New landscapes, natural capital strategy launches

Institutional investors can now access a dedicated landscapes and natural capital investment strategy, focused on agricultural assets in Australia and New Zealand.

New Agriculture, part of New Forests, has launched the new offering, which will invest across sectors including rainfed and irrigated row cropping, horticulture, livestock, and related agriculture infrastructure.

It will also seek to access environmental markets such as carbon and biodiversity, renewable energy and conservation covenants, the firm said.

"New Forests is recognised as an industry leader, with an established track record of nearly 20 years across both forestry and agriculture. Our approach has always focussed on optimising land use, incorporating multiple revenue streams and environmental outcomes. This strategy represents a logical expansion of that approach and our expertise in this area," New Forests managing director for Australia and New Zealand David Shelton said.

With the global population expected to reach 10 billion by 2050, and rising demand for sustainable food and fibre, there is a strong imperative to produce food and fibre more sustainably and to protect natural resources, New Forests director of agriculture Bruce King noted.

"Our institutional investor clients are seeking to invest in agriculture assets for their consistent returns as well as the potential to contribute to long term, impactful environmental outcomes," he said.

"Australia's agricultural sector has the potential to be at the forefront of the transition from traditional farming methods to new, innovative practices and technologies that improve environmental outcomes, and lead to wider adoption of regenerative practices. We firmly believe that implementing sustainability standards and regenerative practices is essential for achieving sustained returns from agricultural assets."

New Agriculture was launched in 2022 and owns several significant local agricultural assets, including Lawson Grains.