The global agri-industry will see a rising number of acquisitions, funding raisings and other forms of investment over the next 12 months, according to a new survey conducted by law firm Norton Rose.

To support the increased investment needs, the survey found that while traditional forms of finance, such as trade and commodity debt financing will continue to play an important role in supporting the agri-industry, many respondents believe that sovereign wealth funds and private equity funds will be play a larger role in the future.

Two-thirds of survey respondents are planning to increase investment in agri-related industries over the next 12 months. A total of 60% of respondents intend to carry out strategic acquisitions and fund raisings in the next 12 months.

The survey also found that over 90% of respondents believe that the BRIC economies will have a very significant impact on the future of the agri-industry as both producers and consumers.

Survey participants singled out Brazil as the country that is the most important country in terms of boosting world food production in the short-term.

African nations such as Zambia, Sudan, Ethiopia and Uganda were also highlighted by respondents as good prospects for significant future food production, but in the short-term the countries are hindered by poor infrastructure and political instability.