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Major Update to the Climate Resilience Platform

PepsiCo, along with the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, has announced a significant upgrade to the Climate Resilience Platform (CRP), an open-access resource aimed at helping agricultural stakeholders effectively manage the impacts of climate change. This revamped platform is designed to facilitate better planning and mitigation strategies in agriculture, thus enhancing the resilience of food systems worldwide.

Originally introduced in 2023, the CRP has transformed the way climate research is communicated and utilized in agriculture. Unlike proprietary tools that might limit collaborative efforts and impose high consultancy fees, the CRP is open-source and freely accessible, making it a vital tool for those in the agricultural sector.

The recent update, known as CRP 2.0, comes at a pivotal time as the global agricultural community seeks innovative solutions to address the ongoing challenges posed by climate change. Significant funding from the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research (FFAR), which contributed $1 million for the platform’s development, underlines the growing recognition of CRP’s potential benefits.

Margaret Henry, PepsiCo’s Vice President of Sustainable and Regenerative Agriculture, emphasized, "We are dedicated to democratizing access to tools that promote climate resilience. By making scientific knowledge actionable, we empower stakeholders within the food and agriculture sectors to make informed decisions that can lead to measurable impacts."

Enhanced Features and New Collaborations

The CRP 2.0 introduces several new features aimed at expanding its reach and functionality, including:

• - Quantification of climate risks: Stakeholders can now assess climate risks and opportunities in financial terms, aiding in budget planning and investment decisions.
• - Fostering collaboration: The platform has enhanced tools to encourage collaborative actions between organizations across different landscapes.
• - Broader crop and geographical coverage: The update includes two new crops and six additional countries, which allows for a wider range of data and strategies applicable across various agricultural situations.

The integration of new partners, such as Olam Agri and Bonsucro, signifies the momentum towards industry-wide climate initiatives. Olam Agri has committed to supporting CRP by expanding its scope to include key crops like rice and cotton, crucial for food security in vulnerable regions. Laurence Jassogne from Olam Agri stated, "Contributing to the CRP will empower agricultural stakeholders to make informed choices, ultimately steering towards more resilient agricultural practices."

As agriculture continues to face mounting pressure from climate change, the CRP stands as a beacon of hope for collective action, innovation, and responsibility within the sector. Sharing insights and tools allows for a more resilient agricultural ecosystem that benefits farmers, consumers, and the environment alike.

In conclusion, the enhancement of the Climate Resilience Platform aligns with PepsiCo’s broader ambitions of fostering a sustainable and regenerative agricultural landscape. By providing access to crucial research and collaboration opportunities, the CRP is poised to make a meaningful impact on the agriculture industry, paving the way for a sustainable future.