Access to Finance for Young Farmers: Where Microfinance Can Make a Difference

On 18–19 June 2026, fi-compass hosted an event in Warsaw dedicated to improving access to finance for young farmers. The gathering brought together representatives from DG AGRI, the European Investment Bank (EIB), the European Investment Fund (EIF), Microfinance Centre, MFC’s Polish members and other key stakeholders to discuss the financing needs of the next generation of agricultural entrepreneurs.

A central theme of the event was generational renewal in agriculture, which remains a priority for DG AGRI and is increasingly reflected in the design of financial instruments. Young farmers – currently defined as individuals up to 40 years of age – face a complex set of challenges when establishing and growing their businesses. Alongside access to finance, many also require Business Development Services, reflecting the increasingly entrepreneurial nature of modern farming.

Participants explored a range of financing solutions and heard examples of successful lending programmes delivered through traditional banking channels. At the same time, discussions highlighted an important gap: many smaller, less developed, or early-stage farming businesses remain excluded from available financing options.

This challenge presents a significant opportunity for the microfinance sector. Microfinance providers have extensive experience serving entrepreneurs who are often considered too small, too new, or too risky by conventional lenders. Their ability to combine tailored financial products with advisory support positions them well to contribute to the goals of generational renewal and rural development.

The discussions in Warsaw demonstrated that while public and private financial institutions continue to expand support for young farmers, there is still considerable scope for microfinance to play a complementary role in reaching underserved agricultural entrepreneurs and helping them build sustainable businesses.

For more information about the event, visit the fi-compass event page.