How to invest in agriculture (is it a good investment?)

5 mins read
by Unbiased Team
Last updated Monday, December 11, 2023

In this article, we will explore the different ways to invest in agriculture, the potential benefits and risks of investing in this sector, and the best farming stocks to consider 

Agriculture has long been the backbone of the global economy, and investing in this sector can be a profitable and rewarding venture.  

As the world's population continues to grow, the demand for food, fibre, and other agricultural products is set to increase too. This is making agriculture a promising area for investment.  

Here’s what you need to know. 

How to invest in agriculture

Investing in agriculture can be a great way to diversify your portfolio and support a crucial industry.  

Here are some of the best ways to invest in agriculture: 

  1. Agricultural commodities: investing in commodities like grains, livestock, and cotton can be a way to participate in the agriculture market without owning farmland. This can be done through exchange-traded funds (ETFs) or mutual funds. 
  1. Farmland real estate investment trusts (REITs): these are companies that own and operate farmland and lease it out to farmers. Investing in farmland REITs can provide exposure to the agriculture industry and potentially earn rental income. 
  1. Agricultural technology: advances in technology are changing the way agriculture is done, and investing in companies that are developing innovative agricultural technology can be a way to participate in this industry. This can be done through buying stocks of agricultural technology companies or investing in ETFs that focus on this sector. 
  1. Agricultural stocks: investing in individual agricultural companies can be a way to participate in the agriculture industry. Look for companies that have a solid track record, a strong financial position, and a sustainable business model. 

Is agriculture a good investment?

Investing in agriculture can be a good investment strategy for those interested in long-term, sustainable growth.  

As the world population continues to grow, the demand for food and other agricultural products is also increasing.  

In addition, there are various agricultural innovations and technologies being developed to improve crop yields, reduce waste and increase efficiency.  

However, as with any investment, there are risks to consider, such as weather and natural disasters, changes in government policies, and shifts in consumer demand.  

It's important to do your research and consider all factors before investing in agriculture. 

What are the risks of investing in agriculture?

Investing in agriculture can be lucrative, but it is not without its risks.

Here are some of the key risks to consider before investing:

Weather patterns and natural disasters 

Farmers are at the mercy of weather patterns, and natural disasters such as floods, droughts, or wildfires can have devastating effects on crops and livestock. 

Commodity prices 

The prices of agricultural commodities are often volatile and subject to fluctuations based on market demand and supply. 

Government policies 

Government policies can have a significant impact on the agriculture industry, such as subsidies, trade agreements, and regulations. 

Pest and disease outbreaks 

Crops and livestock are susceptible to pest and disease outbreaks, which can lead to significant losses for farmers and investors. 

Land degradation 

Land degradation can result from overuse or poor farming practices, which can impact soil quality and crop yields. 

Best agriculture stocks to invest in 

Investing in agriculture can be a great way to diversify your portfolio and potentially generate long-term returns.  

Here are some of the best agriculture stocks to consider investing in: 

  1. Archer-Daniels-Midland Company: ADM is a global leader in agricultural processing and commodities trading. The company processes corn, soybeans, wheat, and other agricultural products and also has a strong presence in the animal feed and ethanol industries. 
  1. Deere & Company: Deere & Company, more commonly known as John Deere, is a leading manufacturer of agricultural equipment, including tractors, harvesters, and sprayers. With a strong brand and global presence, Deere & Company is well-positioned to benefit from increased demand for agricultural equipment. 
  1. Agrium Inc: Agrium is a Canadian-based fertilizer company that produces and distributes fertilizers and other agricultural products. With a focus on sustainable agriculture, Agrium is well-positioned to benefit from increasing global demand for food. 
  1. Monsanto Company: Monsanto is a leading producer of genetically modified seeds and other agricultural products. With a strong focus on innovation and technology, Monsanto is at the forefront of changing agricultural practices. 

Is agriculture a good investment? 

Investing in agriculture can be a good investment strategy for those interested in long term, sustainable growth.  

As noted above, as the world population continues to grow, the demand for food and other agricultural products is also increasing.  

In addition, there are various agricultural innovations and technologies being developed to improve crop yields, reduce waste and increase efficiency.  

However, as also noted above, risks such as adverse weather and natural disasters, changes in government policies, and shifts in consumer demand must be taken into account. 

It's important to do your research and consider all factors before investing in agriculture. 


See also:

How to invest in biotech

How to invest in silver

How to invest in commodities

How to invest in copper

How to invest in AI

How to invest in hotels

How to invest in healthcare

If you’re new to investing or want to explore your options for investing in agriculture further, it’s always recommended to seek financial advice first.

Unbiased has 27,000 independent financial professionals across the country.

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Disclaimer: the value of investments can go down as well as up, and you may not get back what you put in. If you're in any doubt about the suitability of an investment, you should seek the advice of an independent financial adviser

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Unbiased Team
Our team of writers, who have decades of experience writing about personal finance, including investing, retirement and pensions, are here to help you find out what you must know about life’s biggest financial decisions.