Due Diligence Fund 5th Call: Up to €250,000 for Sustainable Ag Supply Chains

The Due Diligence Fund (DDF) 5th Call for Proposals offers up to €250,000 in grants for projects that build sustainable agricultural supply chains. This funding comes from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and is managed by GIZ. It targets partnerships that tackle human rights and environmental risks in farming from developing countries.

About the Due Diligence Fund (DDF)

The DDF helps companies and groups put responsible practices into action along global agricultural supply chains. It supports systems that spot and fix risks to people and the planet.

Core Objectives

The fund works to meet these goals:

• Develop new ways to handle human rights and environmental checks.
• Build supply chains that last and support the environment.
• Better lives and jobs for farmers at the start of the chain.
• Create teams between businesses and non-profits.
• Share ideas that others can copy and grow.

Changes in the 5th Call (DDF5)

This round learns from past ones and adds better options for applicants.

Main Updates

• Two types of funding windows to choose from.
• Up to €250,000 per project.
• Push for bigger projects with room to grow.
• More focus on new ideas and rules from the EU and world standards.

Support from the Fund

Projects get more than just money. They receive help in several areas.

Financial Help

Grants reach up to €250,000. EU-based companies must add their own funding based on their size.

Expert Guidance

Teams get advice during planning and work. Specialists in supply chain safety provide input.

Network Connections

Winners join a global group of partners. They share knowledge and learn from others in the field.

Public Sharing

Results get shared widely. This helps the whole industry improve.

Key Focus Areas

Projects target big problems in farming supply chains:

• Chains free from cutting down forests.
• Fighting climate change and protecting nature.
• Using digital tools for better farming.
• Equal chances for women and included groups.
• Fair pay and enough income for farmers.

This call pays extra attention to women’s roles in farming for the International Year of the Woman Farmer.

The Role of Human Rights and Environmental Due Diligence (HREDD)

Rules now demand that farm supply chains check for harms to people and nature. Key standards include the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, OECD guidelines, Germany’s Supply Chain Act, the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, and the EU Deforestation-Free Products rule.

Key Benefits

Good checks bring gains like:

• Clear views all along the chain.
• Better ties with suppliers.
• Easier entry to world markets.
• Tougher businesses that handle changes.
• Farming that protects the earth.

Projects the Fund Will Back

The DDF picks plans that solve real issues in farm production.
They must be new, workable, able to grow, and aimed at the farm level.

Main Rules for Projects

• Show clear ways to cut harms.
• Base work on spotting risks first.
• Use step-by-step methods.
• Do more than basic laws require.
• Include women and other groups.

How the Program Runs and Picks Winners

The process has clear steps.

Application Stages

1. Send a short proposal with basic idea and team setup.
2. Top ideas get picked for a full plan.
3. Submit the detailed version with full steps.
4. GIZ and BMZ review and choose winners for funding and help.

Who Can Apply

Teams need these members:

1. At least one company from the EU, EEA, Switzerland, or UK.
   And
2. At least one company from a DAC-listed country or a skilled non-profit.

Companies must work in farm supply chains. EU firms add co-funding. Partners must team up closely.

Steps to Apply

Follow these to submit.

Step 1: Check Documents

Read the terms and conditions. Use templates for applicant info and project idea.

Step 2: Build Your Application

Use the FAQ and checklist. Join Q&A sessions if needed.

Step 3: Send It In

Email everything to [email protected]. Follow template rules.

Deadline: June 15, 2026, at 11:59 PM CEST.

Optional Q&A Sessions

Join live talks on April 16, April 22, April 30, or May 6. They help make stronger applications. Register through the program site.

Past Results

Four rounds funded 30 projects. They brought fresh fixes for sustainable farming and helped many in supply chains.

Frequently Asked Questions