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National Geographic Society and PepsiCo's Collaborative Program

In an ambitious new venture, the National Geographic Society has partnered with PepsiCo to roll out the Food for Tomorrow initiative, aimed at transforming the global food system. This strategic collaboration seeks to leverage science, compelling storytelling, and comprehensive education to raise awareness about regenerative agriculture. This innovative farming practice focuses on restorative measures to enhance soil health and preserve natural resources, positioning itself as a crucial strategy for our planet's future.

Addressing Global Challenges

As the global population is projected to soar to 10 billion by 2050, experts warn that nearly 90% of the Earth's soil could become degraded if current agricultural practices persist. The pressing need to produce food sustainably is paramount, especially in light of issues such as soil erosion and habitat destruction. The Food for Tomorrow initiative aims to champion regenerative agriculture, which works synergistically with nature rather than depletes it. By educating farmers and consumers alike, the program underscores how regenerative methods not only improve crop yield but also foster environmental resilience and sustainability.

A Vision for Change

Jill Tiefenthaler, CEO of the National Geographic Society, stated, "Our future will be shaped by how we grow our food today—and we're reimagining what's possible when that system nourishes both people and the planet." This sentiment reflects a transformative vision that prioritizes the health of both agricultural communities and the ecosystems they depend on. By collaborating with PepsiCo, both organizations aspire to invest in trailblazing solutions that benefit farmers, scientists, and storytellers who are essential in driving this movement forward.

Empowering Farmers and Innovators

In support of this initiative, PepsiCo aims to implement regenerative practices across 10 million acres by 2030. Ramon Laguarta, Chairman and CEO of PepsiCo, expressed the urgency of addressing climate change's impact on agriculture. He recognized the fragility of the food system and highlighted the necessity of resilience. He remarked, "Food for Tomorrow combines PepsiCo's deep food system expertise with National Geographic's power to advance science and inspire action. Together, we're aiming to support farmers, protect the planet, and help build a stronger, more resilient future for all."

To bring the realities of regenerative agriculture to life, PepsiCo has collaborated with National Geographic CreativeWorks to produce three engaging short films. These films showcase the stories of farmers who are leading the charge in adopting regenerative agriculture practices, highlighting innovation and collaboration.

Notable Explorers' Contributions

The Food for Tomorrow program will also feature the narratives of five selected National Geographic Explorers, who will document the journeys of individuals and communities engaged in sustainable farming. These Explorers include:

1. Pablo Albarenga - A documentary photographer who will highlight the stories of smallholders and Indigenous communities embarking on a regenerative journey.
2. Caitlin Ochs - Focused on illustrating the impacts of climate change through the lens of regenerative practices in the U.S. and Costa Rica.
3. Miora Rajaonary - Documenting the Great Green Wall initiative in Senegal, a project aimed at combating desertification.
4. John Stanmeyer - Raising awareness about soil health challenges in India through visual storytelling.
5. Brent Stirton - Examining how farmers adopt climate-resilient practices that enhance food production.

Supporting Innovation Through Grants

The initiative will also award scientific grants aimed at fostering innovative, nature-positive proposals that apply scientific research to real-world contexts—further promoting the scalability of regenerative practices globally. The application deadline for interested innovators is September 30, 2025.

An Interactive Data Resource

Additionally, the program plans to introduce a comprehensive data visualization tool to illustrate how regenerative agriculture contributes to food security and resilience. This resource, set to launch on the National Geographic Society's website in 2026, will be an invaluable asset for farmers, scientists, and the public.

Learn More and Get Involved

To dive deeper into the principles of regenerative agriculture and explore the impactful work led by National Geographic Explorers this fall, interested individuals can visit the official National Geographic website. As we face unprecedented challenges in feeding our planet sustainably, the Food for Tomorrow initiative signals a hopeful, science-driven path towards a more resilient agricultural landscape.