PepsiCo, Cargill partner to support Iowa farmers with sustainable agriculture practices

USA – PepsiCo and Cargill have announced a new collaboration aimed at helping Iowa farmers grow corn more sustainably across 240,000 acres of farmland by 2030.

This partnership will focus on shared corn supply chains that connect Cargill’s sourcing with PepsiCo’s food and beverage production.

The move signals a long-term commitment to better farming practices that not only support the land but also the people working it. Through this effort, the companies want to build stronger links between the farm and the end consumer.

The partnership will be carried out locally by Practical Farmers of Iowa (PFI), a nonprofit group known for working closely with Midwest farming communities.

PFI will provide farmers with one-on-one support, advice based on local conditions, and financial incentives for adopting regenerative techniques.

These practices focus on improving soil health, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and increasing crop yields. More importantly, they help farmers prepare for the impact of a changing climate.

“By partnering across the supply chain – and working with farmers to understand what’s best for their farms – we can accelerate the adoption of regenerative agriculture practices that can result in healthier soil, reduced emissions, and improved crop yields and livelihoods for farmers,” said Jim Andrew, PepsiCo Chief Sustainability Officer.

“This collaboration among PepsiCo, Cargill, and Practical Farmers of Iowa creates shared value and long-term sustainability that we believe will strengthen our business today and in the future.”

Cargill also emphasized the practical focus of the partnership. “This partnership is about delivering practical, measurable results – starting on the farm, where the food system begins,” said Pilar Cruz, Chief Sustainability Officer at Cargill.

“By coming together across the value chain, we can help create the conditions for regenerative agriculture to take root and grow. The collaboration offers a model for how we can drive meaningful impact at scale.”

Shared goals and farmer benefits

This project supports each company’s broader goal to expand regenerative agriculture across 10 million acres in North America and globally by 2030.

PepsiCo sources over 35 crops from more than 60 countries, making agriculture central to its operations.

Cargill, as a key supplier, plays an important role in keeping that supply chain connected and functional.

Farmers who join the project will receive hands-on guidance and incentive payments to help them adjust to new practices without taking on all the risk.

PFI will lead the process, managing everything from sign-up to verifying that practices are making a difference on the ground.

This step builds on several years of collaboration among PepsiCo, Cargill, and PFI. Now, with a broader reach, the focus remains the same: support farmers, protect the land, and help supply chains adapt to ongoing changes in food production.

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