How PepsiCo is Promoting Regenerative Agriculture
The World Economic Forum (WEF) is among those to have highlighted a critical environmental concern, emphasising that soil erosion has caused the loss of half the planet's topsoil over the past 150 years.
This crisis holds significant implications for soil compaction, structural integrity, nutrient depletion, and soil salinity – all factors that directly impact agricultural productivity and, therefore, supply chains.
Degraded soil poses challenges not only to farmers striving to sustain their livelihoods, but also to the procurement landscape by reducing carbon sequestration capabilities. Additionally, it contributes to clogged waterways, negatively affecting fish populations and increasing pollution levels in water bodies.
That's why PepsiCo and the National Geographic Society have joined forces to establish the Food for Tomorrow initiative, aimed at forwarding regenerative agriculture practices.
Food for Tomorrow: A focus on regenerative agriculture
According to PepsiCo, this programme leverages science, storytelling and education to instigate positive changes throughout the global food system. It centres on regenerative agriculture as a means to counter threats like soil degradation and habitat loss, offering long-term benefits for procurement and supply chain resilience.
The collaborative effort has produced three short films illustrating how farmers can adopt regenerative farming methods. Furthermore, a data visualisation mapping tool is under development, slated for future release on the National Geographic Society's website in 2026. The tool aims to demonstrate how regenerative agriculture can enhance food and farming resilience.
To support scientific innovation, the ‘Building Resilience in Agriculture’ initiative will award five grants to projects proposing nature-positive solutions, further encouraging the global adoption of regenerative agriculture practices.
“Our future will be shaped by how we grow our food today – and we’re reimagining what’s possible when that system nourishes both people and the planet,” says Jill Tiefenthaler, CEO of the National Geographic Society.
“In collaboration with PepsiCo, we’re investing in bold solutions and the farmers, scientists and storytellers leading this essential work. We’re proud to fuel a global movement, rooted in science and hope, to help build a thriving future for generations to come.”
Regenerative agriculture explained
The National Geographic outlines regenerative agriculture as practices designed to enhance soil health, improve watersheds and boost biodiversity, which are all integral to securing supply chain stability.
Combining traditional knowledge with modern technologies, regenerative agriculture employs methods such as:
- Using cover crops to prevent soil exposure and disruption
- Intercropping to cultivate symbiotic plant relationships
- Minimising chemical fertilisers through composting
- Optimising water use
- Rotational grazing of livestock
- Implementing diverse agroforestry techniques
These approaches aim to fortify agricultural systems against climate change impacts – a priority for procurement strategies with sustainability in mind.
PepsiCo's commitment
PepsiCo's Positive Agriculture agenda fosters the adoption of regenerative techniques across the agricultural landscape.
The organisation focuses on forging collaborations among stakeholders – customers, suppliers, financial institutions, insurers and governments – to address ecosystem and community risks.
Its target is to integrate regenerative agriculture into 10 million acres of farmland by 2030, supporting vital crops and ingredients. PepsiCo also aspires to: curtail Scope 3 emissions related to forest, land and agriculture by 30%; sustainably source 90% of key ingredients; and consistently pursue deforestation-free sourcing.
The corporation asserts that widespread implementation of regenerative agriculture is crucial for meeting global nutritional needs while mitigating risks like water scarcity, deforestation, biodiversity loss and soil degradation.
Ramon Laguarta, Chairman and CEO of PepsiCo, emphasises: “Climate change is putting unprecedented pressure on the global food system and farmers feel it every day. As a company rooted in agriculture, we know just how fragile – and vital – that system is.
"But, there are solutions that can help make businesses and farmers more resilient. Food for Tomorrow combines PepsiCo’s deep food system expertise with National Geographic’s power to advance science and inspire action. Together, we’re aiming to support farmers, protect the planet and help build a stronger, more resilient future for all.”
