Michelle Deugd is a Climate Advisory Expert at Root Capital, where she supports climate advisory programs that help agricultural businesses and smallholder farmers build resilience through regenerative agriculture.
She brings more than 25 years of experience in sustainable agriculture, including nearly two decades at Rainforest Alliance in leadership roles related to regenerative agriculture, climate, and market transformation. Michelle co-led the development of Rainforest Alliance’s Regenerative Agriculture Standard, with strong engagement across coffee and cocoa value chains. Her work has included collaboration with coffee companies, producer organizations, and sustainability partners on climate-smart agriculture, agroforestry, sustainable sourcing, and farmer livelihoods. At Root Capital, she focuses on how advisory services can help coffee businesses and producers turn regenerative agriculture ambitions into practical implementation