Organic Farming: A Long-Term Investment Approach by Iroquois Valley
Organic farmland in the U.S. remains under 1% of total farmland, largely due to the costly and time-intensive transition process for farmers. Short-term land leases, often lasting just one year, hinder farmers’ ability to invest in rebuilding soil health and achieving organic certification, which requires at least three years free from chemical residues.
Iroquois Valley’s Farmer-Centric Model
Since 2007, Iroquois Valley, a real estate investment trust (REIT) and public benefit corporation, has pioneered “farmer-friendly mortgages” and long-term leases averaging six years with renewable “evergreen” options. This model provides farmers the stability necessary to complete organic transitions and manage land sustainably over time, aligning farmers’ operational needs with investors’ long-term returns.
- Impact: The company has supported organic transitions on over 36,000 acres across 19 states, investing approximately $127 million.
- Investor Options: Both accredited and non-accredited investors can invest through REIT equity shares or “Rooted in Regeneration Notes,” which focus on supporting socially disadvantaged farmers, including BIPOC farmers, with discounted mortgages.
Measurable Environmental Impact
Iroquois Valley’s decade-long data highlights significant sustainability outcomes from organic practices:
| Metric | Impact |
|---|---|
| Synthetic chemicals eliminated | 29 million pounds |
| Carbon removed from atmosphere | 100,000 metric tons |
| Water retained in soil | 700 million gallons |
| Increase in wild bee populations | 30% |
| Increase in native bird populations | 20% |
| Topsoil saved from erosion | 95,000 tons |
| Additional farmer revenue per acre | $30 |
Empowering Next-Generation Farmers
Approximately 65% of Iroquois Valley farmers are millennials or Gen Z, many first-generation growers, who face significant land access challenges. Examples include:
- Adam Roberts (Illinois): Secured a long-term lease through Iroquois Valley after years as an organic grain farmhand.
- Justin Butts (New York): A US Navy veteran leveraging “Rooted in Regeneration” support to operate organic livestock on 100+ acres.
Commitment to Organic Certification
While organic certification is sometimes debated in sustainability circles, Iroquois Valley CEO Chris Zuehlsdorff stresses its importance:
- Provides a legally enforceable, USDA-recognized, and trusted framework.
- Delivers documented environmental benefits including improved soil health, water quality, biodiversity, and carbon sequestration.
- Serves as a foundation upon which farmers may add regenerative practices and certifications for enhanced ecological outcomes.
Conclusion
Iroquois Valley exemplifies how long-term investment in farmland and farmer stability is critical for scaling organic agriculture. By prioritizing durable land stewardship and aligning with impact-conscious investors, the company strengthens both environmental sustainability and food system resilience for future generations.
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