New partnership strengthens farmer support groups globally
PepsiCo and Unilever have joined forces with major food and retail companies to launch STEP up for Agriculture, an ambitious program to strengthen farmer-facing organizations and expand regenerative agriculture. The initiative focuses on helping farmer support groups with tools, training, and funding to accelerate sustainable practices and build stronger supply chains.
STEP up for Ag supports PepsiCo’s plan to transition 10 million acres to regenerative methods by 2030 and Unilever’s goal of applying these principles across one million hectares globally. Partners include Practical Farmers of Iowa, South East Research Farm in Canada, and Farm Advisor in Indiana, which mentor farmers and share practical conservation knowledge.
Through this program, participating organizations receive funding to improve business plans, expand staff, and create measurement systems to track progress. This local approach ensures farmers adopt practices that improve soil health, biodiversity, and water quality while strengthening rural economies.
The collaboration features a multi-tier model with corporate, philanthropic, and farmer-led partners working together. The first European pilot begins in Spain with cooperative Garlan, supported by Earthworm Foundation, to design a regenerative program for local farmers. Earlier engagement in Türkiye has already shown strong interest in this model.
Industry leaders emphasize that regenerative agriculture requires trusted relationships and collective action. "When farmers thrive, we all thrive," said Jim Andrews of PepsiCo. This initiative aims to create lasting impact by empowering farmer-led groups and supporting global sustainability goals.
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