Welcome to the latest episode of Shaken Not Burned.

Agriculture is responsible for around a quarter of global emissions, yet the environmental impact isn’t reflected in the cost of food. The food industry faces the challenge of balancing supply and demand in a world of finite resources, alongside the externalities that modern food production has created – from biodiversity loss to rising health concerns linked to ultra-processed foods.

This week Felicia talks to Alastair Cooper, head of venture at Cibus Capital, to explore one of the most pressing challenges of our time: the need for a sustainable food system. The conversation uncovers the hidden costs of agriculture, the investment gap in sustainable farming, and the innovations that could revolutionise how we produce food.

Despite growing awareness, investment in agri-tech and sustainable farming solutions remains far behind other sectors like renewable energy. Alastair explains why private capital is essential for scaling solutions such as robotic precision spraying, microbe-based soil enrichment, and pheromone-based pest control, which could significantly reduce the industry’s environmental footprint. At the same time, shifting government policies and new regulations on natural capital could play a pivotal role in reshaping the food economy.

This episode is a must-listen for investors, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and consumers looking to understand how financial flows, government policies, and technological breakthroughs can drive the food transition. With 2030 fast approaching, the stakes couldn’t be higher.

Reading materials:

• Realigning Climate Finance: from oil to soil

• FAO: The State of Food and Agriculture 2024

• Action Aid: How the Finance Flows

• CGIAR: The Global Investment Gap in Sustainable Agriculture Innovation

• How Australia became a test bed for the future of farming

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