About the event

As the world struggles to address the worst food crisis in generations, agri-SMEs that play key roles across agricultural value chains are facing unprecedented pressure. Increased operation costs, lower profit margins, and higher interest rates are among the realities faced by many agri-SMEs following the compounding effects of the war in Ukraine, the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change. Now, more than ever, is the time for the agri-SME finance community to work in concert towards an inclusive ecosystem where agri-SMEs can affordably access the appropriate capital they need to weather these turbulent times.
 
The Annual Plenary Meeting 2022 of the Smallholder and Agri-SME Finance and Investment Network (SAFIN) is an opportunity for our members and other players in agri-SME finance to discuss the current state and future of agri-SME finance under the theme “Opportunity in an evolving landscape”. Every year, the Plenary offers time and space for SAFIN members and invited guests to share information about new projects and plans, pitch new initiatives, discuss new research and connect with their next impact partners.
 
This event will take place in hybrid format, allowing for participation from participants from different geographies. The in-person event will take place on 21-22 November 2022 in Morelia, Mexico alongside the 7th World Congress on Rural and Agricultural Finance at the headquarters of the Fideicomisos Instituidos en Relación con la Agricultura (FIRA). The virtual event will take place on an interactive platform with a vibrant networking hall and exhibition booths. 

 

Event Details:

Event dates: 21-22 Nov 2022

Location: Morelia, Mexico | Online

Organizer: SAFIN

 

Highlights

Quote: “2022 will be remembered as one of the most turbulent years of our time as regards food systems under stress. It has affected not only the agri-food sector directly but the broader economics and finance around many agricultural and aquatic value chains.” Dr. Leonard Mizzi, Head of the Sustainable Agri-Food Systems and Fisheries Unit at the European Commission

Summary article:

Experts from over 47 institutions convened at SAFIN’s first hybrid annual event alongside the 7th World Congress on Rural and Agricultural Finance. The current global context was centre-stage at the event, which took place under the theme “Opportunity in an evolving landscape”.

As the world grapples with the worst food crisis in generations, experts from the agriculture and financial sectors convened to discuss how they can work in concert to move more capital towards agricultural SMEs. Attendees at the event participated in 14 business and learning sessions featuring 27 speakers, 13 exhibitions booths, a virtual speed networking café, and two in-person members’ receptions. Read more.

Summary Report:

 

Session videos: