AGCO MACHINERY RDI

The project concerns the promoter's research, development and innovation (RDI) expenditures related primarily to agricultural tractors and engines and, to a smaller extent, to crop sprayer equipment and combines. The RDI activities will be carried out in the promoter's existing reseach and development (R&D) facilities located in Marktoberdorf (Germany), Beauvais (France), Suolahti and Linnavuori (Finland) as well as, to a smaller extent, in two other EU-based R&D centres in the 2019-21 period.

The main RDI themes target product development to ensure compliance with the EU legislation (Stage V emission targets), the development of new product features, the enhancement of the platform programmes to improve modularity and standardisation as well as innovation activities to keep the current product portfolio updated. The project also includes research on connectivity, agricultural processes automation, digitalisation, robotics, adoption of alternative fuels and electrification representing the key technology framework for the company's most advanced RDI activities.

Research and development activities on agricultural machinery are not listed in any of the annexes of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Directive 2014/52/EU amending the Directive 2011/92/EU. The financed activities will be carried out in existing facilities, already authorised, that will not change their scope due to the project, thus not requiring any additional environmental permits.

The promoter is a private company not operating in the utilities sector and does not have the status of a contracting authority. Thus, it is not covered by EU Directives on procurement. Procedures followed are in the best interest of the project and satisfactory for the Bank.