Iroquois Valley Farms was recently chosen for a 2016 Conservation Innovation Grant (CIG) for its pioneering work in conservation finance and restorative soil management practices. The Natural Resources Conservation Service funds will help the company develop Soil Restoration Notes, a new fixed income security designed to support farmers during the challenging three year transition to USDA Certified organic production. The grant also supports our partner, Chicago-based Delta Institute in assessing soil management practices and their relationship with soil health and carbon sequestration.

"A few years ago, we introduced Young Farmer Land Access Notes to the financial markets. These medium term notes are now issued in minimum amounts of $25,000 and held by investors across the country. The development of Soil Restoration Notes is an important next step" says CEO/Co-Founder Dave Miller. The new shorter term notes notes will correspond to the time frame for organic transition.

"Historically, our company has funded all development projects with private capital," according to John Steven Bianucci, Director of Impact and architect of this collaborative venture. "We are proud to be partners with the USDA and Delta Institute in developing a more regenerative agriculture, one that restores health to our food system and increases the planet's ability to temper climate change. By expanding  public/private ventures, the scaling of transformative stewardship is achievable. "