. Gemma Verhoeven, Fund Lead at ODF, remarked, “This partnership with Invest International allows us to empower SMEs, protect the environment, and provide smallholder farmers with opportunities to build sustainable livelihoods.”
Managed by FOUNT, a Dutch impact fund manager with expertise in sustainable development, ODF’s approach ensures capital is effectively allocated to deliver long-term social and environmental benefits.
As demand for sustainable agricultural supply chains continues to grow, ODF is poised to expand its buying partner network and further its ethical production and environmental stewardship mission. The partnership with Invest International represents a pivotal step in scaling ODF’s impact and achieving a global future where organic agriculture thrives.
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