PepsiCo and Unilever back initiative to strengthen farmer support

PepsiCo and Unilever have launched Supporting Trusted Engagement and Partnership for Agriculture (STEP up for Ag), a pre-competitive initiative aimed at strengthening farmer-facing support organizations across North America. The program is designed to boost capacity and sustainability within local groups that guide farmers in adopting regenerative agriculture practices.

Jim Andrews, Chief Sustainability Officer, PepsiCo: "PepsiCo is rooted in agriculture, and farmers are at the heart of our food systems. STEP up for Ag is about investing in the organizations that support farmers every day, aiming to ensure they can grow, innovate and lead the transition to more sustainable agriculture. When farmers thrive, we all thrive."

Building capacity for regenerative agriculture

PepsiCo, which sources about 50 key crops and ingredients from more than 60 countries, has committed to advancing regenerative, restorative and protective practices across 10 million acres by 2030. Unilever has pledged to roll out regenerative agriculture principles across 1 million hectares globally in the same timeframe.

Kristina Friedman, Head of Sustainability, Unilever North America: "Regenerative agriculture is a big part of how we're building a stronger, more resilient supply chain and food system – and Unilever is committed to rolling out regenerative agriculture principles across 1 million hectares globally by 2030. STEP up for Ag can help us move faster and smarter, empowering farmer-led groups with the tools they need and opening doors to more great suppliers to grow our business. Our longstanding work with Practical Farmers of Iowa has been game-changing, and this next chapter is a huge step forward."

Farmers at the center of change

Farmer-facing organizations play a key role in adoption, providing trusted relationships and guidance at a local level. Chris Beaudry, a fourth-generation farmer in Saskatchewan and member of South East Research Farm: "The PepsiCo program has given me the flexibility to try a lot of the regenerative practices I have wanted to implement, and across more acres. When you, as a farmer, start looking at your soil having an interdependent relationship with you, then you can start making decisions that benefit you, benefit the crop and benefit us as humans as well."

Jim Moseley, former Deputy Secretary, U.S. Department of Agriculture and board member, FarmAdvisor: "Farmers learning about new conservation practices requires an ecosystem of learning. First, each of us must understand why it's important. Second is learning — available information is now so easy to obtain. But the essential third and most valuable part of our ecosystem is the ability to have a real farmer, an experienced mentor, stand side by side and help."

A multi-tiered partnership model

STEP up for Ag will operate through different tiers of partnership: lead partners, including PepsiCo and Unilever, committing funding and collaboration with farmer groups; contributing partners providing broader support; philanthropic partners such as the Platform for Agriculture and Climate Transformation and the PepsiCo Foundation; and farmer-facing organizations such as South East Research Farm, Practical Farmers of Iowa and FarmAdvisor.

Sarah Carlson, Senior Programs and Member Engagement Director, Practical Farmers of Iowa: "From the beginning, Practical Farmers of Iowa has aimed to cut through the noise with clear, science-based information and a farmer-to-farmer network grounded in trust. Having all these major names invest in our capacity came at a pivotal moment. It enabled us to become more efficient, expand our reach, and deliver timely technical and financial support to more farmers."

Expanding reach in Europe

STEP up for Ag will also launch its first European pilot with Spanish cooperative Garlan, supported by the Earthworm Foundation. The initiative will provide guidance and tools to help local farmers implement regenerative practices, with broader regional engagement already underway in Türkiye.

Bastien Sachet, CEO, Earthworm Foundation: "At Earthworm, we believe farmers are at the heart of the transition to regenerative agriculture. This pilot in Spain is about empowering Garlan with the tools and methodologies needed to succeed in supporting their farmers in the transitions."

The initiative aims to create a collaborative ecosystem that accelerates the adoption of regenerative agriculture, improves local economies, and strengthens supply chain resilience.

www.pepsico.com

www.unilever.com

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