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National Geographic Society and PepsiCo Collaborate for a Sustainable Future

In a groundbreaking announcement, the National Geographic Society and PepsiCo have joined forces to launch the "Food for Tomorrow" program, aimed at transforming the global food system through the lens of regenerative agriculture. This collaboration seeks to leverage science, storytelling, and education to create meaningful change, highlighting the vital role of sustainable agricultural practices in addressing climate change and food security.

With the world population projected to reach 10 billion by 2050, the urgency for innovative agricultural solutions has never been greater. Unfortunately, current trends indicate that nearly 90% of the planet's soils could be degraded by that time, posing a significant challenge to food production and environmental health. Regenerative agriculture involves farming methods that restore soil health and maintain natural resources, promoting a sustainable relationship with our environment.

The "Food for Tomorrow" initiative aims to raise awareness about how these practices can positively impact farmers, strengthen food systems, and protect the planet, while empowering consumers to make more sustainable food choices. As Jill Tiefenthaler, CEO of the National Geographic Society, eloquently stated, "Our future will be shaped by how we grow our food today and reimagine what’s possible when that system nourishes both people and the planet."

Notably, PepsiCo has set ambitious goals to promote the adoption of regenerative, restorative, or protective practices across 10 million acres by 2030. Ramon Laguarta, the company's CEO, acknowledged the pressures of climate change on the global food system, emphasizing the need for resilient solutions. He remarked, "Food for Tomorrow combines PepsiCo’s deep expertise in food systems with the power of National Geographic to advance science and inspire action. Together, we aim to support farmers, protect our planet, and help build a stronger, more resilient future for everyone."

To bring this mission to fruition, PepsiCo is collaborating with National Geographic CreativeWorks to produce three short films showcasing farmers who are adopting regenerative agriculture practices. These narratives of innovation and partnership will be instrumental in illustrating the potential of these sustainable methods.

Initially, the program will support five National Geographic explorers, who will undertake impactful storytelling projects centered on real individuals, farmers, and communities that implement sustainable and regenerative practices in food production. Additionally, the initiative will fund the "Building Resilience in Agriculture" project, offering up to five scientific grants for innovative, nature-friendly proposals that apply science in real-world contexts to expand regenerative agriculture practices worldwide. The application deadline for these grants is set for September 30, 2025.

An exciting feature of the program will be a dynamic mapping tool designed to visualize how regenerative agriculture enhances food and farming resilience. This resource, which will be accessible to farmers, scientists, and the general public, is expected to launch on the National Geographic Society’s website in 2026.

For those interested in learning more about regenerative agriculture and the efforts led by explorers and scientists globally, as well as discovering emerging stories this fall, more information can be found here.

Selected Explorers

The initiative has enlisted several National Geographic explorers, each bringing their unique talents to this vital endeavor:

• - Pablo Albarenga: A documentary photographer and visual storyteller, Albarenga will document stories from small farmers and indigenous communities leading a silent regenerative revolution through multimedia storytelling.
• - Caitlin Ochs: Focusing on climate change impacts through the lenses of water and agriculture, Ochs will capture the regenerative agriculture movement in the U.S. and Costa Rica.
• - Miora Rajaonary: An artist and photographer, Rajaonary will travel to Senegal to document the challenges and progress of the Great Green Wall project, addressing desertification and promoting climate resilience.
• - John Stanmeyer: A photographer and educator, Stanmeyer will explore the transformation of soil health in India, emphasizing the dangers of agricultural practices that have led to soil toxicity.
• - Brent Stirton: Known for his work at the intersection of people and the environment, Stirton will visualize the stories of farmers adapting to climate change and improving profits while producing healthier food.

This collaboration between the National Geographic Society and PepsiCo represents a vital step towards fostering sustainable agricultural practices that not only benefit local communities but also contribute to a healthier planet for future generations.