FINANCING GROWTH OF THE REGENERATIVE AND AGROECOLOGICAL BUSINESS SECTORS
We increase capital flows to regenerative and agroecological innovators
We are weaving networks, sharing insights, and applying tools and methodologies to catalyze action. Our entry points are multiple, but our starting point is with the innovations being developed by mission-driven fund and other finance managers who are connected to communities, landscapes, and under-invested but critical value chain segments.
Communities of Action: we convene fund managers and other financial innovators who are sharing best practices and identifying collective actions that grow the field of regenerative and agroecological innovations.
"Missing Middle" Workshops: with partners including Builders Vision, Potlikker Capital, and Funders for Regenerative Agriculture, we have been co-hosting a series of workshops to close the gap between the investment needs of regenerative businesses and the investment requirements of interested private and public investors.
Case Studies: we identify examples of financial investing that propels food systems transformation forward.
Holistic Investing Tools: we apply approaches that recognize the full value of food production and business practices that contribute to vibrant local economies and healthy ecosystems.
Case Studies: Mobilizing Money and Movements
The Global Alliance for the Future of Food and TIFS set out to look for examples of financial investing that propelled food systems transformation forward. The six Beacons of Hope stories presented in this report are enterprises and initiatives that illustrate how a blend of financial and non-financial investments are necessary to generate positive externalities for communities and nature.
Private, public, and commercial finance were complemented by investments in advocacy, organizing, creativity, policymaking, and time. Strategies embraced solidarity economy principles such as: shared governance and participation of all stakeholders including farmers and community members; cost-conscious approaches that work with ecosystems; investing in training and dignified work; and values-aligned blended finance.
READ: Mobilizing Money & Movements: Creative finance for food systems transformation
Case Studies: Food Systems Investing in East Africa
To what extent are funds investing in food and agriculture in East Africa designed to contribute to transforming food systems? In 2022, TIFS set out to analyze the food systems investing landscape in East Africa.
While providing key insights about impact investments in East Africa, the report also highlights opportunities to strengthen the field of food systems investing in East Africa. We are following up on recommendations to build the field of agroecological and regenerative investing.
- Developing an investment thesis for agroecology, regenerative approaches, and Indigenous Foodways
- Organizing a community of food systems–investing fund managers
- Catalyzing collaboration and collective actions to enhance impact in food systems
READ: Food Systems Investing in East Africa: The roles of funds in financing food systems transformation
Tools: Systemic Investing Assessment
To help investors determine how a potential investment in a fund or company contributes to food systems change, TIFS and our partners have developed screening tools to consider an investment's systemic outcomes. And, we have developed a dashboard to analyze the impacts of a portfolio.
Funds: The Systemic Investing Assessment is used to assess a fund´s design quality and potential for impact. The assessment applies the scientifically validated UNEP TEEBAgriFood framework and the Global Impact Investing Network’s Four Core Characteristics of Impact Investing.
Companies: TIFS is using the Agroecology Criteria Tool for Business developed by Biovision Foundation to assess the alignment of companies with the 13 principles of agroecology.
