September 22, 2024

By Gerelyn Terzo, Global AgInvesting Media

As the summer gives way to fall, it can only mean one thing: the Global AgInvesting Asia event is drawing near. This year’s gathering, set to take place at the Tokyo American Club on October 17-18, brings leading institutional investors together with seasoned asset managers, paving the way for networking and relationship-building for years to come.

Japan’s farming sector faces a perfect storm, owing to the age of the average grower reaching 67, a labor shortage and declining population, all of which stands to threaten food security. There’s never been a greater urgency to gather and discuss the challenges, solutions and opportunities for ag development and investment throughout the region. Fortunately, you won’t have to wait much longer.

Over the course of two days, you’ll hear from dozens of expert speakers across key themes that are at the forefront of ag investing, including topics such as natural capital, impact investing, food security, climate change mitigation and regenerative ag, to name a few highlights. You’ll also enjoy myriad opportunities for networking each day throughout the conference, and especially during the evening receptions.

Here’s a glimpse of what you can expect to hear and gain insight about during the multiple sessions scheduled for this year’s Global AgInvesting Asia conference next month:

Japan’s Agricultural and Food System: A panel of experts will discuss the role of institutional investment on Japanese ag and food systems. The panel discussion will be hosted by Minoru Oishi, general manager of The Norinchukin Bank, and Shusaku Ogawa, vice president at the Development Bank of Japan. Earlier this year, GAI News reported on how the Development Bank of Japan invested in the Seviora Future of Food and Farming (T3F) Feeder Fund LP, the first of its kind for Asia-based investment manager Seviora Capital, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Temasek Holdings. The fund is designed to back high-growth, late-venture and early-growth agri-food startups domiciled in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region.

Natural Capital: Nick Ping, managing director and deputy chief investment officer for timberland at Manulife Investment Management Timberland and Agriculture, will take on the rising theme of natural capital. Ping’s session is entitled, “Why Investors Should Include Both Timberland and Agriculture in a Natural Capital Portfolio” and will take place on Thursday, Oct. 17.

Permanent Cropland: Also on Thursday, Cody Dahl, vice president of acquisitions and investment strategy at AgIS Capital, will host a session called, “Permanent Cropland Opportunities in the U.S.” In a recent report, AgIS Capital remarked on the challenges facing farmland, stating, “We see a light at the end of the tunnel, and we believe our investment strategy of acquiring high-quality, water-rich, permanent plantings will reward institutional investors,” pointing to the next couple of years as key for permanent cropland investing.

Regenerative Ag for Supply Chain Resiliency: Last but certainly not least, regenerative ag is on Thursday’s agenda, where experts from Mitsui will explore the pressing sustainability challenges facing the agricultural industry as well as their influence on the future of food production. Mitsui also will share its innovative approach to addressing these hurdles through the lens of sustainable agricultural practices.

Don’t let this opportunity to connect with your peers and build new relationships pass you by. It’s not too late to register for the event here or join our roster of sponsors. We look forward to seeing you in Tokyo!