The Role of Finance in Food Systems Transformation – Webinar

Over 230 participants from around the world have joined the Food Systems Finance e-course, launched on 10 November 2025. Last week, we held the first plenary session on the role of finance in food systems transformation. The webinar featured presentations, an interactive session, and an open discussion.

Opening Remarks

Mr. Ivo Demmers, Executive Director of NFP, and Ms. Agnes Janszen, Senior Policy Officer for Financial Sector Development at the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, delivered the opening remarks.

Ivo explained that the Food Systems Finance e-course was developed through collaboration with key partners and emphasised that it will not only strengthen individual capacities but also build a community of practice. Agnes highlighted the crucial role of transforming food systems for a healthy global population and a sustainable planet. She noted, “The Netherlands, with its strong agrifood sector and world-class institutions, is well positioned to contribute innovative capacity and knowledge globally. Through the Netherlands Food Partnership, we are pooling expertise to elevate Dutch efforts in global food security and drive sustainable food systems.”

Private and Public Finance

The webinar was designed to integrate both public and private finance perspectives. Two expert guest speakers were invited to share their experiences and respond to participants’ questions.

Nadine Gbossa, Director of Food Systems Coordination at the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), is a senior development executive with over 25 years of experience in sustainable development. At IFAD, she leads UN efforts on financing for food systems transformation. Nadine discussed IFAD’s leading role in the UN’s food financing agenda by linking food system challenges and solutions with innovative financing mechanisms. She introduced the new 3FS tool, demonstrating the importance of systems thinking through its five components and the integration of domestic public finance, international development finance, and private sector investment.

Anil Kumar SG, Founder and Group CEO of Samunnati—India’s largest agri-enterprise—shared insights from his organisation’s journey. Samunnati pioneers an integrated value-chain approach to unlock the potential of Indian agriculture, with a strong focus on smallholder farmers. The organisation now works with over 30,000 farmer collectives and 4,000+ agri-enterprises, enabling more than USD 3.7 billion in gross transaction value since its inception. Anil spoke about the origins and purpose of founding Samunnati, the hierarchical financing needs of farmers, and the importance of linking supply and demand across the value chain. He outlined how Samunnati addressed multiple challenges and, in the process, created various spin-offs to meet the diverse needs of its clients.

Watch the Video

The webinar recording is available in six parts covering the opening remarks, presentations, interactive session, and open discussion. You can find them all on our YouTube channel: @netherlandsfoodpartnership.

The Food Systems Finance e-course is initiated by the Netherlands Food Partnership and compiled in cooperation with Wageningen University & Research and Fair & Sustainable Consulting, and a reference group of public & private finance professionals.

Supported by the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature.