Al Barbarino

The National Institute of Food and Agriculture has announced four grants to combat citrus greening disease, which has led to a 75 percent decline in Florida's $9bn citrus industry since it was first detected there in 2005.

Unilever is the first corporate investor in the fund, committing $25m over a five-year period.

San Francisco Equity Partners has acquired a majority stake in Missouri-based Red Monkey Foods, an organic spices and seasonings company.

PABRA's director noted that the African staple is resilient, inexpensive, easy to grow and sell, highly nutritious and vitamin-rich, yet underfunded.

The regulations have been viewed as complex and burdensome by opponents across industries.

Emerging economies may offer a good fit for investors and funds looking to diversify their portfolios into agriculture.

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has provided €10 million in long-term financing to a leading Greek flour milling company, Loulis Mills, marking its first agribusiness transaction in the country.

At ACG New York’s monthly luncheon in Manhattan on Thursday, speakers identified debt funds as both the fastest growing and most sought after vehicles by institutional capital.

Sunrise, a provider of growth capital to food and ag companies, has made a minority investment in Pure Growth Organic, a producer and marketer of a portfolio of affordable organic snacks.

The FDA’s Veterinary Feed Directive might be costly at first, but it will ultimately create a healthier, more efficient livestock industry – while aligning investors with consumer and shareholder trends.