PepsiCo, Unilever, and partners launch STEP up for Agriculture to scale regenerative farming

Through Step up for Ag, PepsiCo, Unilever and other major retail and food and beverage companies will provide resources and training to farmer-facing organizations to support farmers in adopting regenerative farming practices. Credit: PepsiCo

PepsiCo, Unilever, and other major food and beverage companies have launched STEP up for Agriculture (STEP up for Ag), a first-of-its-kind collaboration designed to accelerate regenerative agriculture adoption. The initiative strengthens farmer-facing organisations with tools, training, and funding, helping to build resilient supply chains and promote sustainable farming practices worldwide.

Why STEP up for Ag matters

The initiative supports PepsiCo’s ambition to transition 10 million acres to regenerative agriculture by 2030. By investing in local farmer support networks, STEP up for Ag aims to provide guidance and resources tailored to regional needs. Expansion is already underway in Europe, with a pilot program in Spain, marking a global push for sustainable agriculture.

“PepsiCo is rooted in agriculture, and farmers are at the heart of our food systems,” said Jim Andrews, Chief Sustainability Officer at PepsiCo. “STEP up for Ag invests in the organisations that support farmers daily, ensuring they can innovate, grow, and lead the transition to sustainable agriculture. When farmers thrive, we all thrive.”

Empowering farmer support organisations

Regenerative agriculture promotes healthier soils, reduces agricultural emissions, enhances biodiversity, and strengthens local farming communities. PepsiCo sources approximately 50 key crops from more than 60 countries, and scaling sustainable practices across these regions requires more than technical solutions—it depends on trusted relationships and local expertise.

Chris Beaudry, a fourth-generation farmer in Saskatchewan, emphasised the benefits: “When you start seeing your soil as having an interdependent relationship with you, you make decisions that benefit the crop, yourself, and humans as a whole.” STEP up for Ag equips farmer support organisations with training, tools, and funding, unlocking adoption at scale across diverse geographies.

Unilever is also committed to rolling out regenerative agriculture principles across 1 million hectares globally by 2030. Kristina Friedman, Head of Sustainability for Unilever North America, said, “STEP up for Ag empowers farmer-led groups with the tools they need, opening doors to more great suppliers and helping us build a stronger, more resilient food system.”

A collaborative, multi-tiered approach

STEP up for Ag combines corporate, philanthropic, and farmer-led partnerships:

• Lead partners: PepsiCo, Unilever, and others fund and collaborate with specific farmer support organisations to accelerate regenerative agriculture adoption.
• Contributing partners: Corporations support existing or emerging organisations or the initiative overall.
• Philanthropic partners: Including the PepsiCo Foundation and the Platform for Agriculture and Climate Transformation (PACT), providing funding and strategic guidance.
• Farmer-facing support partners: Phase I includes South East Research Farm in Canada, Practical Farmers of Iowa, and FarmAdvisor in Indiana, offering mentorship, education, and on-farm support.

Sarah Carlson, Senior Programs and Member Engagement Director at Practical Farmers of Iowa, explained, “Having major names invest in our capacity allowed us to expand our reach, deliver timely technical support, and provide science-based guidance to more farmers.”

Looking ahead

Over the next two years, STEP up for Ag will facilitate peer learning, host workshops, and develop shared tools and resources to scale impact. In Europe, the pilot with Spanish cooperative Garlan—supported by the Earthworm Foundation—will offer farmers high-quality guidance on regenerative practices. Bastien Sachet, CEO of Earthworm Foundation, said, “By working hand in hand with PepsiCo, we can co-design a strong ecosystem that makes regenerative practices practical, profitable, and scalable.”

Through collaboration across sectors, STEP up for Agriculture aims to build resilient supply chains, empower farmers, and drive meaningful, long-term progress toward a more sustainable agricultural future. The news comes in the same week that McDonald’s announce a $200m commitment to regenerative agriculture and responsible beef sourcing.