Private equity firms own a wide range of companies, from obscure industrial manufacturers to healthcare operators, retail brands and tech firms. But growing interest in agriculture is paving the way for more unconventional deals, from the cultivation of farmland to the ownership of rich soil.

Investment in the sector remains in its infancy. According to data provider Preqin, there are 25 private equity funds targeting agriculture investments, with a total target of $1.1 billion. A total of two funds have raised $400 million for agriculture-focused private equity deals in 2014.