Summit highlights gap between regenerative ag investment and farm needs

However, discussions on a farmer panel moderated by Dana Penrice revealed significant challenges. Farmer Chelsi Beernaert emphasized the substantial capital required for farm succession, noting land prices can range from $4,000 to $8,000 per acre, translating to $640,000 to $1.2 million for a quarter section, not including equipment costs. She raised concerns about who carries risk and maintains control with outside investment.

For new farmers, Afua Asantewaa, executive director of Inclusive Prosperity, pointed to barriers such as lack of affordable land and access to "patient" or "catalytic" capital, which implies a higher tolerance for risk and slower returns. Sara Dent, co-founder of Young Agrarians, advocated for philanthropic capital, stating that many new farmers are in a pre-lending stage requiring training, business planning, and land access support before they qualify for conventional financing.

Addas acknowledged that traditional lenders like FCC have a role but stressed the need to understand regenerative agriculture as a long-term resilience issue, with practices needing to be regionally appropriate and cost-effective. He concluded that while money is available, its usefulness depends on its fit with farmers' specific needs, including long payback periods, tight margins, and succession pressures, and that lenders must accept and find ways to support the inherent risks in the sector.