Strengthening AEA’s Foundation For Regenerative Growth

Advancing Eco Agriculture (AEA), founded in 2006 by regenerative agronomist and educator John Kempf, is dedicated to revitalizing soil and plant health through a whole-systems approach. What began in a melon patch on an Amish farm in Ohio has grown into a company that has supported thousands of growers on more than four million acres worldwide.

AEA combines John's pioneering agronomy insights with regenerative consulting, organic-compliant plant nutrition products, and data-driven tools that help farmers build resilient soils, improve crop vitality, and reduce or eliminate reliance on pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. With regional Farm Services teams providing field-by-field support, AEA equips farmers with tailored crop plans and the knowledge to achieve higher yields, healthier plants, and stronger profitability by working in harmony with nature.

Use of Funds

The purpose of this loan is to refinance AEA's outstanding debts and payables. By consolidating obligations and lowering the cost of capital, AEA will improve cash flow, reduce operating expenses, and strengthen its financial foundation. These improvements create the stability needed for AEA to focus on what drives its growth - consulting expertise, product innovation, and farmer support.

Steward's financing complements a broader restructuring effort designed to increase operational efficiency and profitability. After recent expansion efforts led to increased expenses and a temporary decline in profitability, the company has executed significant cost-reduction initiatives and operational efficiencies designed to return AEA to its prior growth trajectory and profitability by 2026.

AEA will also continue its ongoing commitment to technology-based solutions that enhance farmer ROI, including:

• FieldLark AI, the world's first AI chatbot for regenerative agronomy, which delivers real-time, data-informed crop guidance, grounded in the scientific principles that make regenerative systems work;
  
  
• Croptix, AEA's partner, developing a handheld crop nutrition sensor that will allow the company to provide faster, nimbler plant health analysis, addressing the nutrition needs of crops in real time; and
  
  
• DNA sequencing lab partnership to more precisely quantify the effects of farming management practices on the soil biology that drives regenerative systems.
  
  

By freeing up working capital and reducing financial risk, the loan will enable AEA to strengthen its consulting and product divisions, support continued customer growth, and accelerate its mission to make regenerative agriculture the global standard.

Stewardship Statement

The team at Advancing Eco Agriculture is committed to building a sustainable and socially responsible business centered on the production of naturally derived agricultural amendments for use in regenerative farming systems.

Throughout the term of this loan, AEA pledges to:

• Continue to promote regenerative agriculture by empowering farmers to adopt regenerative practices that support long-term environmental sustainability.
  
  
• Support farmers both domestically and globally through education and access by offering educational content, consulting and other resources to help them transition to regenerative practices and improve their productivity while navigating the challenges of climate change and economic volatility.
  
  
• Keep soil health and environmental sustainability at the forefront of all product development and promotion, ensuring that every solution not only enhances crop yield and farmer profitability but also actively contributes to the restoration and preservation of ecosystems.

Ecological, Social, and Economic Stewardship Practices

Ecological Stewardship:

• AEA's agricultural products are predominantly organic-compliant, derived from natural plant and rock materials.
  
  
• Products are specifically formulated to enhance soil health by stimulating microbial activity, allowing plants to more effectively absorb the essential minerals and nutrients that occur naturally in the soil.
  
  
• By improving soil health, AEA's products promote: superior water retention, smart tillage practices and encouraging green cover on fields throughout much of the year.
  
  
• Farmers adopting AEA's regenerative practices are reducing their reliance on synthetic chemicals, leading to healthier ecosystems and more sustainable agriculture. Through precision fertilizer application, this system significantly lowers nitrogen usage-an essential step in curbing greenhouse gas emissions.
  
  

Social Stewardship:

• AEA is an active member in many regenerative agricultural farming associations.
  
  
• John Kempf as well as AEA agronomists provide free content, consulting, and educational material to the public. Growers can access information on regenerative approaches to agriculture as well as material that supports those transitioning from conventional to organic farming systems.
  
  

Economic Stewardship:

• 90% of AEA products are sold directly to growers and through wholesale channels.
  
  
• Ingredients are derived from rock or plant sources, with nearly all of them sourced domestically from the United States. A select few minerals are responsibly sourced from Canada.
  
  
• In 2024, AEA took a bold step to accelerate growth by launching a regenerative funding initiative. Through this innovative move, AEA raised capital via crowdfunding, with over 500 passionate supporters who believe in the vision and products of AEA.