Exciting news from PepsiCo Foods North America as they announced a new initiative on Wednesday to enhance opportunities in the agriculture industry for young individuals, who currently represent only 9% of U.S. farmers.
The initiative, known as the Planting Pathways Initiative, will kick off with pilot partnerships that offer job pathways both on the farm and within the broader agriculture sector. Initial partners include Practical Farmers of Iowa and the Farm Foundation.
This initiative is part of PepsiCo’s PepsiCo Positive (pep+), a strategy unveiled in 2021 to revolutionize the CPG giant’s supply chain and prioritize environmental and social advancement.
“PepsiCo has a vested interest and obligation to help cultivate a resilient and impactful supply chain, from the seeds in the field to the products on the shelves to the numerous individuals at home enjoying our products,” stated Margaret Henry, PepsiCo’s vice president of sustainable and regenerative agriculture. “I am proud that these partnerships underscore our dedication to agricultural innovation.”
The long-term partnership with Practical Farmers of Iowa aims to offer opportunities for underrepresented and novice farmers to develop solid business plans and flourish in the industry, providing guidance, funding, extensive networks, and training prospects.
Furthermore, PepsiCo’s collaboration with the Farm Foundation will establish a two-year cohort program called Field to Future, providing college students with career development support in agriculture. Alongside mentorships and scholarships, selected individuals will have the chance to participate in a two-year paid internship at PepsiCo.
The agriculture sector has the highest average age of workers among all industries, making it crucial to involve young people for long-term food security. The average age of U.S. farmers is around 58, with farmers over 65 accounting for one-third of all producers, according to the latest Census of Agriculture.
However, there is a growing interest among young individuals in the environment, sustainability, and self-sufficiency, leading to increased enthusiasm for agriculture. Although individuals under 35 only constitute 9% of the industry, this marks a nearly 4% rise from 2017.