A global investment group targeted a Brazilian soy producer that promised exceptional yields and land appreciation. The opportunity seemed perfect for an ESG-focused portfolio, provided the land management practices were sound. However, remote sensing data hinted at inconsistencies in soil health reports. The client needed to verify that the high yields were sustainable and not the result of aggressive, short-term farming techniques that degraded the asset’s long-term value.

Our team combined satellite imagery analysis with on-the-ground interviews of local agronomists and suppliers. The investigation revealed that the producer was heavily reliant on chemical inputs to mask declining soil fertility, a practice that would soon hit a wall of diminishing returns. The high yield was borrowing against the future productivity of the land. By bringing this Bright View to the surface, we demonstrated that the asset carried significant environmental and financial risk. The client bypassed the investment, avoiding a deal that would have failed both their financial and sustainability criteria.