With projections indicating the planet will need to support 10 billion people by 2050—and 90% of soil at risk of degradation by mid-century, according to UNESCO—this partnership underscores the need for systems-level change in the way food is grown, sourced, and understood.
PepsiCo’s broader efforts to scale regenerative practices were underscored in its 2024 ESG Summary, which reported the adoption of restorative or protective agriculture across 3.5 million acres globally. This figure marks a significant step toward its goal of 10 million acres by 2030 and reflects how the company is embedding sustainability into its supply chain at scale. The expansion complements the Food for Tomorrow initiative by translating corporate-level targets into real-world application across diverse farming environments.
PepsiCo brings scale to the table, leveraging its agricultural footprint and supply chain relationships to help embed regenerative practices across millions of acres. The company has already set a goal to adopt such methods across 10 million acres by 2030. These practices, such as cover cropping, reduced tillage, and crop rotation, aim to rebuild soil health while maintaining yields.
"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." remarked PepsiCo Chairman and CEO Ramon Laguarta.
The National Geographic Society contributes its storytelling and science communication expertise, reframing complex agricultural data into accessible narratives that can influence behavior across sectors—from policymakers to producers to consumers.
Jill Tiefenthaler, CEO of the National Geographic Society said "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."
Food for Tomorrow operates on three core pillars: visual storytelling, applied research, and data visualization. Together, they aim to make regenerative agriculture both visible and actionable for businesses, scientists, and growers alike.
In its first phase, the program will support five National Geographic Explorers reporting from the frontlines of regenerative farming, covering diverse regions including India and Senegal. These stories will highlight not just ecological data but also the human side of agricultural change, providing case studies relevant to decision-makers across the value chain.
A complementary research grant program, “Building Resilience in Agriculture,” is accepting proposals through September 30, 2025. It targets scalable, nature-positive innovations with practical applications—offering an opportunity for agtech firms, research institutions, and food companies to develop solutions that are both measurable and media-ready.
Beyond agriculture, PepsiCo’s 2024 ESG Summary highlighted cross-sector sustainability gains—sourcing 89% of electricity for company-owned operations from renewables, replenishing 24 billion liters of water into local watersheds, and reducing virgin plastic in key markets. The company also achieved two key nutrition milestones ahead of schedule, with most beverages now under 100 calories per 12 oz serving and a majority of convenient foods meeting sodium targets. These results reflect an integrated strategy where environmental and public health objectives reinforce one another, building credibility with both consumers and industry stakeholders.
Looking ahead to 2026, a digital data visualization platform will be launched to track and showcase the outcomes of regenerative farming practices. Designed for both industry and academic use, it will visualize connections between agricultural methods, soil health, and climate resilience—potentially influencing investment strategies and policy direction.
