The Due Diligence Fund 5th Call for Proposals 2026 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 through GIZ. It targets partnerships that tackle human rights and environmental risks in farming. If you work in agriculture or development, this call provides a chance to create real change in global food systems.
About the Due Diligence Fund (DDF)
The Due Diligence Fund supports responsible business in agricultural supply chains around the world. It helps companies and groups set up systems to spot and fix risks to people and the planet. The focus stays on practical steps that lead to lasting improvements.
Core Objectives of the DDF
The fund has clear goals. It pushes for new ways to handle human rights and environmental due diligence, called HREDD. It aims to make supply chains stronger and more sustainable. Projects must improve life for farmers and workers at the start of the chain. They also build links between businesses and non-profits. In the end, solutions should spread to other places.
What is New in the 5th Call (DDF5)
This round learns from past ones and adds fresh features. It opens two funding windows for different project sizes. Grants go up to €250,000 each. The call now favors big projects with room to grow. It stresses new ideas that match rules like EU laws on due diligence.
Key Highlights
Changes make the program better. Larger funding helps tackle tough issues. Scalability means projects can expand beyond one area. Innovation gets a boost to solve old problems in smart ways. All this lines up with global standards on supply chains.
What the Fund Offers
Projects get more than money. They receive help from start to finish.
Financial Support
Grants reach €250,000 per project. EU-based companies must add their own co-financing based on their size. This shared cost shows commitment.
Technical Assistance
Experts guide teams on HREDD and sustainability. They help during planning and rollout.
Global Network Access
Winners join a network of partners worldwide. This brings shared knowledge and connections.
Visibility and Knowledge Sharing
Results get shared publicly. This helps the whole industry learn best practices.
Focus Areas and Thematic Priorities
The fund backs work on key problems in farming supply chains. Topics include stopping deforestation, fighting climate change, and protecting nature. It covers digital tools for farmers, equal chances for women and others, and fair pay for living wages. Gender equality stands out this year for the International Year of the Woman Farmer.
Why Human Rights and Environmental Due Diligence (HREDD) Matters
Rules now demand that farm supply chains check for harms to rights and nature. Frameworks guide this work. They include UN principles on business and rights, OECD guidelines, Germany’s Supply Chain Act, EU corporate due diligence rules, and deforestation-free product laws.
Benefits of Effective HREDD
Good due diligence brings clear gains. Supply chains become more open. Ties with suppliers grow solid. Access to markets improves. Businesses face risks better and compete stronger. Farming turns sustainable for the long run.
Types of Projects Supported
The DDF picks projects that stand out. They must bring fresh ideas and real fixes. Work should scale up and move to other spots. Focus stays on farm-level production. Projects target actual dangers in the field.
Key Project Requirements
Ideas need to cut harms. They use a step-by-step risk check. Methods follow clear processes. Efforts go past basic laws. Gender balance and inclusion must play a big role.
Programme Structure and Selection Process
The process has stages to pick the best.
1. Submission of Short Proposal
Start with a basic idea and team setup.
2. Shortlisting
Top ideas move to full plans.
3. Long Proposal Submission
Send a full strategy with steps.
4. Final Selection
GIZ and BMZ review and choose winners. They get funds and help.
Eligibility Criteria
Teams must partner up right.
Required Partners
Include at least one company from the EU, EEA, Switzerland, or UK. Add a company from a DAC-listed country or a skilled non-profit. Private firms must work in ag supply chains. EU partners provide co-financing. Partners collaborate closely.
How to Apply
Follow three steps to submit.
Step 1: Review Application Documents
Check terms and conditions, plus templates for applicant info and concept notes. Use FAQ and checklist too.
Step 2: Prepare Application
Gather all parts. Join Q&A sessions if needed.
Step 3: Submit Application
Email everything to [email protected]. See templates for details.
Application Deadline
Submit by June 15, 2026, at 11:59 PM CEST.
Q&A Sessions (Optional Support)
Live sessions happen on April 16, April 22, April 30, and May 6. They answer questions to strengthen applications. Register through the program site.
Programme Impact
Past rounds funded 30 projects. They brought new ways to farm sustainably. Solutions help everyone in the supply chain. The Due Diligence Fund 5th Call for Proposals 2026 builds on this success.
Frequently Asked Questions
What funding does the Due Diligence Fund 5th Call offer?
It provides grants up to €250,000 per project for partnerships tackling human rights and environmental risks in agricultural supply chains. EU-based companies must add co-financing based on their size.
Who is eligible to apply for DDF5?
Eligible teams include at least one company from the EU, EEA, Switzerland, or UK, partnered with a company from a DAC-listed country or a skilled non-profit. Partners must work closely on ag supply chains.
What is the application deadline?
Submit your application by June 15, 2026, at 11:59 PM CEST via email to [email protected]. Review documents, prepare materials, and join optional Q&A sessions first.
What are the main focus areas for projects?
Projects target issues like stopping deforestation, fighting climate change, gender equality, living wages, and digital tools for farmers. They must improve conditions at the farm level and scale up.
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