PepsiCo Foods kicks off initiative to expand youth agricultural opportunities

Recognizing that a robust agricultural industry is essential to its business, PepsiCo Foods North America is taking steps to help attract and retain young farmers.

Recent USDA Census of Agriculture data shows that farmers under 35 make up just 9% of the U.S. farming industry, PepsiCo noted while announcing its new plan. The Planting Pathways Initiative includes pilot programs and long-term partnerships with nonprofit leaders in the agriculture industry. Programs include:

• A multi-year partnership with Practical Farmers of Iowa to provide opportunities for underrepresented 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, and networking and training opportunities.
• A 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 program, Field to Future, that enables college students to receive career-development support in the agricultural sector, including conference attendance, mentorships and scholarships provided by the PepsiCo Foundation. Select individuals may participate in a two-year paid internship within PepsiCo.

The Field to Future cohort program, 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 the Farm Foundation's network of food and agriculture experts creates opportunities that will shape these industries for years to come."

Stakeholders and participants have committed to measurable progress toward equitable access across the agricultural supply chain, according to the company.

As Pepsico Foods noted when announcing the initiative, its products start as potatoes, corn and oats. "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 of sustainable and regenerative agriculture at PepsiCo., in a release. "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."

"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."