PepsiCo, Unilever, among other partners launch STEP up for Agriculture to scale regenerative farming globally
STEP up for Ag is designed to empower farmer-facing support organizations with the tools, training, and funding needed to help farmers adopt regenerative methods.
USA – PepsiCo, Unilever, and a coalition of global food and beverage companies have launched STEP up for Agriculture (Supporting Trusted Engagement and Partnership), a first-of-its-kind initiative aimed at scaling regenerative farming practices across North America and beyond.
Unveiled in September 2025, STEP up for Ag is designed to empower farmer-facing support organizations with the tools, training, and funding needed to help farmers adopt regenerative methods.
These practices promote healthier soils, reduce emissions, enhance biodiversity, and build resilient food systems.
The initiative reflects a growing recognition that technical solutions alone aren’t enough; trusted relationships and localized expertise are key to driving change.
PepsiCo, which sources over 50 key crops from more than 60 countries, has committed to transitioning 10 million acres to regenerative agriculture by 2030.
Unilever, likewise, aims to roll out regenerative principles across 1 million hectares globally within the same timeframe.
“PepsiCo is rooted in agriculture, and farmers are at the heart of our food systems. STEP up for Ag is about investing in the organizations that support farmers every day, aiming to ensure they can grow, innovate and lead the transition to more sustainable agriculture,” said Chief Sustainability Officer Jim Andrews.
“When farmers thrive, we all thrive.”
The initiative includes a diverse network of partners:
- Lead Partners: PepsiCo, Unilever, and others fund and collaborate with farmer support organizations.
- Contributing Partners: Corporations provide strategic support and resources.
- Philanthropic Partners: Including the PepsiCo Foundation and the Platform for Agriculture and Climate Transformation (PACT).
- Farmer-Facing Support Partners: Phase I includes Practical Farmers of Iowa, Farm Advisor in Indiana, and South East Research Farm (SERF) in Canada.
These groups will provide mentorship, education, and on-farm support, enabling farmers to implement regenerative techniques tailored to their specific regions.
Expansion is already underway in Europe, with a pilot program in Spain led by the farmer cooperative Garlan.
Chris Beaudry, a fourth-generation farmer in Saskatchewan, praised the initiative: “When you, as a farmer, start looking at your soil having an interdependent relationship with you, then you can start making decisions that benefit you, benefit the crop and benefit us as humans as well.”
STEP up for Agriculture represents a bold step toward transforming global food systems, one rooted in collaboration, innovation, and the belief that sustainable farming begins with empowered farmers.
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