PepsiCo launches initiative to support transformation of agriculture

PepsiCo Foods North America has announced its Planting Pathways Initiative, charting an industry-leading and transformative course for expanding agricultural opportunities.

Recent United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Census of Agriculture data shows that farmers under the age of 35 make up just 9% of the U.S. farming industry. The initiative aims to provide opportunities for young people and people from various backgrounds to enter the agriculture sector.

The Planting Pathways Initiative will begin with pilot programmes that drive sustainable, systemic industry change. Long-term partnerships with non-profit leaders in the agriculture industry underpin the programme, with a shared commitment to making measurable progress toward achieving equitable access across the agricultural supply chain.

“I was born on a farm and am proud to work for PepsiCo, a company rooted in agriculture. I have immense respect for the growers and producers that form the backbone of our country. PepsiCo has a business stake and responsibility to help grow a resilient and impactful supply chain; from the seeds in the field, to the products on the shelf, to the many people at home enjoying our products,” said Margaret Henry, Vice President – Sustainable & Regenerative Agriculture at PepsiCo. “Providing access to food and building leaders for tomorrow are at the heart of our business at PepsiCo. I’m proud that these partnerships reinforce our commitment to innovation in agriculture.”

Partnerships include:

• Multi-year partnership with Practical Farmers of Iowa (PFI) to provide opportunities for under-represented and beginning farmers to enter and thrive in the agriculture industry. PepsiCo Foods North America will work with PFI to equip farmers with strong business plans; coaching and capital; robust networks; and training opportunities
• Partnership with the Farm Foundation to create career opportunities within the PepsiCo Foods North America supply chain and the agriculture industry at large. The investment will develop a two-year cohort programme, Field to Future, that enables college students to receive career development support in the agricultural sector, including conference attendance, mentorships, scholarships provided by The PepsiCo Foundation and more. It will also allow select individuals to participate in a two-year paid internship within PepsiCo.

The company’s investment and focus on these partnerships aim to address widespread global food system challenges by bringing fresh perspectives, innovation and energy into the agriculture industry. All PepsiCo Foods products are born in the field – starting as potatoes, corn or oats – and PepsiCo is committed to cultivating a robust agricultural supply chain, from the seed to the shelf.

“We are grateful to partner with PepsiCo Foods North America on this initiative to enable underrepresented farmers to start and maintain a thriving farm business,” said Sally Worley, Executive Director of Practical Farmers of Iowa. “PepsiCo’s Planting Pathways Initiative has the potential to provide opportunities for more people to succeed in farming.”

The Field to Future cohort programme, in partnership with the Farm Foundation, is a critical component of the Planting Pathways Initiative. “Field to Future will foster future leaders in the food and agriculture industries,” said Shari Rogge-Fidler, President and CEO of Farm Foundation. “Pairing PepsiCo Foods’ commitment with Farm Foundation’s network of food and agriculture experts creates opportunities that will shape these industries for years to come.”

In 2021, PepsiCo launched PepsiCo Positive (pep+), the end-to-end transformation of its business to drive positive impact for both the planet and people. The announcement of the Planting Pathways Initiative directly supports the pep+ Positive Agriculture agenda, which seeks to create a more resilient and inclusive food system by directly supporting farmers, securing a steady supply of key ingredients and improving social outcomes for all people throughout the supply chain.