Hmmm, this narrative is purely coming from an insular upper income perspective. As one of the few Black Americans to break the platinum-ceiling in the produce industry years back, whenever I hear how Americans are shifting in food habits, I always question which Americans are they talking about? Comments noted in the article about how all-Americans are wholeheartedly buying more regenerative/sustainable Ag. is plainly untrue. Move down the economic ladder, where most Americans exists, fast food, ultra-processed lower price foods continue to produce exponential profits for giant food conglomerates, primarily based on affordability and flavor profiles. Likewise, to state that investment funds are increasing in equitable dispersal in the industry, this too, is untrue. Capital, in capitalism, moves from one group with the means and transfers it to other similar groups. Therefore, the majority of capital is controlled by European male Americans, the vast majority of investments go to European male entrepreneurial ventures. Miniscule amounts drizzle down to non-European American food ventures. Overall, the regenerative/sustainable/climate smart Ag./food sector operates in a silo unaware of what the vast majority of the world is facing. Fortunately, historically marginalized food producers are finding alternative means to disrupt and succeed in biased food systems. Then, and only then will there truly be a transformative regenerative food systems crosscutting the American landscape.
My arguments in the newsletter edition were not that things are getting distributed equally, or that all consumers have changed. My arguments are that some consumer demand is shifting, which is how change always happens (broad-based changes start as niche changes). And that the capital will find its way to fund those changes.
Hey Paul, Are there places where individuals can invest in regenerative farming solutions? I am looking for alternative investments and have been looking at Acretrader as one option, but they aren't really focused on sustainable agriculture.
There is an emerging #refi scene in crypto circles which is very innovative.
It may not all survive another 10 years, but 2 things I love are the community/ collaborative aspect and boundary pushing into biodiversity, water etc.
Hmmm, this narrative is purely coming from an insular upper income perspective. As one of the few Black Americans to break the platinum-ceiling in the produce industry years back, whenever I hear how Americans are shifting in food habits, I always question which Americans are they talking about? Comments noted in the article about how all-Americans are wholeheartedly buying more regenerative/sustainable Ag. is plainly untrue. Move down the economic ladder, where most Americans exists, fast food, ultra-processed lower price foods continue to produce exponential profits for giant food conglomerates, primarily based on affordability and flavor profiles. Likewise, to state that investment funds are increasing in equitable dispersal in the industry, this too, is untrue. Capital, in capitalism, moves from one group with the means and transfers it to other similar groups. Therefore, the majority of capital is controlled by European male Americans, the vast majority of investments go to European male entrepreneurial ventures. Miniscule amounts drizzle down to non-European American food ventures. Overall, the regenerative/sustainable/climate smart Ag./food sector operates in a silo unaware of what the vast majority of the world is facing. Fortunately, historically marginalized food producers are finding alternative means to disrupt and succeed in biased food systems. Then, and only then will there truly be a transformative regenerative food systems crosscutting the American landscape.
Hey Michael, thanks for your comment and for this thoughtful feedback. I agree that agricultural finance has historically been stacked against african american farmers (https://www.politico.com/news/2021/07/05/black-farmers-left-out-usda-497876). This is an economic and moral failure in the U.S.
My arguments in the newsletter edition were not that things are getting distributed equally, or that all consumers have changed. My arguments are that some consumer demand is shifting, which is how change always happens (broad-based changes start as niche changes). And that the capital will find its way to fund those changes.
Hey Paul, Are there places where individuals can invest in regenerative farming solutions? I am looking for alternative investments and have been looking at Acretrader as one option, but they aren't really focused on sustainable agriculture.
Andrew, I've been thinking about this. I think you could try joining AngelList and search for deals there. Maybe also https://wefunder.com/
Great perspective.
There is an emerging #refi scene in crypto circles which is very innovative.
It may not all survive another 10 years, but 2 things I love are the community/ collaborative aspect and boundary pushing into biodiversity, water etc.
Thanks for sharing!