FAR is working to set up a specialist fund to invest in companies developing new tools and technologies that deliver benefit to New Zealand arable growers.
In May this year, the FAR Board received approval from the Members’ Council to use a portion of the FAR reserves to set up a specialist investment fund to invest in companies that will develop new tools and technologies that deliver benefit to NZ arable growers.
The driver for this initiative is FAR’s goal to support growers to increase the profitability and competitiveness of their farm businesses through a range of value-add ventures.
The investment fund will not compromise FAR’s business as usual research, development and extension activities and will be managed as a separate entity with an independent fund manager.
The fund mandate and investment criteria will be focused on agri-tech and agri-food investments that specifically deliver benefit to NZ arable growers such as plant-based protein crops, robotics and automation, fertilizer management and irrigation technology. The fund will operate under robust governance and investment procedures in order to provide acceptable returns to all investment partners.
This concept has been in development for over 12 months with input from external business and investment fund experts. Northington Partners was appointed as the fund manager in August and they are now in the process of developing investment collateral with the aim of launching the capital raise for the new fund in the second half of September.
All FAR levy payers will be given the opportunity to consider and invest in the fund. More details of progress towards fund launch (planned for early 2023) and investment opportunities will be provided in future FAR communications.
If you would like further details or have a query please contact:
Alison Stewart, FAR CEO – Alison.stewart@far.org.nz 027 550 0558