Investing in Regenerative Agriculture: A Conversation with Agriculture Capital

Summary

In this episode of Regenerative by Design, host Joni Kindwall-Moore is joined by Ben Vitale and Wood Turner from Agriculture Capital to discuss their approach to regenerative agriculture and how they are reshaping investment in the agricultural sector. They explore Agriculture Capital’s mission to integrate sustainability with financial investments, their focus on crops like blueberries and citrus, and their commitment to soil health and carbon sequestration. The conversation delves into the complexities of carbon markets, the role of soil carbon as an asset class, and how farmers can leverage diversified revenue streams to build long-term resilience. Ben and Wood also share insights on the challenges and opportunities in transitioning to regenerative practices, the importance of data-driven measurement in carbon sequestration, and how the agricultural sector can contribute to climate solutions.

Show Notes

Host:  Joni Kindwall-Moore

Guests:

• Ben Vitale – Expert in carbon markets and financial structures for regenerative agriculture
• Wood Turner – Head of regenerative management at Agriculture Capital

Topics Covered:

• The origin and mission of Agriculture Capital
• The role of capital investment in regenerative agriculture
• Agriculture Capital’s focus on blueberries, citrus, and hazelnuts
• Challenges and opportunities in the transition to regenerative farming
• Carbon markets and their impact on agriculture
• The importance of soil carbon as a financial asset
• The need for diversified revenue streams for farmers
• The evolving methodologies for measuring and verifying soil carbon
• How regenerative agriculture offers long-term resilience for farmers
• The impact of financial tools on farmers' ability to scale and transition
• The importance of storytelling and knowledge-sharing in regenerative farming

Key Takeaways:

• Agriculture Capital invests in regenerative agriculture by purchasing farmland, integrating sustainability practices, and leveraging financial tools to support farmers.
• Regenerative agriculture is not just about carbon sequestration—it includes biodiversity, soil health, and long-term financial sustainability.
• The carbon market is diverse, with various types of credits ranging from $6 to $100+ per ton, depending on methodology and verification.
• Farmers can benefit from alternative revenue streams beyond crop sales, including carbon credits and biodiversity incentives.
• Measurement and verification of soil carbon are crucial to ensuring the credibility of carbon credits and maximizing financial return.
• Regenerative transitions can offer farmers long-term profitability and risk reduction, even in challenging climates.

Call to Action:

• If you’re a farmer looking to transition to regenerative practices, Agriculture Capital may be able to support your journey.
• Connect with Ben Vitale and Wood Turner on LinkedIn to learn more about Agriculture Capital’s work.
• Share this episode with your network to spread awareness about regenerative agriculture and its financial opportunities.

Closing Thought:

Regenerative agriculture is more than just a farming method—it’s a long-term investment in soil, communities, and the future of food. By integrating financial tools with sustainability practices, we can create a more resilient and profitable agricultural system for generations to come.

Regenerative by design is hosted by Snacktivist.  Snacktivist creates baking mixes and finished products that are allergy-friendly, soil, water, and carbon-focused,