Crops

Twelve universities have received grants of up to $6.5m to work on issues that include improving spinach production, developing new grape varieties and creating a domestic stevia industry.

Former PSP Investments managing director Antoine Bisson-McLernon says establishing multiple partnerships with local operators is the key to scaling up in a very fragmented global agriculture market.

Backed by the US firm’s $70m Brazil Renewables Fund, the $115m project is the first of ‘multiple plants’ Summit intends to build within the next two years.

Co-Alliance, which seeks to integrate indoor farming into traditional agriculture, had already bought two warehouses from the equipment maker last month.

The Midwest-focused manager, whose $35m pooled fund is fully invested, notes a rise in interest across agri from investment consultants and their clients.

The Equilibrium Capital affiliate is currently seeking $400m in support of a strategy focused on blueberries, citrus and hazelnuts.

Training in farming practices and efficient water use will come as part of a $40m program designed to help aid the West African nation recover from civil war.

Information is becoming a prized commodity as farmers seek to attract institutional capital hungry for better reporting.

The farmland REIT paid nearly $10m for the property, which is to be operated under a six-year lease to an Ohio-headquartered cabbage grower.

Wheat, soybean and corn among the top performers, with future prices falling on the back of higher-than-expected forecasts.