Clarmondial is pleased to confirm that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), through the Bureau for Food Security (BFS) and the Development Credit Authority (DCA), will support the Food Securities Fund with a USD 37.5 million credit guarantee. The agreement covers a portfolio of up to USD 150 million.
After extensive due diligence, USAID approved significant support to the implementation of the Food Securities Fund. In addition to its investment objectives and strategy, the Fund was selected based on its alignment with USAID’s impact priorities, in particular on sustainable agriculture and food security in Feed the Future countries. USAID and Clarmondial are planning an invitation-only signing ceremony with key partners in Washington DC this November.
The Food Securities Fund combines an innovative investment strategy with a standard and liquid fixed-income fund structure in Luxembourg to deliver change at scale. The Fund addresses the gap in season-long loans for agriculture production in emerging markets, thereby contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals – notably SDGs 1, 2, 8, 12, 13 and 15 – by promoting climate smart agriculture and responsible, deforestation-free supply chains.
The fund offers investors access to growth markets. The use of blended finance significantly reduces risk, while partnerships with leading international companies grant access to an extensive pipeline at low transaction costs.
The Food Securities Fund is supported by the blended finance platform Convergence (announcement available here). It has also received support from Climate-KIC, as well as from leading companies in the agricultural sector.