This session is facilitated by UNEP FI as part of the GEF-funded Financing Agrochemical Reduction and Management (FARM) Programme. 

Informed by the Guidance on Pollution Reduction and Management in the Agriculture sector, the session will facilitate financial institutions, particularly banks, to make the first shift from commitments to practical implementation by ensuring that agricultural pollution risks are clearly understood and embedded within institutional mandates, and is supported by senior management level. Building on this foundation, the session will also examine what operational readiness for financial institutions, and banks looks like in addressing pollution issues in their portfolios. This includes assessing internal resources, systems, and capabilities required to translate strategic intent into concrete action across client portfolios, and how banks can identify appropriate entry points for initiating pilots in pollution reduction and management.

By the end of the session, the attendees will:

• Understand how agrochemical and agricultural plastic pollution can be addressed in a structured manner within agriculture portfolios.
• Be able to assess their institution’s current state of practice using the PRB-aligned four-step approach: alignment, baseline setting, target setting, and implementation.
• Identify gaps, priority actions, and practical entry points for effective client engagement on pollution reduction and management in agriculture.
• Gain clarity on practical first steps to strengthen internal foundations and prepare for effective pilots on pollution reduction and management in agriculture.

The session is designed for financial institutions, including private and public banks, microfinancing institutions, credit unions, and others with exposure to agricultural lending. Banks and intermediaries that work with or advise banks on agriculture and pollution-related issues are also encouraged to attend. This workshop will enable these groups of participants to assess their current state of practice on pollution across their portfolios using the guidance's framework and materials.