In honor of Earth Day on April 22, this week’s news update features a look at a group of investment vehicles that are helping expand capital allocation into regenerative agriculture and food. We also take a look at a new tool developed to asses natural capital credit risk, look inside some of the deals and new projects in this space, discover some new podcast episodes and look at the permaculture benefits of hazelnuts.
Featured Stories:
Five Investment Vehicles Changing the Way We Invest in Agriculture
In the past decade, agriculture has become a popular class for investors and as interest in regenerative ag has grown, so has the opportunity to invest in this climate-conscious movement. Here are five companies that are blazing the trail for investment in regenerative agriculture and food systems, each using a unique approach. Read more here
New Ag Sector Guide Will Help Assess Investment Risks
A new template will enable financial institutions to conduct natural capital credit risk assessment across different agricultural sectors and geographies, taking into account factors such as water availability, use and quality; soil health; biodiversity; energy use; and greenhouse gas emissions.
Read more here
Deal Activity and New Projects:
Cultivian Sandbox Closes Fund, Will Invest in Building More Sustainable Food System
The $135 million fund from Cultivian Sandbox will invest in food and agriculture technology companies that address global megatrends, including food safety, traceability, nutrition, and resource efficiency. Read more here
Regenerative Solution Takes Home Investment Challenge Prize
The Carbon Yield Fund was named the winner of the 2019 Kellogg-Morgan Stanley Sustainable Investing Challenge. The team proposed a solution to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by increasing organic farming.
Read more here
Expansion Signals Growth for Ag Tech Company
Indigo Ag is looking to disrupt the $3 trillion agriculture industry with a new type of seed coating that allows plants to lower carbon emissions, be less reliant on chemical fertilizers, be more resilient, and use less water. Anheuser-Busch is already on board. Read more here
Two Sides of a Story
Alliance Calls for Stronger Climate Rules
The Sustainable Food Policy Alliance is lobbying to set a price for carbon. Will Nestlé USA, Unilever, Danone North America, and Mars speed up the creation of federal climate policies?
Read more here
World Saving Idea or Food Marketing Ploy?
As some of the big names in food start using the word “regenerative,” questions arise about how dedicated they are to the movement.
Read more here
What We’re Listening To:
How to Implement the Five Principles of Soil Health
Montana farmer and crop insurance agent Korey Fauque explains how he implements these principles on his farm and how a farmer can transition to a soil health approach.
Listen here
Regenerative Agriculture and Honey Bee Health
Soil scientist and entomologist Jonathan Lundgren talks about how honey bee health problems can be solved by healthier soil on the Beekeeping Today Podcast.
Listen here
Crop Focus:
The Marvelous Million-Hazelnut Campaign
With their 12-foot deep roots, the perennial hazelnut is seen as a crop that could help end the cycles of drought and flood that are ravaging the Midwestern U.S. And the oil-laden nuts have a myriad of uses from food to fuel. How a group of allies are trying to reforest the Heartland.
Read more here