Organic is a Long Game: How Iroquois Valley Supports Sustainable Farming
Despite growing consumer interest, organic farmland still covers less than 1% of US agricultural land due to the expensive and lengthy transition process. Iroquois Valley, a pioneering real estate investment trust (REIT), addresses this challenge by providing farmer-friendly, long-term land leases that empower growers to invest in organic and regenerative agriculture.
The Challenge of Transitioning to Organic Farming
Transitioning conventional farmland to organic production demands at least a three-year chemical-free period before USDA organic certification. This long timeframe conflicts with the prevalent short-term leases, often one year, which create uncertainty for farmers and hinder sustainable practices focused on soil health and conservation.
Iroquois Valley’s Innovative Business Model
Founded in 2007, Iroquois Valley directly tackles land access barriers by offering six-year leases with evergreen renewal options, granting farmers stability and the runway needed for organic transition and profitable operation. This model serves both farmers’ stewardship goals and investors seeking consistent returns over market cycles.
- Investment Impact: Over 36,000 acres transitioned to organic across 19 states.
- Capital Directed: Approximately $127 million invested in organic farming.
- Investor Participation: Nearly 1,000 individuals and institutions invest through REIT equity shares or “Rooted in Regeneration Notes.”
- Support for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers: Rooted in Regeneration Notes provide fixed-income investments funding discounted mortgages, particularly benefiting BIPOC farmers practicing conservation agriculture.
Measurable Environmental and Economic Benefits
Iroquois Valley reports substantial ecological gains including:
| Metric | Impact |
|---|---|
| 29 million pounds | Synthetic chemicals eliminated |
| 100,000 metric tons | Carbon removed from atmosphere |
| 700 million gallons | Water retained in soil |
| 30% | Increase in wild bee populations |
| 20% | Increase in native bird numbers |
| 95,000 tons | Topsoil preserved from erosion |
| $30 | Increased earnings per acre |
Empowering Next-Generation Farmers
Approximately 65% of Iroquois Valley’s farmers are millennials or Gen Z, many first-generation farmers. Access to affordable land remains the top obstacle. Long-term leases and tailored investment products enable new entrants like Justin Butts (US Navy veteran) and Adam Roberts to establish successful organic farms, overcoming challenges posed by conventional lending and land ownership models.
Commitment to Organic Certification
Iroquois Valley CEO Christopher Zuehlsdorff emphasizes organic certification’s critical role as a standardized, enforceable system that delivers documented environmental benefits and marketplace trust. While some farmers incorporate additional regenerative certifications, organic certification remains the essential foundation for credibility and impact.
“Organic standards provide a level of accountability that creates trust—for producers, consumers, and investors alike,” says Zuehlsdorff.
Conclusion
Iroquois Valley exemplifies sustainable investment by aligning long-term land stewardship with financial returns through supportive leasing and financing models. Its approach helps rebuild soil health, supports biodiversity, and nurtures the next generation of organic farmers, making organic farming a viable and scalable solution for a resilient food system.
Source: AgFunder, December 17, 2025. For more insights on sustainable agrifinance, subscribe to our newsletter.
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