Supply Chain

The US may have an outsized influence on investment trends in the year ahead as Donald Trump casts his shadow over global conflicts, trade and climate issues.

Agriculture’s place as a beneficiary and magnet for immigrant labor will face greater scrutiny, regardless of who wins, after another election in which immigration has played a central role.

The SVG Ventures Sunrise Fund will make early-stage investments with a typical check size of $500,000-$1 million.

Among several appointments, Tyler Mayoras will step up to become managing director, food and beverage sector, with responsibilities including sourcing new investments.

The Vail, Colorado PE firm’s recent acquisition of organic beef brand Verde Farms is an example of its investment strategy focusing on companies that improve health.

QIC has backed Pollination’s new venture capital fund, which is aiming for a final close in 2025.

Director of innovation Heather Thompson says a commitment to Cultivian’s Fund III opened the company’s eyes to the variety of agtech innovation and led to the launch of its VC unit.

Merricks Capital, which manages the A$470m Agriculture Credit Fund, will become part of ASX-listed Regal Partners in July 2024.

The Queensland-based fund will seek to deploy more capital in its home state, building on existing investments including the QLD Regional Livestock Exchange.

Dairy giant Fonterra will listen to offers for its consumer brands as well as its manufacturing facilities in Australia, New Zealand and Sri Lanka.