Emerging Markets

The strategy, which would need $400bn over the next 10 years, will co-ordinate and attract increased investment by looking at value chains and helping to reduce risk for investors.

As agricultural investment in emerging markets grows, Mark Eckstein, environment and social director at development finance institution CDC, explains why it is vital to plan around ESG issues and how investors should go about it.

The bank finds the African poultry sector needs investors to strengthen the value chain linking grains, feed and meat.

Wilfred Morren, founder of land investment brokerage firm Farmland Uruguay, outlines how forestry and farmland certification was achieved on a mixed cattle, forestry and cropping investment in Uruguay.

A World Economic Forum panel said rural development and technology are needed for the region to take advantage of its strong resources and boost production.

The capital includes a recent $30m pledge from the University of Michigan Regents, with soft commitments pushing the debt fund above $500m.

Despite worries about competition for land over food and fuel production leading to food security fears, a DOE report says bioenergy and food security can be mutually supportive.

The IFC is providing feed, farming and veterinary company Anova with $15m in financing, as it looks to improve Vietnam's livestock sector.

Experts on the country's economy say its growing agri sector is limited by poor infrastructure, with transportation a particular issue.