2025 RFSI Europe | Regenerative Food Systems Investment

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Registration is Open!

26-27 February, 2025
Brussels, Belgium

stock photo - copy - copy

Registration is Open!

26-27 February, 2025
Brussels, Belgium

Agenda | Speakers | Pre-Workshop | Venue/Hotel | Sponsor | Register

The Convening to Catalyze Investment in Europe’s Regenerative Agriculture & Food Sector

There’s a diverse and growing ecosystem of organizations working to transform Europe’s agriculture and food system from extractive and degrading to resilient and regenerative. This transition will require profound shifts in mindset, deep collaboration, bold innovation … and capital.

RFSI Europe will explore the critical role capital plays in enabling food systems transformation across Europe and beyond. Presentations, panel discussions, Q&A, round table discussions, pitches and lots of networking will work to connect the dots between the people, organizations, concepts, and strategies that will drive financial results, reduce systemic risks, and – most importantly – build lasting change for soil health, food quality, human nutrition, and planetary well-being.

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Who Should Attend?

RFSI Europe is the only event in Europe that exclusively brings together the investors, funders, and changemakers working to advance the agriculture and food systems.

Who Should Attend?

Investors, fund managers, foundations, institutions, debt providers, wealth managers and financial advisors
Farmers, entrepreneurs, small and large food companies, advocates
Investment service providers, policy makers, advocates, and media members
Anyone seeking to learn more about how to build and invest in regenerative agriculture and food systems

Farmer Scholarships

Farmers and ranchers are an essential part of the regenerative food system and to the ecosystem of capital and solution-builders at RFSI Europe. To better enable farmers to join the conversation, we are offering a limited number of Farmer Scholarships to cover registration fees. *Travel, accommodations, and add-on activities are NOT included in the scholarships.

Must be a full-time farmer to qualify for the scholarship.

We would like to say a very special thank you to The Nest Family Office for making these scholarships available!

Apply for a Farmer Scholarship here.

<PRECOURSE>

Pre-Event Workshop: Introduction to Investing in Regen Ag & Food Systems

25 February | 1:00 – 4:30 p.m.

Continue your journey into investing in regenerative agriculture with a special new workshop that takes place before RFSI Europe! Enjoy an intimate afternoon of deep learning and engagement with experts already investing in the space – all designed to equip you with a robust foundation for your own investment strategy. Designed to compliment the main RFSI Europe program well, the pre-event workshop is a great place to start if you have investing experience but are new to investing in regenerative food systems. Attendees will gain a better understanding of the space and how to invest in it, plus network with and learn from other investors and funders already engaged.

Who Should Attend? ➪ This special workshop is designed for and open to capital allocators, asset owners and managers, and advisors considering investing in the space, including:

Impact Investors
Family Offices
Foundations

Institutional Investors
Banks
Wealth Managers / Investment Advisors

Limited space is available, please register early to reserve your spot!

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Speakers

Here’s a peek at our first speakers…

David Bennell is a leading Sustainability professional with over 25 years of experience with corporations and investors, as well as with many of the world’s top NGOs and philanthropic foundations. He’s a managing director the $28 billion Transformational Investing in Food Systems Initiative and an investor in start-ups focused on digital climate solutions and bioscience. He worked in the corporate sector for three prominent corporations leading R&D, leadership development and sustainability programs and held a 5-year appointment at MIT as adjunct faculty in the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics. David helped co-found the for-profit social enterprise company CottonConnect (a 2012 finalist for World’s Most Ethical Company), helped launch a multimillion-dollar USA impact investing fund focused on rural economic development, and co-created and led the global apparel industry standards non-profit Textile Exchange. David wrote and presents one of the world’s most watched sustainability education courses viewable on Linked In Learning (titled Sustainability Strategies) named the #1 global course for impact investors. He serves on the board at Wolfe’s Neck Center, home of the global agriculture technology platform OpenTEAM, and is a board director at American Forests, the USA’s oldest forest conservation organization founded in 1876.

David BennellTransformational Investing in Food Systems (TIFS) | Managing Director

Paola de AlmeidaPegasus Capital Advisors | Operating Advisor

Maarten is program manager regenerative economy at the DOEN Foundation. DOEN supports pioneers who strive for a greener, socially inclusive, and more creative society. Maarten has over 20-years’ experience in impact investing, climate finance, food systems, sustainability, social welfare, and entrepreneurship. For DOEN he has a specific focus on regeneration, innovative business models, food systems and energy transition in the Netherlands, East Africa, and India.

Maarten Derksen DOEN Foundation

Amy Godfrey has been a doctor in the NHS for 7 years, specializing in anesthetics and intensive care medicine. Over the past three years she has developed a keen interest in regenerative food systems, seeing first hand the devastating health and economic impacts of chronic, diet-related diseases. She decided to pursue a career within the space last year and believes that innovation and entrepreneurship lie at the heart of solving our health and climate crises. She has recently started working for The First Thirty, an operator-led early-stage fund investing in technology to unlock human and planetary health, by investing in the food system.

Amy GodfreyThe First Thirty

Cristina Hastings NewsomeNuveen Natural Capital | Head of Sustainability, Managing Director

Alessia is responsible for the development of impact policies, measurement and reporting at SLM Partners, while assisting with the development of new fund strategies and investment opportunities. She is based in London. Alessia has broad experience in impact investing across both the retail and institutional investment landscape. She previously led responsible investment research at Redington, a UK-based investment consultant which advises on over $500billion of assets. As part of this role, she sourced and researched impact investment opportunities across a wide range of asset classes – both private and public – and helped her client base of pension funds, endowments, foundations and wealth managers integrate sustainability considerations in their investment process. Before that, Alessia completed a 3-year analyst program at J.P. Morgan where she was closely involved in the creation of J.P. Morgan’s first sustainable fund-of-fund solution for private banking clients. Alessia completed the Huntsman Program, a coordinated dual degree at the University of Pennsylvania (Wharton School of Business). She holds French and Italian citizenship.

Alessia LendersSLM Partners | Head of Impact

Hayley is an investment professional with experience in food and agriculture spanning both professional experience in impact-focused private market research in New York/ London, as well as hands-on exposure to operating family farms in South Africa and the UK, with which she is still integrally involved. Building on 5 years prior experience at impact-dedicated advisory firm, Flat World Partners, Hayley is currently working across consulting projects for private market investors looking to transition their portfolios into thematic impact investments. She is also part of the founding team of Kinjani, an African climate tech venture studio focused on food systems, urbanisation, materials and critical minerals which launched in 2023. Hayley has a MS Sustainability Management from Columbia University, with a focus on sustainable finance and agriculture, and holds a BSc Genetics Hons from Stellenbosch University, South Africa.

Hayley MoleImpact Investor | Food, Ag, Climate, Sustainability & Land

Ben is the Chief Investment Officer of Yeo Ventures, a fund manager with a simple mission; to drive the transition to a natural and healthy food system. Yeo Ventures backs the founders and companies that have set their sights on disrupting the industrialized food system with regenerative solutions that prioritize rebuilding planetary and human health. Currently deploying funds from the Yeo Valley Organic business in the UK, Yeo Ventures is raising a second fund to 10 x our impact in the regenerative food system. Prior to Yeo Ventures, Ben was a partner in a private equity fund based in London. He trained as a chartered accountant with KPMG, and has held a number of roles in corporate finance advisory. He lives in Somerset and, outside of work, is a qualified horticulturalist who is obsessed with growing his own food, and chairs the board of a not-for-profit organic community farm.

Ben NewtonYeo Ventures | Chief Investment Officer

A social entrepreneur passionate about regenerative business, food and development, Edouard is a founding General Partner of the OSC Fund. The fund is an initiative of One Step Closer (OSC) and strategically invests in early-stage companies spanning the entire agricultural value chain—from farming and production to sales and marketing, distribution, and upcycling. Leveraging the collective strength and proven track record of the OSC network of founders and CEOs, the OSC Fund offers purpose-driven entrepreneurs with alignment funding, peer support, and c-suite support from entrepreneurs and founders who bring best-in-class contributions.

Edouard RolletOne Step Closer (OSC) Fund | Founding General Partner

Eric Smith is CEO/Co-Founder of Edacious, a technology platform for differentiating food quality and creating linkages between soil and human health through food nutrient composition. He was most recently Director of Neglected Climate Opportunities, the Grantham Foundation's venture capital vehicle where he led investments in businesses that can remove carbon and GHG at scale. Eric was previously with SJF Ventures and worked for BlackRock on climate finance, in addition to providing advisory services to forest carbon and other natural resource management projects. He received his MBA and Master of Forestry from Duke and served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Costa Rica.

Eric SmithEdacious | CEO

Since 2011 Koen has been following the regenerative agriculture and food space when he stumbled upon the carbon sequestration potential of regenerative farming. Under "Investing in Regenerative Agriculture and Food" he has published more than 180 podcast interviews with impact investors, fund managers, farmers and many others. Regenerating soils and ecosystems by putting money (big and small) to work is the central theme that drives him. He is also manager at the Impact Investor community nonprofit Toniic.

Koen van SeijenInvesting in Regenerative Agriculture and Food Podcast

Antony Yousefian passionately believes in harnessing technology for a meaningful impact. As a Partner at The First Thirty, he is at the forefront of addressing the critical finance gap in nature-based solutions, channelling investments into early-stage innovators dedicated to regenerating soils and revitalizing natural ecosystems. His journey began in asset management, where he developed a profound commitment to ESG and impact investment. This path led to significant roles in tech, including scaling 30MHz’s agricultural IoT solutions and founding Bx to help farms quantify their ecological footprint. Antony also lends his strategic expertise to Wiliot, focusing on the application of Ambient IoT in the circular economy. Additionally, he supports the Tech Nation Climate Program, the Earth Shot Prize, and chairs the Advisory Board at Agrimetrics.

Antony YousefianThe First Thirty | Partner

Keep checking back as we continue to add exciting new speakers to our line-up!

<AGENDA ANCHOR>

Agenda

We have another fascinating, engaging, and productive convening planned for RFSI Europe 2025! The agenda will include presentations, panels discussions, workshops, and round table discussions – all designed to inform and enhance your work in the space.

Day One

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Day 1: Wednesday, February 26

REGISTRATION / OPENING COFFEE | 8:00 am

9:00 a.m.

Welcome

9:20 a.m.

Resilient Returns: The Compelling Financial and Systemic Outcomes of Investing in Regenerative to Agriculture & Food

Across Europe and around the globe, the transition to healthy, regenerative agriculture and food systems is gaining crucial momentum – from farmer to supply chain to retailer to consumer – fueling a compelling case for investment – on that presents tremendous opportunity for financial and systemic impact returns.

9:40 a.m.

Financing the Foundation of Food Systems: Perspectives from Farmers

Farmers are the foundation on which any food system rests. In order to support successful transitions to more resilient and regenerative food systems (and successful investments into these systems), farmer needs – in all of their diversity and complexity – must be supported. Hear from a panel of farmers about what opportunities and obstacles are most significant to them, and what they need from capital allocaters and systems builders.

10:25 a.m.

Building Supply Systems & Markets

At the heart of transitioning to new systems is that the system transitions together. For example, in order for farmers to transition to new practices and crops, they often need to be assured they will have access to appropriate markets for their goods. Likewise, in order for processors, distributors, emerging brands and retailers to take on new products, they need to be assured of supply. This session will explore who is building supply chains and markets for regenerative products, and what these stakeholders need to be successful in their crucial work.

NETWORKING COFFEE BREAK | 11:05 a.m.

11:45 a.m.

Investing in Regeneration from Soil to Stomach – Understanding the Players at the Table

The agriculture and food system provide a diversity of investment entry points ranging from enabling technologies, farmland, farm operations, the supply chain, emerging brands and more. This diversity in opportunity also calls for diverse forms of capital. Learn from those executing debt, real asset, venture and philanthropic strategies to capture these opportunities.

12:25 p.m.

Case Study: Enabling Farmers Around the World with Innovative Capital Vehicles

12:45 p.m.

Taking a Systems-based Approach to Investing in Regeneration

The complexity and interconnectedness of the agrifood system calls for a systemic approach to investing in it. But what does a system-based approach look like in practice? Hear how a growing group of European investors are working together to change what investing in agriculture and food systems looks like.

LUNCH | 1:10 p.m.

2:10 p.m.

Catalytic Capital and Filling the Investment Gap

2:45 p.m.

Workshops & Roundtables

Workshop 1: Investing in Emerging Markets

Workshop 2: Water Cycle Restoration

Round Table Discussions:

– Farmer-Led Investment Strategies
– Measuring Impact & Putting it on the Balance Sheet
– Starting a New Investment Vehicle for Regenerative Ag
– Key Ingredients for Enabling Entrepreneurship

COFFEE BREAK | 3:40 pm

4:25 p.m.

Mini Case Study

4:30 p.m.

Driving Planetary and Human Health Through AgriFood Innovation

Pitch Session Hosted by The First Thirty

Today, technology can play an enabling force for healthy, regenerative agrifood systems unlike any time in the past. Equipped with a deeper understanding of agronomy and data technology than ever before, as well as of the deep connections between how we do agriculture and the implications for ecological and human health, technology – working with nature – is poised to both enable and systems health. In this captivating pitch session, hear from 4 exciting companies who are driving planetary and human health through agrifood innovation. Then our audience will choose on people’s choice winner!

5:20 p.m.

Closing of Day 1

EVENING RECEPTION | 5:30-7:00 p.m.

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Day One

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Day 2: Thursday, February 27

OPENING COFFEE | 8:00 am

9:00 a.m.

Welcome

9:10 a.m.

Investing in Ecosystem Services Markets That Serve Farmers & the Transition

9:40 a.m.

Building Natural Capital into Your Strategy, Onto the Balance Sheet, and Into Deal Flow

Recognizing and managing natural capital as a business and investment priority is essential for long-term profitability, enterprise risk management, and sustainability. Join leading experts for a lively discussion around understanding and managing the business impacts and dependencies of natural capital and creating nature-based investable opportunities that drive long-term value creation and resilient, sustainable companies.

10:20 a.m.

Case Study: Creating a Model to Fund the Global Regeneration of Grasslands

COFFEE BREAK | 10:45 a.m.

11:25 a.m.

Blended Capital Approaches for Landscape Level Investment in Regenerative

Explore the incentive gaps that exist for farmers to transition and how innovative financing models, including reforming the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and designing public-private incentives, can support the large-scale adoption of regenerative practices. The discussion will highlight opportunities for policymakers, supply chain actors and investors to align funding mechanisms with sustainability goals and to engage in de-risking strategies that deliver tangible benefits for landscapes, biodiversity, and farming livelihoods.

12:05 p.m.

Workshops & Roundtables:

Workshop 1: Investment Opportunities in Regenerative Oceans

Workshop 2: TBD

Round Table Discussions:

– Farmer-Led Investment Strategies
– Measuring Impact & Putting it on the Balance Sheet
– Starting a New Investment Vehicle for Regenerative Ag
– Key Ingredients for Enabling Entrepreneurship

LUNCH | 1:00 p.m.

1:50 p.m.

Pitch Session Winner Announced!

2:05 p.m.

Case Study

2:25 p.m.

Health is Wealth: How Investing in Regenerative Food Can Move Our Health Goals Forward

3:05 p.m.

Policy & Regulation: A Driving Force Behind the Shift to Nature-Based Solutions

3:30 p.m.

Creating Capital Infrastructure to Meet the Growing Needs of the System

4:20 p.m.

Closing Remarks

CLOSING NETWORKING RECEPTION | 4:30-6:00 p.m.

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<PITCH ANCHOR>

Pitch Session

Driving Planetary and Human Health through AgriFood Innovation

The application period has closed.

RFSI Europe, in partnership with The First Thirty, is thrilled to open up applications for participation in this year’s RFSI Europe Pitch Session. This exciting pitch session, will feature 4 innovative, high impact companies working to advance the connections between planetary and human health. Winners will be invited to pitch to our audience of 300+ investors, funders and systems stakeholders at RFSI Europe 2025 in Brussels on 26-27 February.

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Venue + Hotel

Maison de la Poste

RFSI Europe will be held at the Maison de la Poste. The Maison de la Poste is part of the extensive Tour & Taxis site, located in the heart of Brussels. Tour & Taxis is “a city within a city” with shops, restaurants, pubs, cultural venues, a huge swathe of parkland. The iconic Maison de la Poste aims to be at the top of its field in terms of rooms, infrastructure, service, and sustainability.

The Usual Brussels

We’ve secured 20% off guest rooms at The Usual Brussels hotel for attendees. If you’d like to book your accommodations here, please use this custom booking link that will automatically apply a 20% discount. The Usual lives and breathes regenerative hospitality. The Usual is surrounded by popular shopping streets, local eateries, and pedestrian-friendly areas. Enjoy the sleekly designed rooms or find yourself in our cosy and vibrant social space. The U-Bar downstairs offers local food and drinks, from hearty breakfasts to light bites.

Thank You To Our Sponsors

FARMER SCHOLARSHIP SPONSOR

The Nest

The Nest is a Belgian family office investing in more resilient food systems. We envision them operating within the planetary boundaries of the Earth. We imagine a mostly circular system, based on respect for all living beings and the farmers and agricultural workers at its core. We see a world in which the true price of food is understood and accounts for the costs borne by society and the planet. In this system indigenous wisdom and technology are intertwined to produce food regeneratively that can serve as medicine and provide enough nourishment for all. And while the dominant system is difficult to overturn, we strongly believe that by creating choices where once there were none, nature based solutions will in the end prevail.

Further information

DIAMOND SPONSOR

OP2B

One Planet Business for Biodiversity (OP2B) is an international, cross-sectoral and action-oriented business coalition on biodiversity with a specific focus on regenerative agriculture. We are determined to drive transformational system change and catalyze action to protect and restore cultivated and natural biodiversity within agricultural value chains. We engage institutional and financial decision-makers and develop and advocate for policy recommendations. The coalition is focused on scaling up regenerative agriculture developing transparent outcome-based reporting for regenerative agriculture advocating for positive policy for de-risking the transition for farmers and promoting crop and food ingredient diversification.

Further information

DIAMOND SPONSOR

Transformational Investing in Food Systems

TIFS is an impact ecosystem of investors, funders, and enterprises dedicated to unlocking capital for regenerative businesses. We are helping to build a market for a regenerative, equitable, and climate-resilient food future.

Further information

PITCH SESSION SPONSOR

The First Thirty

The First Thirty (TFT,) a venture capital firm, invests in early-stage entrepreneurs building disruptive technology businesses to unlock nature’s value and regenerate at scale, with a goal of influencing the regeneration of 30 million hectares by 2030.

Further information

GOLD SPONSOR

Yeo Ventures

Yeo Ventures invests in founders and companies driving the transition to a food system that produces natural healthy food and regenerates the planet.

Further information

GOLD SPONSOR

Mad Capital

Mad Capital provides tailor-fit private credit to regenerative organic farmers in the US. They are working to bridge the transition financing gap by providing the longer-term capital it takes to transition a degraded farm to a beautiful, profitable, and regenerative farm.

Further information

GOLD SPONSOR

SLM Partners

SLM Partners is an asset manager that uses capital to scale up regenerative agriculture. We invest in farmland and partner with farmers across Europe, USA and Australia. A pioneer since 2009, we have >$700 million in assets under management.

Further information

GOLD SPONSOR

Savory Foundation

Deploying large-scale regeneration projects through the network of Savory Institute global implementation partners providing carbon sequestration, ecosystem restoration and compelling fiscal returns for investors.

Further information

Become a Sponsor

Sponsors of the RFSI Europe are the organizations leading the transition to a more regenerative food system. Sponsorship packages offer value and flexibility for diverse types of businesses, with benefits that include:

Increased visibility and thought-leadership among a unique investor and activator community
Opportunity to showcase your expertise and services
Media coverage before, during and after event
Branding throughout the event

For information on how to sponsor this event, please contact us here.