In a rapidly changing global economy, traditional financing structures often struggle to adapt, leaving a multitude of innovative businesses on the sidelines. One particular sector that has faced these challenges is agriculture, where small-scale, human-centric, and sustainable farming methods are often overlooked by big banking institutions. Enter Steward, an innovative platform that’s carving out a niche in the realm of alternative financing tailored specifically for regenerative agriculture.
Dan Miller, the founder of Steward and the co-founder of Fundrise, the largest real estate crowdfunding platform, sheds light on the broader issue at hand. He recently commented, “The goal of Steward is to engage consumers that care about regional food systems, are thoughtful about where their food is coming from, and would like to see more improvements in the food system. How can we aggregate their money and use it not just as a source of purchasing for these farms but actually as a source of capital to finance these businesses? Because without capital, these farms can’t purchase the land, equipment, and infrastructure they need. They’re stuck in a system today where the consumer demand has shifted; people want what they’re growing, but the availability of capital is effectively unchanged from what it would have been a few decades ago, and you’re either a commodity or you’re not, and you’re out in the cold.”
From Real Estate to Crowdfunding that Supports Sustainable Farming
Miller has always been at the forefront of alternative financing. With the creation of Steward, he brings this experience to the agricultural sector. As the founder of Steward, Miller’s vision is to support and foster regenerative agriculture, a practice that prioritizes environmental rejuvenation and sustainability. By doing so, he aims to merge environmental consciousness with economic growth, providing farmers and ranchers the means to scale their operations without compromising on sustainability.
Understanding Steward: Crowdfunding for Agriculture
In essence, Steward is a pioneer in “crowd-farming.” It goes beyond the traditional concept of crowdfunding by focusing specifically on regenerative agriculture. Through Steward, potential investors can fund agricultural ventures, thereby earning returns while simultaneously promoting sustainable farming practices.
Steward has successfully injected $25 million into over 85 regenerative farms. This represents a tangible commitment to a more sustainable future, both environmentally and economically.
Success Story: White Oak Pastures
One of Steward’s most notable successes is its involvement with White Oak Pastures. This historic farm, boasting a lineage of 156 years in Bluffton, Georgia, had struggled to secure financing through conventional means, even with impressive revenues exceeding $20 million. However, with Steward’s platform, they raised a whopping $1.19 Million in just over two weeks. This story underscores the immense potential of alternative financing when executed with precision and purpose.
The Heart of Steward’s Mission
At its core, Steward’s ambition is twofold: to foster environmental stewardship and to drive economic growth in tandem. The platform stands as a beacon of hope for small to medium-scale farms, ranches, and other food producers who, despite their evident value, face significant hurdles in accessing the capital required for expansion.
Steward provides loans and is helping to reshape the food system by advocating for practices that prioritize soil health, local communities, and sustainability. Their rallying cry is clear: let’s mend a fractured food ecosystem. By facilitating secured, interest-bearing loans, they’re inviting everyone to be a part of this revolution.
An Inclusive Movement
For many, the allure of Steward lies in its inclusivity. Whether a farmer is seeking funds to revolutionize production techniques or an investor is keen on making a difference, Steward provides the platform to make it happen.
Efficient payments today; Efficient supply chains tomorrow(Opens in a new browser tab)
By bridging the financial void and offering tailored loans and services, Steward is a partner in growth, urging agricultural businesses to apply, expand, and thrive. For more information, visit https://gosteward.com.