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The Rise of Regenerative Agriculture and Strategies for Generating Capital with Steward CEO Dan Miller

Host Melissa Gonzalez speaks with Steward CEO Dan Miller about the rise of regenerative agriculture and its potential to transform sustainable food systems. Miller discusses how Steward has financed nearly 90 regenerative farms with over $30 million, highlighting the importance of soil health, ecosystem vitality, and regional agricultural networks. The conversation explores how regenerative practices can meet growing consumer demand for nutritious, sustainably produced food.

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By Melissa Gonzalez · · Dan MillerMelissa GonzalezRegenerative AgricultureRetail Refined
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Key takeaways

01

Steward has funded nearly 90 regenerative farms and secured over $30 million in financing, positioning itself as a key capital provider in the regenerative agriculture space.

02

Regenerative agriculture prioritizes soil vitality, ecosystem health, and nutritional quality — factors increasingly valued by consumers, policymakers, and investors.

03

Building regional agricultural networks is central to creating resilient, sustainable supply chains that can scale regenerative farming practices.

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As the global conversation around sustainable food systems intensifies, regenerative agriculture has emerged as a transformative approach to farming that prioritizes ecosystem health, soil vitality, and nutritional quality. This episode of Retail Refined explores why regenerative agriculture is capturing the attention of consumers, policymakers, and investors alike. With nearly 90 regenerative farms funded and over $30 million in financing secured, Steward, led by Dan Miller, is at the forefront of this agricultural revolution.

With nearly 90 regenerative farms funded and over $30 million in financing secured, Steward is at the forefront of this agricultural revolution.

What role can regenerative agriculture play in reshaping our food systems and meeting the rising consumer demand for sustainable and nutritious products?

In the latest episode of Retail Refined, host Melissa Gonzalez speaks with Dan Miller, the founder and CEO of Steward, about the significant impact regenerative agriculture can have on the food industry. Together, they delve into the challenges and opportunities of this innovative farming practice.

Key Discussion Points:

– The importance of ecosystem health and soil vitality in regenerative agriculture.

– The role of financing in supporting the growth of regenerative farms.

– The long-term vision for integrating regional agricultural networks to ensure sustainable supply chains.

Dan Miller, Founder and CEO of Steward, has a diverse background in finance, real estate, and technology. His passion for agriculture is deeply rooted in his family history, with his maternal ancestors farming in Maryland since the 1880s. Dan's extensive experience includes co-founding Fundrise, the largest real estate crowdfunding platform in the U.S., and leading Steward to finance nearly 90 regenerative farms. He holds a BS in Economics and an MBA in Finance from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

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About the author

Melissa Gonzalez
Melissa GonzalezTop Retail Voice, Influencer, and Lead Retail Contributor, Retail Refined

Industry-recognized influencer, leader, and storyteller in Retail. Lead Retail Industry Contributor at MarketScale. Principal at MG2 Design. Host of "Retail Refined" Podcast. As a global brand and retail experience disruptor, Melissa possess strong proficiency in consumer insights, experiential design, retail technology integration, and brand innovation. During her career, she have created powerful visual narratives through physical spaces, imprinting complex concepts and ideas to consumers in genuine, tactile, and persuasive manners. She have also served as a consumer engagement trendsetter, “pop-up” industry pioneer, and entrepreneur. Melissa founded and launched a consumer experiential design firm that achieved a successful exit, driving initial client wins, monetization, and exponential revenue growth. "Melissa brings both her industry knowledge and an approachable and educational point of view to her interviewing skills. With an authentic style, she facilitates an engaging dialogue, one where listeners can walk away from with tangible insights and thought provokers!" -Jeffrey Roseman, Vice Chairman of Retail at Newmark "What sets Melissa apart is her ability to cut through the noise and provide actionable insights. Whether you’re a store owner looking to revamp your space or a tech enthusiast curious about the next big thing in retail, you’ll find tangible ideas to build on. From seasoned designers to pioneering tech gurus - ensuring that listeners are always engaged with diverse and forward-thinking perspectives. Retail Refined doesn’t just skim the surface; it dives deep into topics that matter. If staying ahead of the retail curve is important to you, start here." -Nate Frazier, Chief Operating Officer of GNC

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About the Experts

Melissa Gonzalez
Melissa Gonzalez

Host, Retail Refined

Retail Refined

Melissa Gonzalez is the host of Retail Refined, a MarketScale show exploring the future of consumer and in-store experiences. She is a retail strategist and founder of The Lionesque Group, known for her expertise in pop-up retail and experiential design. Gonzalez is a frequent speaker and author on topics spanning retail innovation and brand strategy.

DM
Dan Miller

Founder and CEO

Steward

Dan Miller is the founder and CEO of Steward, a financing platform dedicated to regenerative agriculture that has funded nearly 90 farms and secured over $30 million in financing. He previously co-founded Fundrise, the largest real estate crowdfunding platform in the U.S. Miller holds a BS in Economics and an MBA in Finance from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

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