Commodities

Despite a surprise interest rate rise this week by the Reserve Bank of Australia, farmland values continue to hold up – although growth is slowing.

Mekong Earth and Forest Fund will target companies that help mitigate climate change through the regeneration of forests and soil in the lower Mekong region.

As the market begins to cool slightly, producers are increasingly trying to make themselves investor-ready – which presents an opportunity for buyers, too, say PwC's Kosta Kangelaris and Jaclyn Hope.

Agreement between the two countries raises hope that 80.5% tariffs on Australian barley exports to China could be lifted within the next four months.

Australia’s winter crop set new records this year but a return to more normal rainfall patterns will see production and incomes fall while remaining well above average, according to ABARES.

Australian farmland recorded a ‘solid’ annualized return for Q3 2022, but returns on a quarterly basis fell to just 0.1% as both income and capital growth stall.

The acquisition of Gundaline by a Chinese textiles firm is a sign that Chinese investors are looking Down Under again, with more ‘big deals’ possible in the next 18 months.

The myriad challenges facing the world presents private markets with a lot of unanswered questions – the hunt to find their solutions promises to be a fascinating journey.

The influx of investors looking for ways to gain exposure to natural capital assets continued apace this year but the Russia-Ukraine war will remain the biggest influencer of trends and markets.

The firm’s natural capital vehicle has invested in a 400ha regenerative almond project in Spain, while its carbon strategy has backed the two million ha Restore Africa initiative.