The Global Impact Investing Network (GIIN) estimates the size of the impact investing market at US$175 billion, but only 9 percent is currently allocated to food and agriculture. This is at odds with the fact that the food and agriculture category accounts for 30 percent of global GHG emissions and more than 80 percent of tropical deforestation and biodiversity loss. Farmers and businesses alike are embracing a range of technologies to boost crop yields and become more resilient in the face of climate change. This global smart farming market is expected to reach US$33.7 billion by 2029, registering a CAGR of 12.9 percent during the forecast period 2022-2029. We need a clearer understanding of regional investment bottlenecks and how they can be mitigated by coordinating public and private financing and mobilizing more blended capital to de-risk climate-smart investments in agrifood value chains. This roundtable will explore the following questions: What would it take to make such investment in agriculture more attractive and accessible? Particularly to influence investment to generate financial returns as well as to make environmental and social impacts? What opportunities exist to extend the reach of digital innovations and more inclusive FinTech solutions that could be customized for SMEs in Southeast Asia?

*In partnership with Grow Asia

Opening Remarks

Holly Freishtat

Senior Director, Feeding Change, Milken Institute

Moderator

Beverley Postma

Executive Director, GrowAsia

Speakers

Ren Hua Ho

CEO, Thai Wah Public Company Limited

Fernanda Lopes Larsen

Executive Vice President, Africa and Asia, Yara International

Carsten Mueller

Regional Industry Director, Manufacturing, Agribusiness and Services Asia, International Finance Corporation

Alexander Pestalozzi

Chief Financial Officer, TurtleTree