CERTIFIED EXPERT IN SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURAL FINANCE

Certificate Expert Course | ONLINE

BECOME A CERTIFIED EXPERT IN SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURAL FINANCE

The Certified Expert in Sustainable Agricultural Finance is an executive online certificate programme from Frankfurt School of Finance & Management designed for professionals working in agricultural finance, sustainable finance, development finance, and agribusiness. The programme provides practical knowledge and internationally recognised best practices to finance sustainable agriculture, strengthen agricultural value chains, and improve access to finance for farmers and rural enterprises. Participants develop the skills to design agricultural finance solutions, assess agricultural credit risks, apply ESG and climate finance principles, and support resilient and inclusive agricultural systems through innovative financial products and sustainable investment approaches.

Duration

6 months

Starting in March and September

Language

English | French | Spanish

Format & Credits

Online | 6 ECTS

Price

Early Bird: EUR 700

Regular Fee: EUR 900

Early Bird Fee available until 15 January/ 15 July

The Certified Expert in Sustainable Agricultural Finance is an executive online certificate programme from Frankfurt School of Finance & Management designed for professionals working in agricultural finance, sustainable finance, development finance, and agribusiness. The programme provides practical knowledge and internationally recognised best practices to finance sustainable agriculture, strengthen agricultural value chains, and improve access to finance for farmers and rural enterprises. Participants develop the skills to design agricultural finance solutions, assess agricultural credit risks, apply ESG and climate finance principles, and support resilient and inclusive agricultural systems through innovative financial products and sustainable investment approaches.

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Programme at a Glance

Format: Online | Part-Time | Self-Paced

Focus: Sustainable agricultural finance | Agricultural lending and risk management |Inclusive and innovative finance: Certificate

Global Alumni: More than 1,000 participants

Number of Nationalities: 95 countries

Launch Year: 2018 (as Certified Expert in Agricultural Finance) 

Module of: Master of Leadership in Sustainable Finance | Diploma in Financial Inclusion| Diploma in Green Finance

Workload: 3-4 hours per week

Languages: This programme is also offered in French and Spanish

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WHY STUDY SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURAL FINANCE AT FRANKFURT SCHOOL?

The Certified Expert in Sustainable Agricultural Finance draws on the expertise of Frankfurt School's International Advisory Services (IAS), which has worked with financial institutions, regulators, development organisations, and policymakers worldwide for decades. This ensures that the curriculum is rooted in real-world projects and international best practices in agricultural finance, sustainable finance, and development finance.

The programme also benefits from the expertise of the Frankfurt School – UNEP Collaborating Centre for Sustainable Finance. The Centre supports financial institutions, policymakers, and investors in mobilising sustainable and climate finance, integrating ESG considerations into financial decision-making, and financing resilient, nature-positive economies.

By combining applied research, international advisory expertise, and executive education, Frankfurt School equips professionals with the knowledge and practical tools to finance sustainable agriculture, strengthen agricultural value chains, and contribute to resilient, inclusive, and climate-smart food systems worldwide.

KEY LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon completion of the Certified Expert in Sustainable Agricultural Finance, participants will be able to:

  1. Analyse farming systems and assess the financing needs of farmers and agribusinesses from a sustainable agriculture perspective.
  2. Develop sustainable financial products, business models, and delivery channels for agricultural finance.
  3. Apply Sustainable Agricultural Value Chain Finance (SAVCF) to improve access to finance and build resilient value chains.
  4. Assess and mitigate agricultural credit and portfolio risks while applying best practices in credit cycle management.
  5. Learn how digital finance, agricultural insurance, and gender-responsive finance can support inclusive and climate-resilient agricultural systems.

IS THIS THE RIGHT PROGRAMME FOR YOU?

The Certified Expert in Sustainable Agricultural Finance is designed for professionals working at the intersection of agriculture, finance, and sustainable development. It is particularly relevant for staff from commercial banks, development finance institutions, microfinance institutions, impact investors, agribusinesses, government agencies, NGOs, and international organisations involved in agricultural finance, rural finance, food systems, and sustainable investment.

The programme is ideal for professionals seeking to deepen their expertise in financing sustainable agriculture, agricultural value chains, climate-resilient farming, and inclusive financial solutions for farmers and agribusinesses. It is also well suited for early-career professionals, and individuals seeking to transition into the field, providing a strong foundation for building a career in sustainable agricultural finance.

YOUR BENEFITS

What you will gain from becoming a Certified Expert in Sustainable Agricultural Finance from Frankfurt School: 

  1. Gain practical, policy-relevant expertise grounded in real-world agricultural and advisory projects and global best practices.
  2. Learn from practitioner-driven content
  3. Strengthen your ability to design and implement financial solutions that support sustainable agriculture, climate resilience, agricultural value chains, and financial inclusion for farmers and agribusinesses.
  4. Benefit from a flexible, fully online format that fits around professional commitments.
  5. Expand your international network by engaging with peers and experts from across the sustainable agriculture ecosystem.

REGISTRATION

Early Bird Fee

Apply by July 15, 2026
Starting in September 1, 2026
EUR 700

Regular Tuition Fee

Apply after July 15, 2026
Starting September 1
EUR 900

REGISTRATION

Early Bird Fee

Apply by July 15, 2026
Starting in September 1, 2026
EUR 700

Regular Tuition Fee

Apply after July 15, 2026
Starting September 1
EUR 900

DISCOUNTS

  1. Early Bird Discount for registrations by 15 January / 15 July
  2. Group Discount (10%) for two or more participants from the same company
  3. Alumni Discount (10%) for Frankfurt School alumni
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COURSE OUTLINE

Select a module from the table to view additional information.
Unit 1

Farming Systems & Sustainable Agriculture

Farming Systems & Sustainable Agriculture

Unit 2

Business Models in Sustainable Agriculture Finance (SAF)

Business Models in Sustainable Agriculture Finance (SAF)

Unit 3

Sustainable Agricultural Value Chain Finance

Sustainable Agricultural Value Chain Finance

Unit 4

Credit Risk Management in SAF

Credit Risk Management in SAF

Unit 5

Credit Cycle Management in SAF

Credit Cycle Management in SAF

Unit 6

Wrap-Up and Outlook

Wrap-Up and Outlook

Unit 7

Electives

Electives

COURSE LECTURER: HELMUT GROSSMANN

Helmut is a seasoned expert in rural development, agricultural finance, and MSME finance with a career spanning more than three decades. He holds a degree from the University of Kassel (1991), specializing in International Agriculture Development.

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STUDY JOURNEY

Step
01

Register

The course starts twice a year, on 1 March and 1 September
Step
02

Participate

6 months, 100% online, self-pace, self-study, few deadlines
Step
03

Pass the Exam

Online, offered twice a year
Step
04

Get Certified

Receive your e-certificate

Download key programme information

Download your brochure now to explore programme details, registration information, and learn how Frankfurt School can support you on your professional journey.

Download

RELATED CERTIFICATES & SEMINARS

FAQs

The Certified Expert in Sustainable Agricultural Finance starts twice a year, on 1 March and 1 September. Early registration is recommended to secure your early bird discount.

While scholarships are not offered for Certified Expert programmes, Frankfurt School provides several discount options, including early bird, group, and alumni discounts. Please check the programme page or contact the team for current offers and eligibility.

After successfully passing the final exam, participants receive an official Frankfurt School certificate. The certificate includes 3 ECTS credits. 

 Yes, although the programme is flexible, it includes defined deadlines for assignments, course completion, and the final exam. These ensure structured progress and successful completion within the designated timeframe.

Yes, the  programme includes live sessions and interactive discussions with lecturers and peers. All sessions are recorded and made available for participants who are unable to attend in real time.

Yes, participants can engage with lecturers, course coordinators, and peers through discussion forums and live sessions, enabling knowledge exchange and networking.

 If needed, you can apply for a course extension and continue from where you left off. Extensions are available for up to three years after the course end date and require an administrative fee of €200. 

Late enrolment (1 month after course start) is possible. However, joining after the start date can make it more challenging to meet deadlines. 

Yes, enrolling in multiple courses is possible. 

Payment in instalments is not offered. Full payment is required prior to the start of the programme.

WE ARE HERE FOR YOU

Lina Roca Garcoa

Programme Coordinator

e-campus@fs.de 

CONTACT US