The development, under which many residents will be forced to sell their land, has met opposition from locals and non-government organizations. The Indonesian Farmers Union (SPI) has said that it will lead to a “land grab” by big businesses at the expense of locals.

The United Arab Emirates has decided to make robust investments in Pakistan’s energy agriculture, education and health sectors, which need huge investment, official sources said yesterday.

Ruchi Soya Industries, one of the leading edible oil processors, on Friday announced a major farm land acquisition in Ethiopia for soybean cultivation.

Chris Kelly, chief executive of the country's largest corporate farmer, Landcorp, says he knows of other initiatives being explored and believes there will be more foreign investors knocking at New Zealand agriculture's door.

Paper for FAO on the growing interest of private sector investors in developing country agriculture, including farmland acquisitions.

Private investors and governments have recently stepped up foreign investment in farmland in the form of purchases or long-term lease of large tracks of arable land, notably in Africa. This brief examines the implications of this trend for sustainable development.

Karuturi believes the potential for large profits is so great that it plans to invest nearly $1bn in its Ethiopian agricultural operations

Some of the world's biggest sugar players, including Brazil's Cosan, New York-listed Bunge and privately held US multinational Cargill, might join China in the race for CSR's sugar division

Agribusiness sees a global market for arable land, but the developing world might be selling off its future food security. CBC Radio programme, focusing on Sierra Leone.

Thailand should take a clear position on foreign investment in the rice industry as concern over food security is expected to increase pressure from abroad, an industry chief says.

Which option is better? Letting the status quo prevail? Or taking advantage of opportunities offered by oil producing countries searching for safe food sources?

Private equity fund Agri-Vie will reach its $100 million target for investment in agricultural projects in Africa by March, and could triple it in a second fund