€250,000 Funding Opportunity Opens for Agricultural Sustainability and Human Rights Projects in 2026
The Due Diligence Fund has opened its 5th Call for Proposals, offering grants of up to €250,000 for innovative human rights and environmental projects in global agricultural supply chains.
New €250,000 Global Funding Opportunity Announced for Agriculture, Human Rights and Sustainability Projects
Organisations and companies working to improve sustainability, human rights, and environmental standards in agriculture now have access to a major international funding opportunity through the Due Diligence Fund (DDF).
The DDF has officially launched its 5th Call for Proposals, offering grants of up to €250,000 for innovative projects focused on strengthening human rights and environmental due diligence in global agricultural supply chains.
The initiative is supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented through the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). The fund continues to attract international attention for supporting practical solutions aimed at improving working conditions, sustainability, and social inclusion within agriculture.
Funding Designed to Support Real Change in Agriculture
The Due Diligence Fund promotes practical and innovative approaches to what is known as Human Rights and Environmental Due Diligence (HREDD).
This involves helping companies and organisations identify, prevent, and address environmental harm and human rights risks across agricultural supply chains.
According to the programme, the latest funding round builds on lessons learned from four successful previous funding cycles and aims to support projects that go beyond basic legal compliance.
The DDF explained that the programme focuses on creating better living and working conditions for primary producers while also contributing to a more sustainable agricultural environment globally.
Grants of Up to €250,000 Available
Under the fifth funding round, selected projects may receive grants of up to €250,000 through two separate funding windows.
The programme encourages partnerships between:
- Companies based in the European Union
- Organisations in OECD-DAC countries
- Non-profit organisations
- Agricultural sector stakeholders
Projects are expected to address due diligence challenges in agricultural supply chains while introducing innovative and scalable solutions.
The fund particularly supports projects aligned with major international sustainability regulations, including:
- German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (LkSG)
- Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD)
- European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR)
Strong Focus on Gender Equality and Social Inclusion
One of the standout features of the 2026 funding round is its special focus on gender equality and social inclusion.
The DDF announced additional support for projects that empower women farmers and promote inclusive participation within agricultural systems. This comes as part of the global recognition of the International Year of the Woman Farmer.
Projects that create opportunities for women, marginalised groups, and vulnerable agricultural communities are expected to receive significant attention during the evaluation process.
International Partnerships Encouraged
The fund emphasises collaborative partnerships as a key requirement for successful applications.
Applicants are encouraged to form partnerships that combine technical expertise, local knowledge, sustainability practices, and implementation capacity.
By connecting organisations across regions and sectors, the programme aims to create long-term solutions that improve agricultural systems while protecting both people and the environment.
In addition to funding, the DDF also provides:
- Consulting services during project development
- Technical guidance during implementation
- Access to global industry expertise
- Networking opportunities
- Knowledge-sharing resources
Learning From Previous Success Stories
The Due Diligence Fund has already supported 30 projects across four funding rounds.
These projects have focused on improving sustainability practices, labour rights, environmental protection, and responsible sourcing within agricultural supply chains.
To support future applicants, the DDF recently released a knowledge report titled Applied Due Diligence: Lessons Learned through the Due Diligence Fund.
The report provides practical examples and evidence-based insights into how due diligence can be implemented effectively in global agricultural industries.
The publication is aimed at companies, policymakers, and implementation partners looking to strengthen their sustainability and human rights strategies.
Who Can Apply?
The programme is open to eligible partnerships involving companies, organisations, and non-profits working within agricultural supply chains.
Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the official application documents and funding requirements before submitting proposals.
The application process generally includes:
- Reviewing application guidelines and terms
- Preparing project proposals and partnership structures
- Submitting the final application through the official process
The DDF has also made multilingual resources available in English, French, German, Portuguese, and Spanish to improve accessibility for international applicants.
Why This Funding Opportunity Matters
Global agricultural supply chains continue facing increasing pressure to improve sustainability, environmental protection, labour conditions, and ethical sourcing practices.
At the same time, governments and businesses worldwide are introducing stricter due diligence regulations that require stronger accountability and transparency.
The Due Diligence Fund provides organisations with financial support and technical guidance to help meet these challenges while driving meaningful social and environmental impact.
For many organisations, especially those working with farming communities in developing regions, the funding could help scale innovative solutions that improve livelihoods and promote sustainable agriculture.
How to Get More Information
Interested organisations can access application documents, funding details, and additional guidance through the Due Diligence Fund platform.
Questions related to the funding process can also be directed to the programme team through the official contact email:
With funding opportunities of up to €250,000 now available, the fifth DDF Call for Proposals is expected to attract strong global interest from organisations committed to transforming agricultural supply chains for a more sustainable future.
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