Two Qld farms sold to European investors for $70m

A 250ha macadamia orchard and a 2300ha property with a 260ha young pecan orchard have been sold to a global family office.

European investors have splashed about $70m to snap up two farms in southeast Queensland, acquired by its regenerative agricultural asset managers.

A European family office has added to their Australian agricultural holdings following the acquisition of a 250ha macadamia orchard near Bundaberg, and a 2300ha property, incorporating a 260ha young pecan orchard in the Dumaresq Valley.

It is understood the total value of these acquisitions, including land, water, and established orchards was about $70m, acquired through the open market.

Impact Ag Australia and their partner, Agri Carbon Investments, purchased the assets on behalf of their private European family office client, and have been appointed to manage the two assets via its real asset management portfolio.

The identity of the European family office behind the purchases remains undisclosed, however, it is understood the two orchards add to a portfolio of broadacre mixed farming owned by this investor and managed by Agri Carbon Investments and Impact Ag Australia.

A 250ha macadamia orchard near Bundaberg, has been bought by European family office, via Impact Ag Australia and their partner, Agri Carbon Investments.

“Australian agriculture offers a competitive return profile for international investors, leveraging world-class production systems and world-leading natural capital markets. This recent investment proves that sophisticated global investors are seeking value, risk-adjusted returns, and a strong track record – with the future in mind,” Impact Ag Australia chief executive Hugh Killen said in a statement.

“We were attracted to these tree nut orchards as a high-value, resilient asset class and a strategic diversification play – providing prime farmland, premium water assets, strong cash flow, and future upside in the alternative protein market.”

“This investor was drawn not only to long-term capital and operating returns but also the opportunity to invest in food & fibre production, support meaningful natural capital outcomes, and work with skilled local communities,” Agri Carbon Investments chief investment officer Bindi Turner.

In 2023 a German family office, via Lukas Asset Management’s Land und Fortwirtschaft fund, purchased two NSW mixed farmland properties, with both to Agri Carbon Investments appointed to manage the assets with regenerative management systems, targeting natural capital improvements.

First they purchased the historic 3600ha Gilgal Station near Cootamundra NSW, after paying more than $53m, then bought a two-farm aggregation spanning 3786ha near Condobolin in the NSW Lachlan Valley for more than $30m.