Agria Group Holding, a leading name in Bulgaria's grain production and trading sector, has secured a significant financial boost from the European Investment Bank (EIB). A €35 million loan agreement has been signed with Kristera AD, a subsidiary of Agria Group, aimed at co-financing the construction of an innovative sunflower oil processing facility in northern Bulgaria and the acquisition of railcars for transporting edible oils.

This strategic financial support is part of the InvestEU programme, a major initiative aimed at stimulating over €372 billion in additional investment from 2021 to 2027 across the European Union. InvestEU is focused on driving investments aligned with EU policy priorities, including the green transition, competitiveness, innovation, and sustainable infrastructure.

With the backing of InvestEU and the EIB, Agria Group Holding is set to enhance its sunflower seed production efficiency and expand its reach into export markets. The project, estimated to cost around €75 million in total, is not just an industrial venture; it also promises to create new job opportunities and foster sustainable development and resilience in rural areas.

The proposed sunflower oil processing plant, slated for construction in Popovo, northern Bulgaria, represents a leap towards environmental sustainability. It plans to employ waste-free, green technology and contribute to climate action by generating renewable energy from discarded sunflower seed hulls. The facility is expected to be operational by the second half of 2027. Additionally, the project includes purchasing railcars to transport the oil to Varna, Bulgaria's Black Sea port, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions compared to road freight transport. This initiative underscores a commitment to eco-friendly practices in Bulgaria's agricultural sector.