Hedge Funds To Invest In Farm Lands (DOLE, ANDE)

Dixon Boardman, a veteran American hedge-fund manager, launched a $100m fund to invest in American farmland.

In its first year, the fund, called the American Farmland Company, will buy up to 15 farms, totaling 10,000 acres. Boardman believes that economic recovery, continued population growth and increased incomes, especially in emerging markets, will create rising demand for food. He said that low debt in the farming sector has also contributed to its outperformance during the credit crisis. Some of the well known companies in this sector include Dole Food Company, Inc (NYSE: DOLE), The Andersons Inc. (NASDAQ: ANDE).