Tom Taylor

While the Australian government accelerates its buyback of water for environmental purposes, a review of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan shifts the gaze onto adjacent areas primed for investment.

Backed by cornerstone commitments from a UK local government pension scheme and an Australian superfund, Gresham House’s strategy pitches timberland as a mature asset class within natural capital.

The A$36bn Queensland-based superannuation fund is turning to an experienced global investor who wants to sharpen its use of technology to drive performance.

Weight-loss drugs are changing eating habits in wealthy economies, say reports. But with population growth, rising emerging-market incomes and finite arable land, agriculture’s investment case is shifting – rather than shrinking – toward productivity and quality.

After nearly two decades of consolidation, Macquarie is preparing to take its flagship pastoral platform to market, betting that scale, operational integration and a seasoned management team will resonate with institutional investors seeking exposure to Australian agriculture.

Properties held in the Warakirri Diversified Agriculture Fund will see new operators take over after Dicky Bill fell behind on rent and other obligations.

China’s new global safeguard on beef imports will override the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement, but investors say export flexibility and diversification should protect producers.

The Australia and New Zealand-focused private equity firm expands its exposure to food and agriculture with the acquisition of a majority stake in meat producer BE Campbell.

A wave of major transactions from Duxton Water, Macquarie and GoFarm precede a review of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan that could have further implications for investors.

Fund managers across the globe have launched new biodiversity strategies, crediting schemes and restoration deals – even as uncertainty over demand lingers.