We purchase interests, manage and make direct investments and acquisitions of arable farmland, including divided properties and parcels of less than 50 hectares in size and up to over 1000 compacted hectares. Our goal is to pool smaller properties together and build up a compact area, big enough to carry on large scale farming operations. Typically, such operations are becoming increasingly profitable if at least several hundred hectares are compacted.
We offer individually managed accounts. Agricultural land investments provides investors with a number of potential benefits, such as attractive returns, capital preservation, portfolio diversification and zero correlation with stock market and bond returns.
Investment Philosophy
We construct land portfolios diversified by geography and crop type based on availability of land, investment horizon and investment size.
  1. We first research and find the highest yielding area for specific crops. Then we compare historical crop returns to single out the most profitable regions for each type of crop.
  2. We run a cost analysis to figure out the return per investment, based on local land prices and compare them against other crops, regions and returns.
  3. Based on the above studies, we find and rate the best areas to purchase land and start the acquisition process.
Competitive Advantages
We focus exclusively on acquiring and managing land for institutional investors. Our area of expertise is Central and Eastern Europe and, as such, are to be considered as experts in these regions only.
Once a property is aquired, we have the choice of either leasing it out for a specified period of time, thus lowering the risk of the investment return. Altrnatively, we can aim to increase returns by directly operating permanent cropland. Direct operation of permanent cropland enables us to add incremental return but in the same time being exposed to additional risks, such as low crop yield for one particular year.

Our leadership

Doina Romosan, President

Doina has more than 15 years of professional experience, spanning two continents and three countries. She is the co-founder of Direct Land Investments and also sits on the board of directors.
Prior to heading our firm, Doina was head of Caminul Orhideea, a charity foundation. She started her career in Toronto, Canada, having risen in corporate roles at American Express Canada.
Doina brings skilled leadership, extensive business knowledge and a unique vision for prosperity, both for the firm and or clients alike. She holds a Bachelor degree from Ryerson Polytechnic University, Toronto, Canada.

Virgiliu Gagea, Executive Director

Virgiliu is a co-founder and partner in Direct Land Investments and has more than a 15 year history in the investment industry.
After starting out as an accountant, he moved into the investment industry as an investment advisor. After subsequent roles as branch manager, compliance officer, head of product development and head of business growth and development, Virgiliu has a firm believe in performance, integrity and trust. His vision and expertise have been gained at large, multinational banking and investment firms. Virgiliu holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from York University Toronto, Canada.
His role at our firm is to oversee the operations and position this company as the regional leader and the most respected player in the marketplace of farmland investments.