PepsiCo, Unilever, and other major food and beverage companies have launched a new collaboration to scale regenerative agriculture.

The Supporting Trusted Engagement and Partnership up for Agriculture (STEP up for Ag) initiative provides tools, training, and funding to accelerate adoption of sustainable practices and build resilient supply chains. Expansion is already underway in Europe, beginning with a pilot in Spain and initiative will now strengthen the capacity and sustainability of farmer-facing support organisations across North America.

"PepsiCo is rooted in agriculture, and farmers are at the heart of our food systems. STEP up for Ag is about investing in the organisations that support farmers every day, aiming to ensure they can grow, innovate and lead the transition to more sustainable agriculture," PepsiCo chief sustainability officer, Jim Andrews said. "When farmers thrive, we all thrive."

Regenerative agriculture can promote healthier soil, as well as to reduce agricultural emissions, enhance biodiversity and watershed health, and help raise the standard of living for farmers and farming communities.

Scaling regenerative agriculture, however, requires more than just technical solutions, it depends on trusted relationships and local expertise. Farmers are more likely to adopt new practices when they see clear benefits and receive guidance from organisations they know and trust.

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