Philanthropic commitment to scale and accelerate regenerative and agroecological food systems transformation (RAFT)
The following case study is one of 20 that illustrate the Food Systems Call to Action in motion. Each story demonstrates innovative solutions and collaborative efforts across sectors, geographies, and communities, highlighting how food systems are being transformed to support people, nature, and climate. Together, these examples underscore the global momentum towards resilient, equitable, and sustainable food systems.
By Climate Champions | November 4, 2024
Context: Mobilising investments to transition to regenerative and agroecological farming is essential to restoring ecosystems, enhancing biodiversity, and ensuring sustainable food systems for future generations.
Partners: 11th Hour Project, African Climate Foundation, Agroecology Fund, Biovision Foundation for Ecological Development, Builders Initiative Foundation, Children’s Investment Fund Foundation, ClimateWorks Foundation, Crown Family Philanthropies, Erol Foundation, European Climate Foundation, Funders for Regenerative Agriculture, Global Alliance for the Future of Food, GRACE Communications Foundation, Instituto Ibirapitanga, IKEA Foundation, India Climate Collaborative, Instituto Clima e Sociedade, Kinship Foundation, Laudes Foundation, Macdoch Foundation, McKnight Foundation, Oak Foundation, Platform for Agriculture and Climate Transformation, Potlikker Capital, Porticus, Proofing Station, Regenerative Agriculture Foundation, Robert Bosch Stiftung, Rural Climate Partnership, Heartland Fund, The Rockefeller Foundation, Thread Fund, Walton Family Foundation.
Duration: Started in May 2023 and ongoing as of the updated report in May 2024.
Location: Global focus with specific regional engagement in India, Brazil, Tanzania, Kenya, Midwest USA, and the EU.
Impact achieved:
- The annual cost of the regenerative transition was estimated at USD 250-430 billion per year over 10 years, which was less than the current agricultural subsidies, estimated at USD 650 billion annually
- Alignment around a shared ambition: to catalyze a transition to 50% regenerative and agroecological systems by 2040, and to ensure all agriculture and food systems are transitioning by 2050
- Cross-regional coordination and donor engagement have laid the groundwork for the 10x increase in financial resources needed, convening funders and advisors to align strategies, attract new donors, and strengthen global systems for regenerative agriculture
Description:
RAFT is a collaborative initiative between 32 philanthropic partners aiming to accelerate and scale regenerative and agroecological approaches to transform global food systems. Key activities include convening donors and partners, coordinating efforts across regions, and identifying investable opportunities. The initiative emphasizes locally led priorities through research, data collection, and evidence-building to inform best practices and policy-making, while also shifting financial flows from harmful agricultural practices to sustainable alternatives. In 2025, strategic investment frameworks elevating catalytic priorities for scaling and accelerating agroecology and regenerative approaches will be produced for five countries. By leveraging philanthropic funding, the initiative fosters collaboration among stakeholders to create sustainable and resilient food systems worldwide, targeting 50% regenerative production by 2040 and 100% by 2050.
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The Food Systems Call to Action is a global initiative that urges non-state actors and governments to take immediate steps to transform food systems by 2030. It highlights the urgent need for resilient, sustainable, and equitable approaches that support food security, protect nature, and address climate change. Through targeted actions and principles, the Call to Action emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity—ensuring that farmers, frontline workers, Indigenous communities, and other key players are at the forefront of decision-making and implementation.