Harvard's Disastrous $270 Million Bet on Brazilian Farmland

In 2017, Harvard faced financial difficulties due to its large investments in international agriculture, particularly in Brazilian farmland. These investments, initially promising, led to a significant writedown of about a billion dollars. Harvard struggled to sell its South American farmland, facing liquidity issues and a lack of interested buyers. This situation highlighted the risks and challenges of such large-scale investments.

How did Harvard's agricultural investments compare to its Ivy League peers?

What significant decision did Harvard make about a decade ago regarding its investments?

What were the consequences of Harvard's investment in farmland in Brazil?

What challenges did Harvard face when trying to sell its farmland investments?

What does the term 'illiquidity' refer to in the context of Harvard's farmland investments?