*70% of global nitrous oxide emissions and 12% of global carbon dioxide emissions come from the global agriculture industry. Modern farming methods such as the use of chemical fertilisers, intensive farming, monoculture and tillage have led to soil erosion, lower soil quality and lower ability to absorb and retain greenhouse gases. This leads farmers to use even more chemical fertilisers, herbicides and pesticides, which then harm the soil even more.
Regenerative agriculture is a way of farming that enhances cooperation with nature and such practices include avoiding soil disturbance, planting cover crops, adding organic matter and integrating livestock to improve soil health, biodiversity, water saving and increase carbon capture.
We’ve announced today a €150m commitment to the Regenerate European Sustainable Agriculture Fund, managed by climate impact investment managers, Regenerate Asset Management. Regenerate’s European Sustainable Agriculture Fund will invest €40m into the growth of a diversified Portuguese blueberry enterprise - Regen Blue. The Fund will expand the approach of Regen Blue’s two current enterprises into regenerative practices, improving soil health and bio-diversity, whilst scaling the business to contribute to the economic growth of its local communities.
Future investments by the Fund will focus on the build-out of a network of regenerative farms across Europe to take advantage of the growing demand for other types of sustainable produce.
Niranjan Sirdeshpande, Global Head of Investments, M&G Catalyst, says:
“Regenerate’s mission aligns perfectly with our objectives to invest where we can make the biggest difference – and in this case the end goal is sustainably produced food. Our investment will enable Regenerate to add value through regenerative agriculture in a way that looks to generate market rate private equity returns for investors, while also targeting positive science-based environmental impact on the planet. We are proud to play a role in Regenerate’s mission to drive environmental change in Europe.”
*Source: Climate Watch 2023 - Emissions by sector: where do greenhouse gases come from? - Our World in Data