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PepsiCo Foods North America has unveiled its Planting Pathways Initiative, aimed at enhancing opportunities within the agricultural sector, particularly for underrepresented and young farmers.

This initiative comes in response to recent USDA data indicating that only 9% of US farmers are under 35, highlighting a pressing need for new entrants in the industry.

The initiative will begin with pilot programs to promote sustainable practices and equitable access across the agricultural supply chain. PepsiCo is partnering with non-profit organisations, including Practical Farmers of Iowa (PFI) and the Farm Foundation, to implement these programmes.

Margaret Henry, vice president of sustainable and regenerative agriculture at PepsiCo, said: "PepsiCo has a business stake and responsibility to help grow a resilient and impactful supply chain from the seeds in the field to the products on the shelf."

Key components of the Planting Pathways Initiative include:

Partnership with Practical Farmers of Iowa: This multi-year collaboration aims to support underrepresented and beginning farmers by providing business planning, training and capital access.

Field to Future programme: In conjunction with the Farm Foundation, this two-year cohort programme will offer college students career development support, mentorships and paid internships within PepsiCo’s supply chain.

The initiative aligns with PepsiCo's broader sustainability goals outlined in its PepsiCo Positive (pep+) strategy, which seeks to create a more resilient and inclusive food system.

Sally Worley, executive director of Practical Farmers of Iowa, added: "We are grateful to partner with PepsiCo Foods North America on this initiative to enable underrepresented farmers to start and maintain a thriving farm business. PepsiCo's Planting Pathways Initiative has the potential to provide opportunities for more people to succeed in farming."

Shari Rogge-Fidler, president and CEO of Farm Foundation, commented: Field to Future will foster future leaders in the food and agriculture industries. Pairing PepsiCo Foods' commitment with Farm Foundation's network of food and agriculture experts creates opportunities that will shape these industries for years to come."

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