Syngenta and PepsiCo promote regenerative and traceable agricultural practices among farmers

Syngenta and PepsiCo are spearheading a collaborative initiative to promote regenerative and traceable agriculture within the food industry’s value chain. This partnership, forged under Syngenta’s Sustainable Sourcing Program, not only supports the transition towards sustainable agricultural practices but also offers economic incentives to participating farmers, enhancing their profitability.

In the initial phase of this collaboration in Argentina, Syngenta supplied PepsiCo with 4,000 tons of sunflower oil produced using verified regenerative agricultural techniques. These practices were implemented by farmers in various Argentinian provinces including Buenos Aires, La Pampa, San Luis, and Santa Fe. The program is set to expand, with a projected increase of at least 25% in the hectares practicing regenerative agriculture.

Farmers enrolled in the program benefit financially, receiving between 1% and 2% above the domestic market price for their sunflower grains. This premium is a direct result of the verification of their sustainable practices, which includes crop rotation, efficient irrigation, the use of biological products, and the development of habitats conducive to pollinators. These practices are monitored and supported continuously by Syngenta, with third-party validation to ensure transparency and security throughout the commercial chain.

The traceability of these agricultural practices is managed through Syngenta’s Cropwise digital platform, which allows farmers to measure, verify, and continually improve their farming techniques.

Mariale Álvarez, Head of Sustainability & Corporate Affairs LATAM at Syngenta, emphasized the company’s commitment to sustainability: “At Syngenta, sustainability is at the core of our business. We are committed to regenerating soil and nature through practices designed to enhance the ecosystem. By partnering with PepsiCo, we extend our commitment to farmers, helping them achieve not only environmental benefits but also economic gains through our Sustainable Sourcing Program.”

PepsiCo echoes this commitment to sustainable production practices. Santiago Desmery, Oils Category Leader for PepsiCo Southern Cone and Brazil, highlighted the strategic importance of the initiative: “At PepsiCo, sustainability is integral to our operations. Through our pep+ transformation strategy, we aim to drive positive change for the planet and its people. This project positions PepsiCo Southern Cone as a pioneer within the company, being the first region in LATAM to implement 100% regenerative agriculture for the sunflower oil used in our products.”

This partnership represents a significant step towards sustainable agricultural practices, with both companies leveraging their expertise to foster environmental stewardship and improve the livelihoods of farmers in the region.