PepsiCo, Cargill to Embrace Regenerative Farming: Program Will Cover 240,000 Acres of Corn in Iowa by 2030

PepsiCo and Cargill today announced a strategic collaboration to implement regenerative farming practices on 240,000 acres between 2025 and 2030. The project covers a shared corn supply chain in Iowa, where Cargill sources from local farmers to produce ingredients used in PepsiCo’s iconic products.

Corn is a key crop for both partners. PepsiCo sources 35 crops and ingredients from more than 60 countries; as a global supplier to PepsiCo, Cargill plays a key role in building a seamless supply chain from farm to fork. The joint goal is to strengthen the resilience of the supply chain by promoting regenerative farming practices and improving the socio-economic conditions of farming communities.

Iowa remains the largest corn-producing state, accounting for more than 15 percent of the nation’s total in 2024. As part of the project, regional NGO Practical Farmers of Iowa (PFI) will consult with farmers, providing customized recommendations based on local conditions and crops. Such an approach, the partners emphasize, is necessary for the large-scale implementation of regenerative agriculture.

“By working together with farmers and participants in the supply chain, we accelerate the adoption of practices that improve soils, reduce emissions, and increase yields,” said Jim Andrew, PepsiCo’s chief sustainability officer. “This creates long-term value together.”

The project supports the goals of both companies: PepsiCo aims to extend regenerative or protective practices to 10 million acres worldwide by 2030; Cargill’s goal is 10 million acres in North America by the same period.

“The partnership is focused on practical, measurable results,” said Pilar Cruz, Cargill’s chief sustainability officer. “Together, we are creating the conditions under which regenerative agriculture can take root and scale.”

Tags: corn, Cargill, USA, PepsiCo