ABSTRACT

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book provides a 'big picture' framework for understanding the financialization of agri-food. It identifies the difficulties faced by public investment funds as they seek to generate strong financial returns while, at the same time, seeking to maximize social and environmental benefit. The book then examines the growing presence and influence of one of today's key actors in global investments – sovereign wealth funds (SWFs). It also selects Canada and Australia to examine media and public discourses about the costs/benefits of investment, the state's role in regulating activity, investor motives, and the future of farming. The book examines finance, food and political tumult in Egypt. It then discusses the rise in the popularity of 'flex' crops – such as soy and palm oil – as investment targets for Japanese and foreign transnationals.