What's Happening?
Unilever and PepsiCo have announced the launch of a new initiative called STEP up for Agriculture, aimed at promoting regenerative agricultural practices across North America. The initiative seeks to provide tools and support to farmer-facing organizations to enhance the adoption of sustainable farming methods. It focuses on helping farmers develop business strategies, implement measurement and reporting systems, expand staffing and training, and improve their ability to make necessary changes. The initiative also plans to hold annual workshops to facilitate learning and collaboration among farmers. PepsiCo aims to transition 10 million acres to regenerative practices by 2030, while Unilever targets one million hectares globally by the same year.
Why It's Important?
The initiative is significant as it addresses the growing need for sustainable agricultural practices to ensure resilient supply chains. By supporting farmer-facing organizations, Unilever and PepsiCo aim to build trust and encourage successful adoption of regenerative methods. This move is expected to benefit farmers by providing new revenue streams and partnerships, ultimately boosting profitability. The initiative aligns with the companies' sustainability goals, contributing to broader environmental and economic benefits. As agriculture is a critical component of the food system, these efforts could lead to more sustainable food production and supply chain resilience.
What's Next?
The initiative will launch a pilot scheme in Spain in collaboration with the farmer cooperative Garlan and the Earthworm Foundation. This pilot aims to test the effectiveness of the tools and strategies developed under STEP up for Agriculture. The annual workshops will continue to play a crucial role in educating and empowering farmers. As the initiative progresses, it may attract more partners and expand its reach, potentially influencing global agricultural practices. Stakeholders in the food industry and sustainability sectors will likely monitor the outcomes closely, considering potential collaborations and investments.
