In a bid to enhance sustainable farming practices in regions as diverse as Brazil and Europe, PepsiCo emphasizes the importance of understanding the challenges faced by farmers. According to Margaret Henry, the Vice President of Sustainable and Regenerative Agriculture at PepsiCo, the company’s approach begins with grasping farmers’ concerns and supporting their success in today’s unpredictable market.

During her interview at the 2026 World Agri-Tech San Francisco event, Henry highlighted the need for tailored solutions, whether that involves sourcing biological inputs or compost. PepsiCo is leveraging technology to enhance farming efficiency, utilizing variable-rate technologies and precision agriculture innovations. One of the recent advancements includes an AI advisory system designed to offer farmers agronomic insights affordably.

“We started by engaging in conversations with farmers about their primary concerns,” Henry explained. “Currently, they’re up against a slew of challenges, including rising input costs and significant market volatility.” Despite these challenges, Henry reassures that the principles of regenerative agriculture do not need to be overly complex.

“It’s not rocket science, and regenerative agriculture isn’t a fleeting trend,” she remarked. “We aim for this initiative to originate from the farmers themselves, fostering a grassroots movement where they decide what regenerative practices resonate with them.”

Connecting Regenerative Agriculture with Health Policy

At the World Agri-Tech event, Henry also participated in a panel that explored the connections between regenerative agriculture and health policy, notably the emerging Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement and its influence on agricultural regulations. While MAHA represents a newer political initiative, the need for sustainable farming practices and consumer education in food production has steadily gained bipartisan support across various administrations.

Henry noted, “What I refer to as regenerative agriculture is often seen by farmers as common sense practices. Regardless of how different administrations may frame it, the core objective remains food security.” She highlighted how the objectives of the Make America Healthy Again movement align closely with those of regenerative agriculture, reflecting a significant shift towards a unified national approach to sustainable farming.