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National Geographic Society and PepsiCo Launch Food for Tomorrow Program

In a groundbreaking initiative, the National Geographic Society and PepsiCo have announced their partnership to promote global food sustainability through the Food for Tomorrow program. This project is designed to leverage scientific research, impactful storytelling, and education to inspire significant changes in the world’s food systems, particularly focusing on the practice of regenerative agriculture.

The Need for Change

As the global population is projected to reach 10 billion by 2050, the challenges faced by our food systems are immense. According to UNESCO reports, if current trends continue, as much as 90% of the world's soil could become degraded by the same year. This alarming prediction has sparked urgent discussions on how we can cultivate food in a way that not only meets the needs of this burgeoning population but also mitigates environmental threats like soil degradation and habitat loss. The concept of regenerative agriculture, which promotes farming practices that restore and improve the health of soil and natural resources instead of depleting them, has emerged as a promising solution.

Understanding the Food for Tomorrow Program

The Food for Tomorrow program aims to raise awareness about the benefits of regenerative agricultural practices. By working in harmony with nature rather than against it, these methods can create a more resilient food system that is beneficial to farmers, consumers, and the planet alike. Jill Tiefenthaler, CEO of the National Geographic Society, emphasized that our future depends on how we cultivate our food today: "We are reimagining what is possible when our food system nourishes both people and the planet."

This partnership intends to identify innovative solutions through collaboration with global food industry stakeholders, enabling farmers and scientists to blend scientific research with traditional agricultural knowledge. PepsiCo has set a bold goal of adopting regenerative practices across 4 million hectares by 2030, showcasing their commitment to sustainability.

A Vision of Collaboration

Ramón Laguarta, CEO of PepsiCo, noted the unprecedented pressure climate change places on the global food system and how farmers are directly affected. He stated, "Food for Tomorrow combines the deep expertise of PepsiCo in food systems with the power of National Geographic to drive science and inspire action. Together, we aim to support farmers, protect the planet, and build a stronger, more resilient future for all."

To further this vision, PepsiCo collaborated with National Geographic CreativeWorks to produce three short films that highlight real stories of farmers who are embracing regenerative agriculture. These narratives focus on innovation and collaboration, showcasing the potential transformation within the industry.

The initiative will initially support five National Geographic explorers, who will share stories about the inspiring practices of real farmers and communities engaged in sustainable food production. Additionally, the Building Resilience in Agriculture Fund will be created, offering up to five scientific scholarships for innovative and environmentally friendly proposals that leverage science in real-world contexts to enhance regenerative agricultural practices globally.

Visualizing Impact

Another component of the Food for Tomorrow program is the creation of an interactive data visualization tool that will depict how regenerative agriculture can bolster food and agricultural resilience. This resource, aimed at farmers, scientists, and the general public, is set to be launched on the National Geographic Society’s website in 2026.

Meet the Explorers

The selected National Geographic explorers include:

• - Pablo Albarenga: A documentary photographer who will depict captivating stories of small farmers and Indigenous communities leading a quiet revolution in regenerative practices through various multimedia formats.
• - Caitlin Ochs: A visual storyteller focusing on the impact of climate change through the lens of water and agriculture. Ochs will document regenerative agriculture movements in the U.S. and Costa Rica, using photography and audio to connect audiences to these vital stories.
• - Miora Rajaonary: A photographer traveling to Senegal to document the strengths and challenges of the Great Green Wall project, aimed at combating desertification and promoting climate resilience.
• - John Stanmeyer: A photographer and educator addressing issues related to soil health in India, highlighting the impacts of chemical fertilizers and pesticides on agriculture.
• - Brent Stirton: Known for his work at the intersection of people and the environment, Stirton will visualize stories of farmers adapting to climate change using naturally suitable regenerative techniques.

Conclusion

The Food for Tomorrow program signifies a bold step toward ensuring sustainable food systems and addressing critical environmental issues. By uniting the efforts of National Geographic and PepsiCo, it aims to create a more sustainable future for generations to come. To learn more about regenerative agriculture and the remarkable work being done by explorers and scientists worldwide, stay tuned for more updates this fall.