Dear Colleagues,
The past few weeks have brought dramatic shifts in food and climate policy, with decisions that could have lasting consequences for global food security, U.S. farmers, and climate resilience. The changes unfolding now will directly impact how we produce, distribute, and sustain our food systems in the years ahead.
One of the most startling developments is the dismantling of USAID, with Elon Musk taking steps to shut down the agency, remove its website, and lock out employees. USAID provides $2 billion annually in food aid—much of it sourced from American farmers—raising urgent concerns about global hunger and economic fallout in rural communities.
At the EPA, over 1,000 employees working on climate-related initiatives have already been fired or face imminent layoffs, threatening critical research on greenhouse gas emissions, food system risks, and waste reduction.
Perhaps most immediately concerning for farmers is the freeze on USDA grants, including the $3.1 billion Climate-Smart Commodities initiative, which was created to help farms transition to more sustainable practices. Farmers who have already invested in regenerative methods—such as cover cropping, prescribed grazing, and soil health improvements—are now left in financial limbo, waiting for payments that may never come.
These disruptions not only create instability for farmers but also contradict Republican priorities like supporting young farmers and strengthening rural economies. With the growing season fast approaching, delays could mean another lost year for farms looking to implement climate-smart practices, making it even harder to adapt to extreme weather and rising costs.
At a time when food and agriculture solutions are more crucial than ever in the fight against climate change, these rollbacks highlight the need for private sector leadership, innovative blended financing, and strong philanthropic partnerships to keep momentum moving forward. While federal support remains uncertain, organizations and businesses have an opportunity to step up and drive real impact.
For all of these reasons, the need for action has never been clearer and our team is more fired up than ever to help global businesses, nonprofits, and foundations strengthen our food system and tackle these challenges head-on. At Littlefoot Ventures, we’re laser-focused on the road ahead and playing a critical role in accelerating both existing and emerging strategies for future-proofing our food system. If you’d like to explore how we can support your organization, reach out to me directly or contact us here.
Eva Goulbourne
Founder & CEO, Littlefoot Ventures
The Pulse @ Littlefoot Ventures
I’m honored to be recognized as the 2025 Waste360 Changemaker as part of the 40 Under 40 Award, celebrating leaders driving meaningful impact in waste, recycling, and organics. Littlefoot Ventures is built to help businesses and foundations future-proof our food system, and a key part of that mission is reimagining the value of the nearly 35% of food that goes to waste. Addressing food waste is central to solving the climate crisis—whether through prevention, food recovery, composting, or unlocking new funding models that drive systemic change. This award is a testament to the power of bold ideas, collaboration, and action in achieving this mission and it’s wonderful that our work is getting recognized for it.
Listen + Subscribe: Eva’s New Climate & Food Podcast
What if reimagining how we grow and fund our food could save the planet? My new podcast titled Everything But the Carbon Sink explores the intersection of food, climate, and capital, featuring trailblazing experts, real-world insights, and actionable ideas. Each episode unpacks how innovative funding models and bold partnerships are reshaping food systems to tackle the climate crisis. Subscribe now, listen to the trailer for a sneak peek, and stay tuned—our first episode is coming soon!
Upcoming Webinars
Securing the Table Through Collaborative Philanthropy
February 26th @ 11am ET
Presented by Littlefoot and the Global Philanthropy Forum, this is designed for funders and foundations seeking to drive impact in food systems. We will discuss how philanthropy and cross-sector collaboration can help reduce risk and address food and climate financing gaps.
Unlocking Carbon Offsets to Scale Food Waste Reduction
March 10th @ 3pm ET
Food waste is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, yet food rescue organizations often struggle to secure funding. This webinar will explore how corporate carbon offset programs can help fund and scale food waste reduction efforts across the U.S.
Insights for Impact: Our Top Reads
No Farmers, No Future: Davos Needs to Shift from Talk to Farmer-First Action
Eva Goulbourne
Right now, there’s a growing call to educate farmers on regenerative practices and sustainability. But the reality is—farmers already know how to steward their land. The real challenge? Ensuring they have the resources, incentives, and support to make the transition viable. After my recent attendance at Davos, I wrote a piece discussing how businesses can play a bigger role in enabling real change.
Trump’s Funding Freeze Creates Chaos and Financial Distress for Farmers
Civil Eats
Trump’s funding freeze on USDA climate grants has left farmers in limbo, stalling regenerative agriculture projects and disrupting payments for climate-smart practices. With no clear timeline for resuming funds, farmers face financial strain, lost momentum, and uncertainty just as the growing season begins.
Futureproofing Food for a Rapidly Warming Planet
Nature Finance
With climate change accelerating food insecurity, the new report Futureproofing Food for a Rapidly Warming Planet highlights the urgent need to scale regenerative agriculture and alternative food technologies. To safeguard global food production, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, the finance sector must drive investment into climate-resilient solutions through innovative funding models, policy reform, and international collaboration.
101 climate solutions you can do at home
One Earth
While major corporations are significant contributors to climate change, individual actions at home can drive meaningful change by influencing market demand and fostering sustainable habits. There is power in collective action, because by making small, thoughtful adjustments in daily life, individuals can reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to a healthier planet.
To get back on track, we need new climate leadership and approaches
Project Drawdown
Jonathan Foley argues that current climate leadership is failing and calls for a shift away from reliance on politicians toward decentralized action led by local governments, businesses, investors, and grassroots organizers. He advocates for science-based strategies that prioritize immediate, high-impact solutions—such as cutting methane emissions, halting deforestation, and targeting major pollution sources—while emphasizing the social and economic benefits of climate action.
How companies can connect with conscious consumers
The Packer
Companies looking to connect with conscious consumers must understand their evolving behaviors, values, and digital habits. At GOPEX 2025, Steve Lerch emphasized the importance of leveraging tools like Google Trends and social media analytics to track real-time interests, simplify messaging, and engage authentically on platforms like TikTok and Instagram—meeting consumers where they are and aligning with their expectations for sustainability, transparency, and brand personality.
Environmental Value of Applying Compost
EPA
Compost improves soil health, reduces water runoff, and enhances climate resilience. It outperforms conventional materials in agriculture, landscaping, and stormwater management while lowering carbon emissions. This report explores its benefits, challenges, and future research needs.
Simple display changes in grocery stores could cut food waste while boosting profits
University of Florida
A University of Florida study finds that simple display and pricing strategies can reduce food waste by over 20% while increasing retailer profits by 6%. By strategically placing and discounting older products, stores can improve sales, minimize waste, and offer consumers more affordable options—creating a win-win for businesses, shoppers, and the environment.
The Global Risks Report 2025 20th Edition
World Economic Forum
The 20th edition of the Global Risks Report highlights growing global instability driven by climate change, geopolitical tensions, technological disruptions, and societal polarization. Short-term concerns focus on conflict, misinformation, and trade wars, while long-term risks include pollution, biotech, and demographic shifts. The report emphasizes the need for multilateral cooperation and proactive risk management to build resilience in an increasingly uncertain world.
Carbon markets investor kicks off $1.5 billion Amazon protection plan in Davos
Reuters
A $1.5 billion Amazon protection initiative, Race to Belém, was launched at Davos to fund large-scale conservation efforts through Jurisdictional REDD+ carbon credits. Backed by Silvania, Conservation International, and The Nature Conservancy, the project aims to drive private sector investment to curb deforestation, support local communities, and help prevent the Amazon from reaching a critical climate tipping point.
Quantifying Methane Emissions from Landfilled Food Waste
EPA
The EPA’s latest report finds that food waste generates 58% of landfill methane emissions, despite being just 24% of landfill waste. To help reduce emissions, the EPA developed a calculator that estimates methane reductions from diverting food waste—supporting grant applications, program planning, and sustainability efforts.
Social Finance Impact First Fund: Impact Report 2024
Frontiers
The Impact First Fund, launched in 2023 by Social Finance, mobilizes charitable capital to support market-based solutions to social and environmental challenges. By prioritizing measurable impact alongside financial returns, the Fund lowers barriers to impact-first investing and helps scale mission-driven innovations.
What’s Next for Food and Agriculture Investments in 2025?
Valoral Advisors
As food and agriculture investments become increasingly institutionalized, the sector is evolving amid macroeconomic shifts, climate challenges, and geopolitical tensions. While financial conditions remain tight, opportunities are emerging in natural capital, regenerative agriculture, and AgriFoodTech innovation. This year, investors must navigate complex market cycles while capitalizing on sustainability-driven growth and technological advancements shaping the future of food systems.
Walmart turns its food waste into compost now sold in 100 stores
Trellis
Walmart is expanding its food waste reduction efforts by stocking at least 600 stores with ReCirculate, a compost made from unsold grocery items collected through its partnership with Denali. As the first retailer to use Denali’s Zero De-Pack technology, Walmart is working toward a 50% food waste reduction by 2030, while diverting organic waste from landfills and cutting methane emissions.
Events
- Feb 26 | Webinar | Securing the Table: Tackling Risk in Food Systems through Collaborative Philanthropy
- Feb 26-27 | Brussels | Regenerative Food Systems Investment Europe
- Mar 7-15 | Austin, TX | SXSW
- Mar 10 | Webinar | Harnessing Carbon Finance to Scale Food Rescue & Waste Reduction
- Mar 11-12 | San Francisco, CA | World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit
- Mar 12-14 | San Francisco, CA | Global Philanthropy Forum
- Apr 7-13 | Webinars | Food Waste Prevention Week 2025
- Apr 19-27 | San Francisco, CA | SF Climate Week
- May 5-8 | Las Vegas, NV | WasteExpo Food Recovery Forum and Organics Recycling Conference
- Jun 23-25 | Seattle, WA | ReFED Food Waste Solutions Summit