EBRD’s 2025 Food and Agribusiness Strategy: Unlocking Growth for International Manufacturers in Central and Eastern Europe
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has approved its Food and Agribusiness Strategy 2025, outlining a vision for the sustainable transformation of global food systems. The strategy aims to address key challenges in food production, supply chains, and sustainability while increasing private-sector engagement and fostering new business partnerships.
For manufacturers in Western Europe, the U.S., and Canada, this presents an unprecedented opportunity to expand into the high-growth Central and Eastern European (CEE) markets, where EBRD-backed projects are driving investment in modern agribusiness infrastructure, food processing, and advanced farming technologies.
Key Priorities of the EBRD’s 2025 Agrifood Strategy
The 2025 strategy focuses on a structured approach to support sustainable market economies by:
- Encouraging sustainable investments – Supporting businesses that align with green economy principles
- Boosting private-sector participation – Opening doors for international manufacturers to engage in CEE agrifood modernization projects
- Strengthening food security – Enhancing supply chain resilience, productivity, and innovation
- Digital transformation and AgTech – Driving growth through automation, smart farming, and AI-driven solutions
- Expanding regional partnerships – Helping international companies find the right local distributors, suppliers, and business partners in CEE markets.
According to Natalia Zhukova, EBRD Head of Food and Agribusiness, the strategy embraces a concept called “incremental radicalism”, meaning that while major changes are needed to improve food security and economic resilience, they must be implemented gradually to ensure stability.
The EBRD will align its agribusiness investments with broader strategic goals, including:
- The Green Economy Transition (supporting climate-friendly solutions).
- Equality of opportunity, focusing on SMEs and women-led enterprises.
- Innovation-driven economic inclusion, using technology to optimize food supply chains.
Opportunities for Western European, U.S., and Canadian Agrifood Manufacturers
With EBRD-backed investments fueling agribusiness growth in Poland, Czechia, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, and the Balkans, there is a huge demand for:
- Agricultural machinery and smart farming technologies
- Food processing and packaging equipment
- Supply chain and logistics innovations
- Energy-efficient food production solutions
- Advanced irrigation and water management systems
- Greenhouse technologies and controlled environment agriculture (CEA)
For Western European, U.S., and Canadian manufacturers, these EBRD-backed projects offer:
- Access to large-scale contracts and government-supported funding initiatives
- Opportunities to partner with local agribusinesses and distributors
- A competitive advantage in an emerging high-growth market
The Importance of Finding the Right Local Partners in CEE
Successfully entering the CEE agribusiness market requires strong local partnerships. Each country has unique regulations, distribution networks, and business cultures that can be challenging for foreign manufacturers to navigate.
This is where MiaPartner can help.
MiaPartner specializes in business partner searches, helping international agrifood companies:
- Identify and connect with reliable distributors, agents, and business partners
- Navigate local regulations and secure market entry
- Maximize opportunities in EBRD-funded agribusiness projects
- Ensure long-term success through tailored expansion strategies
Leveraging EBRD-Funded Projects for Market Entry
The EBRD’s 2025 Food and Agribusiness Strategy aligns with its broader Strategic and Capital Framework, ensuring that its investments:
- Promote economic inclusion
- Support green investment initiatives
- Encourage cross-border trade in agribusiness
- Foster resilient and modern food systems
For Western manufacturers, this means that funding and investment incentives are available for companies that align with these priorities. Whether you produce agricultural machinery, smart farming technology, food processing equipment, or sustainable packaging solutions, there is a clear pathway to growth in the CEE region.
How MiaPartner Can Help You Expand in CEE
At MiaPartner, we provide end-to-end business development solutions for agrifood manufacturers looking to expand into Central and Eastern Europe.
We help you:
- Identify market opportunities based on EBRD investment trends
- Find and vet the best local distributors, suppliers, and business partners
- Navigate trade regulations and overcome market-entry barriers
- Develop sales strategies tailored to CEE agribusiness demand
Start Your Expansion Today
With EBRD funding fueling growth in the CEE agrifood sector, now is the time for Western manufacturers to expand into these dynamic markets.
Contact MiaPartner today to explore how we can help you find the right business partners and secure your position in this fast-growing industry.
