The agrifood system was recognized as one of the activities most closely linked to nature, as it depended heavily on biodiversity and ecosystem services and significantly affected them. Although growing evidence showed that agricultural practices that conserved or restored the natural systems underpinning food production could be cost-effective from the outset and even increase profitability over the medium and long term, the transition to more sustainable agriculture had progressed more slowly than desired.

The panel explored how finance could accelerate this transition, examining the products and transaction structures available to investors and corporates to support improved outcomes. It also discussed which outcomes should be prioritized, what inputs, outputs, and outcomes could be monitored over different time horizons, and who should be responsible for monitoring them. Drawing on past experiences and emerging innovations, the discussion brought together perspectives from across the financial ecosystem.