Jay Girotto

Jay Girotto is the President of Farmland Opportunity, an investment management firm specializing in high-quality row crop farmland in the United States. Established in 2009, Farmland Opportunity manages approximately $400 million in assets and focuses on providing direct ownership opportunities in farmland, aiming to capitalize on inefficiencies in the market and enhance value through strategic improvements and aligned incentives.14

Background and Career

Before founding Farmland Opportunity, Girotto had a successful career in technology and finance. He worked at prominent firms such as Microsoft and Bain Capital, where he gained extensive experience in program management and investment strategies. His educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts, magna cum laude, in Government and Economics, and he was recognized as a Coca-Cola National Scholar.35

Investment Philosophy

Girotto's investment approach emphasizes the unique characteristics of farmland as an asset class, highlighting its potential for uncorrelated returns and inflation hedging. He discusses the importance of understanding supply-demand dynamics, operational efficiencies, and land value appreciation within the agricultural sector.126

Current Role

In his role at Farmland Opportunity, Girotto leads a team dedicated to identifying investment opportunities, assessing risks, and managing farmland operations. His leadership is characterized by a focus on long-term value creation and sustainable farming practices.24