SODIAAL RDI IN DAIRY ACTIVITIES

The project consists of supporting the research and innovations activities of Sodiaal, a dairy cooperative in France, related to the development of the promoter's portfolio of innovative dairy products, the additional applications of existing ingredients, as well as the adaptation of their industrial process.

The project will accelerate and further mobilise research, development and innovation (RDI) investments, thus furthering the sustainability of the promoter, active in agriculture and bioeconomy.

The operation concerns a project programme over a period of four years comprised of RDI activities, and capital expenditure (CAPEX) investments carried out within existing facilities in France and would therefore not fall under the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Directive 2014/52/EU (amending 2011/92/EU). The requirements, in respect to national legislation, including permitting and public consultations, will be confirmed at the appraisal.

The promoter has been assessed by the EIB as a private company not subject to EU rules on public procurement or concessions. However, if after the project appraisal, the EIB were to conclude that the promoter is after all subject to the EU public procurement legislation Directive 2014/24/EU, then the Bank would require the promoter to ensure that contracts for the implementation of the project will be tendered in accordance with the relevant applicable EU procurement legislation Directive 2014/24/EU, where applicable, as well as Directive 89/665/EEC as interpreted by the Court of Justice of the European Union, with the publication of tender notices in the Official Journal of the European Union, as and where required.