By Gerelyn Terzo, Global AgInvesting Media
The Washington, D.C.-based National Farmers Union has partnered with Effingham, Illinois-based ag investor Open Prairie for the launch of a $25 million Farmers Capital Fund. The investment fund is dedicated to fund early- and growth-stage companies that represent the Farmers Union membership while advancing agricultural productivity and bolstering profits for the next generation of family farmers and ranchers. The Farmers Capital Fund will target various market segments including ag-tech and automation, climate-smart practices and value-added food production.
Open Prairie is comprised of both private equity and venture capital principals, who have overseen $100 million in fund commitments and provided PE services to clients across specialty industries including agriculture.
The fund launch comes at a time when the ag industry is grappling with the uncertainty from the tariff wars. For its part, the National Farmers Union has gone on the record stating that the North American tariffs “hurt family farmers,” particularly the tariff dispute between the U.S. and Canada. They point to the diminishing number of dairy farmers in the U.S., noting that tariffs only exacerbate the situation. The Farmers Union said it would like to see policies that ensure “U.S. dairy farmers receive a fair price for their milk.”
Of the new fund, National Farmers Union President Rob Larew stated, “The Farmers Capital Fund is a crucial step toward ensuring that emerging technologies and new business models work for independent producers—not against them. By prioritizing economic sustainability, productivity and profitability, this fund will help shape a stronger, more equitable future for agriculture.”
Open Prairie CEO and Managing Partner Jim Schultz posted on LinkedIn, “This fund provides a gateway for agri-businesses and agtech opportunities to have access to the extensive member base of farmers and ranchers throughout the U.S.”
He further commented: “The partnership with National Farmers Union and Open Prairie has been long standing. We are honored to expand our relationship with their farmer and rancher members to develop new investments that impact the farmgate and ranch gate.”
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