FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – January 29, 2024
Iroquois Valley Farmland REIT, PBC announced today that Ingrid Dyott will succeed Malaika Maphalala as Board Director.
Ms. Maphalala served on Iroquois Valley’s Board of Directors from October 2017 to December 2023. She is a Private Wealth Advisor and Partner at Natural Investments LLC, a national SEC registered Investment Advisory firm that has specialized in exclusively socially and environmentally responsible investments for over 30 years.
“It has been an honor and a privilege to be part of Iroquois Valley’s early journey. Dave Miller and Dr. Stephen Rivard’s vision struck a chord with many impact investors who want to positively impact our food system through organic agriculture. I’m excited to remain connected and watch the new leaders of the organization build on the success of Iroquois Valley.”
Board Director and Governance Committee chair, DD Burlin shared, “Malaika was one of Iroquois Valley’s earliest investment advisors and brought invaluable experience to our Board and a strong commitment to advancing our mission. We will miss her warmth, insight, and perspective.” Ms. Burlin continued, “We are fortunate that we were introduced to Ingrid at what turned out to be an opportune time. Her enthusiasm for our vision to transform agriculture through organic farmland stewardship, coupled with her depth of experience in ESG investing will be a great asset to the Board.”
As a recognized thought leader in ESG and institutional investing, Ms. Dyott brings extensive experience to the Board of Iroquois Valley. Ms. Dyott spent over 25 years at Neuberger Berman building their sustainable equity franchise by integrating environmental and social impact considerations into their investment-making process. Ms. Dyott teaches courses on ESG investing and fiduciary duty at the Zicklin School of Business at Baruch College City University of New York and at the School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University in New York.
Ms. Dyott shared, “I am excited to join Iroquois Valley’s board and support their next phase of growth. Iroquois Valley’s 17-year track record is unique. The time to invest in sustainable agriculture is now. As impact investing gains traction in the traditional investment world, I look forward to working with the team to strengthen Iroquois Valley’s place as an industry leader for years to come.”
Iroquois Valley has a farmland portfolio of approximately $100m; during 2023 the team closed 16 transactions totaling $14.6 million. Demand for its services remains historically high: the current investment pipeline totals $20 million in both short- and long-term opportunities. These opportunities originate from organic farmers who want to expand their operations and from farmers looking to transition to organic practices. Iroquois Valley’s portfolio spans over 30,000 acres in 19 states.
About Iroquois Valley Farmland REIT, PBC
Iroquois Valley is a regenerative finance company that provides land security to organic farmers by raising capital from mission-driven investors. The Company offers long-term leases, mortgage loans, and operating lines of credit to organic and transitioning farmers and ranchers throughout the United States. The Company raises equity and debt from a broad base of high net worth individual investors, family offices, and institutions, bolstered by a strong network of financial advisors. Iroquois Valley was among the first organic farmland impact investment vehicles available to non-accredited investors, who now make up twenty-five percent of its equity investors. Iroquois Valley is a public benefit corporation founded in 2007.
