Justin Lott of Ceres Partners notes significant progress in the U.S. water investment market, citing the federal government’s involvement and renegotiated supply agreements as catalysts. Ceres is expanding its team by hiring executives from Appia Capital to manage agribusiness funds and launch a water-focused investment vehicle. In other news, Palladium Equity Partners is selling its majority stake in Del Real Foods to Corporación Multi Inversiones while retaining a minority stake. Monomoy Capital Partners has acquired Oliver Packaging and Equipment. Various startups are also raising funds, including SeaO2 and Oceanloop, highlighting ongoing investment activity in the agricultural sector.