Key facts
- Investors are showing interest in regenerative agriculture.
- A summit in Winnipeg discussed how capital can support resilient food and farming systems.
- Farmers require financing that matches long payback periods and tight margins.
- Land prices in some areas can range from $4,000 to $8,000 per acre.
- New farmers often need support like training and business planning before conventional financing.
- Philanthropic capital is suggested for new farmers in a pre-lending stage.
The Regenerative Food Systems Investment Canada summit, held in Winnipeg from May 26-27, aimed to bridge the gap between investor interest in regenerative agriculture and the practical financial needs of farmers. Amr Addas, a senior director at Farm Credit Canada (FCC), highlighted a Boston Consulting Group report estimating over US$300 billion in global investment opportunities tied to regenerative agriculture, suggesting a "generational opportunity" to build a resilient food system in Canada.