Crops

Growing demand for organics from industry giants like Hersheys, and the possibility of higher cash rents in the face of falling commodity prices, mean the organic sector could help diversify a farmland portfolio.

The number of certified organic food and agribusiness operations in the US is four times the number in 2002, according to the USDA.

The vertically integrated farm was one of the first sophisticated irrigated properties in the region.

The publicly traded REIT will use the financing to pay down debt and buy US farmland.

Growers face a widening gap between farm costs and sales, as downward pressure on agri prices persists.

The Savola Group-backed sugar refinery company will use the equity investment to remain competitive against state-owned companies.

The three properties, including cattle stations and forage crop-growing land, previously operated as an integrated business.

Gunn Agri Partners held a first close on its Cattle Fund, which has a final target of A$300 million, in February, and is seeking more opportunities in the Queensland area.

Brazil had a record harvest, and Australian production also went up, but the US market will be faced by new challenges as demand for organic sugar increases.

The company plans to produce biofuel from sweet sorghum, which is less subject to market volatility than corn or sugar.