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Why Farmland Investments Make Sense in Today’s Market

DIVERSIFICATION • ASSET ALLOCATION • INVESTMENTS

Introduction

Investing in farmland has historically been a cornerstone of wealth preservation and growth. While the allure of stocks, real estate, and cryptocurrencies often dominates investment conversations, farmland remains an overlooked gem in the investment landscape. In recent years, its potential for robust returns, stability, and resilience has attracted a surge of interest from savvy investors. Let’s delve into the reasons why investing in farmland is a prudent choice and explore the compelling data behind this opportunity.

1. Tangible Asset with Inherent Value

Farmland is a tangible asset, grounded in real value and utility. Unlike stocks or cryptocurrencies, it’s a physical asset with intrinsic worth that remains irrespective of market fluctuations. Its fundamental value lies in producing essential resources—food and raw materials—necessary for human survival and industrial operations. This inherent value acts as a stabilizing force, providing a buffer against economic volatility.

2. Diversification & Low Correlation

Diversification is the cornerstone of a robust investment portfolio. Farmland offers diversification benefits due to its low correlation with traditional asset classes like stocks and bonds. Historical data often demonstrates that farmland returns have little to no correlation with broader market movements, making it an excellent hedge against market volatility and economic downturns.

Source: NCREIF, Bloomberg, Bankrate, NYU Stern School of Business, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis and AcreTrader calculations. Represents period from 12/31/1990 – 12/31/2020.

3. Consistent Income & Capital Appreciation

Income generated from farmland comes from various sources: crop production, leasing, and land appreciation. Agricultural land tends to provide consistent rental income, offering investors stable cash flows even in uncertain economic times. Moreover, farmland historically appreciates in value over the long term, driven by factors like population growth, urbanization, and increased demand for food and agricultural products.

FARMLAND RETURNS 1990-2022

4. Inflation Hedge

Farmland has historically served as a reliable hedge against inflation. As inflation rises, the value of tangible assets like farmland tends to increase. The inherent scarcity of arable land, coupled with growing global food demand, positions farmland as a valuable asset during inflationary periods.

5. Environmental & Social Sustainability

Investing in farmland aligns with environmental and social sustainability goals. Responsible farming practices can contribute to environmental conservation, biodiversity, and carbon sequestration. Moreover, supporting agriculture through investment aids in ensuring food security, making it a socially impactful investment choice.

6. Technological Advancements in Agriculture

The agriculture sector has seen remarkable technological advancements, enhancing productivity, efficiency, and sustainability. Innovations such as precision farming, biotechnology, and data-driven agriculture improve crop yields and overall profitability, thereby boosting the potential returns for farmland investors.

7. Global Population Growth & Food Demand

The world’s population is projected to surpass 9 billion by 2050, necessitating a substantial increase in food production. Investing in farmland positions investors to benefit from this growing demand for agricultural products, making it a strategic long-term investment.

Source: The World Bank, as of March 2022. Arable land projections based on average percent change from 1961-2018, applied to 2020-2050. 

In conclusion, farmland investment presents a compelling opportunity for investors seeking stability, income, diversification, and long-term growth potential. The combination of tangible value, low correlation with traditional assets, consistent returns, inflation hedging, and sustainability aspects makes farmland a prudent addition to a well-rounded investment portfolio.

Remember, before diving into any investment, thorough research, consultation with financial advisors, and an understanding of the risks involved are crucial. However, for those looking to diversify their portfolio with a stable, tangible asset, farmland investment stands as an enticing option backed by solid historical data and promising future prospects.

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