Critics of the initiative, however, fear the commercialisation of agriculture will not benefit small-scale farmers

Critics of New Alliance say private investment and improvements in rural infrastructure will not liberate people from poverty

Pledges by African governments will make it easier for companies to do business through the easing of export controls and tax laws, and through governments ringfencing huge chunks of land for investment.

Companies with bad environmental records are increasingly turning to a little-known nonprofit called TFT to make sure they meet commitments to improve their practices. It remains to be seen if this is just a PR move.

The wolves of Wall Street are eyeing millions of acres of US farmland that will soon come up for sale, according to a new study from the Oakland Institute

Once Kyrgyzstan joins the Eurasian Economic Union, due for early 2015 and so far consisting of Kazakhstan, Belarus and Russia, it will have both the obligation and a chance to allow investors from partner countries to lease its farmland.

Papers from TICAD-V side-event on responsible agricultural investment held at Pacifico Yokohama, Yokohama, Japan on June 2, 2013 during TICAD V.

To make up for a shortfall in financing of the agriculture sector, 24 million ha have been made available to private investors.

A new report explores how one of Indonesia’s largest palm oil companies, Golden Agri Resources, is piloting its new Forest Conservation Policy in West Kalimantan.

Chinese buyers are in negotiations to buy another well-known south-west Queensland cropping property of 11,935 ha for more than $36 million.

Tanzania's Minister for Agriculture says land to be used for investments would be acquired through proper channels. "Send this message to all that Tanzania's government has no plans to grab land."

Background document accompanying the 14 February 2014 media release issued by Tax Justice Network, GRAIN, Anywaa Survival Organisation, Forum Syd Kenya and the South Indian Coordination Committee of Farmers Movements.