Institutional Investors

goFARM and Nuveen Natural Capital told the Global Food Forum in Melbourne that sustainable agricultural practices were attractive to investors.

Laguna Bay managing director Tim McGavin says DBJ is a ‘natural fit’ with the firm’s investment philosophy and hopes to secure further capital from Japanese LPs.

The acquisition from an unidentified seller adds to more than $500m invested by the pension across Nuveen-managed vehicles that include properties in the US, Australia, Brazil, Chile and New Zealand.

Markets are watching closely the negotiations around a Ukrainian grain export deal that affirms the role of geopolitics and diplomacy in the fortunes of agricultural investors.

Managing partner Andy Wiltshire says large properties with distinct parcels suitable for agriculture and timberland development are available in countries where the firm already operates and elsewhere.

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

The Harvard Management Company spin-out’s first vehicle was supported primarily by its former parent and $309bn insurance company, American International Group.

Dutch insurer ASR has committed €10m to the Article 9 fund, which links 100% of its carried interest to the achievement of impact goals.

BTG Timberland Investment Group head Gerrity Lansing says increased appreciation of forestry’s sequestration potential, new entrants and shifting geopolitical sentiment are helping bring about an exciting time for timberland.

Dahab Associates chief investment officer Steven Roth says he expects the $139m pension to finalize a commitment of 5 percent of its total portfolio by the end of the calendar year.