Backed by the PepsiCo Foundation, the program will reach 900 young farmers in 2026
The program will be implemented in Spain, the Netherlands, France, Türkiye and Poland responding to Europe’s ageing farming population
EIT Food and the PepsiCo Foundation today announced the launch of Future Harvest, a new European program designed to support young and next-generation farmers as they build viable, resilient and future ready farming operations. EIT Food is supported by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), a body of the European Union.
Across Europe, the farming population is ageing rapidly. Only around 11% of farm managers are under the age of 40, according to European Commission and Eurostat data, while farmers face mounting pressures from climate change, rising input costs and market volatility. These challenges are particularly acute for small and medium‑sized farms, putting rural livelihoods and long‑term food security at risk.
Future Harvest responds directly to this challenge by investing in the next generation of agriculture. Operating across France, Spain, the Netherlands, Poland, and Türkiye, the program will reach around 900 young and next‑generation farmers during 2026, seeking to equip them with practical skills, access to innovation, and stronger support networks to help them succeed in a rapidly changing food system.
Without targeted support, the generational gap in agriculture threatens the capacity of Europe’s food system to adapt to climate and economic uncertainties. Future Harvest is designed to work on addressing this gap by equipping farmers who are already managing or transitioning family farms, with the skills, tools and networks needed to help them strengthen viability and resilience.
Future harvest will address generational renewal in farming
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Funded by the PepsiCo Foundation and implemented by EIT Food in collaboration with local partners, Future Harvest combines online learning with hands-on, farm-based experiences. The program brings together regenerative and climate-resilient farming practices, digital tools and agritech insights, and business and financial skills, helping farmers translate knowledge into action on their own farms.
Participants will follow a customized learning pathway covering sustainable farming methods, farm business management, entrepreneurship and leadership. Through the Future Harvest FarmHub, they will also take part in farm clinics, field visits, peer exchange and mentoring, connecting directly with innovation ecosystems and practical expertise.
By supporting young farmers to test new approaches, strengthen the resilience of their businesses, and apply innovations in real-world settings, Future Harvest aims to contribute to a more resilient, sustainable and economically viable food system. This program builds on EIT Food’s extensive experience engaging farmers, startups and innovators across Europe and reflects the PepsiCo Foundation’s goal of strengthening sustainable food systems and expanding economic opportunities in communities around the world.
The programme will combine online learning with hands-on, farm-based experiences
Monica Bauer, Senior Vice President, Global Social Impact, PepsiCo, and President, PepsiCo Foundation, said “As a food and beverage company, PepsiCo’s connection to agriculture is fundamental. The ingredients in PepsiCo’s products start with farmers and farming families who are facing growing pressure, from rising costs to climate uncertainty. Through the PepsiCo Foundation, we aim to support initiatives like Future Harvest that are rooted in local realities and delivered with trusted partners, helping farming communities build resilience and opportunity over time.”
While Future Harvest is built on a shared European framework, the program is locally delivered and adapted in each participating country to reflect national farming contexts and challenges.
Richard Zaltman, EIT Food CEO, said “Europe’s farming future depends on whether the next generation sees agriculture as a place to build, innovate and lead. That is why we are teaming up with the PepsiCo Foundation: to give young farmers the skills, confidence and networks to regenerate the land, strengthen their businesses and shape a more resilient food system.
Future Harvest is part of EIT Food’s wider commitment to building a more resilient agriculture sector across Europe.”
Future Harvest will run from June to December, with participation opportunities opening in 2026 for young and next-generation farmers across participating countries. Information on eligibility criteria and application timelines will be published via EIT Food and program partners.
Fonte: PepsiCo Foundation
