In a recent podcast episode, Elysabeth Alfano discussed the urgency of food system transformation with Ertharin Cousin, CEO of Food Systems for the Future. The conversation emphasized the need for smart capital, policy alignment, and patient investment approaches in response to the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) initiative. The food and agriculture industry is significantly underfunded compared to other climate tech investments, despite accounting for 30% of global greenhouse gas emissions. The World Bank estimates a need for $650 billion annually in food system investments, signaling a potential opportunity for investors looking to impact the environment and improve food resiliency.

Unlike fintech or software industries, food system innovations require patient capital for long-term commitments. Biotech and food production operate on different timelines, necessitating careful investment strategies. Blended capital and policy alignment are necessary to accelerate food system transformation, with government intervention and cooperation among public, private, and philanthropic sectors crucial for attracting institutional capital flows. With MAHA prompting companies to innovate and improve supply chains, 2025 could be a pivotal year for food system investments with potential long-term growth opportunities for those willing to invest in infrastructure-driven food innovation.