PepsiCo and the World Food Programme (WFP) have joined forces to support Iraqi farmers affected by conflict and climate change. This partnership aims to build a more sustainable agricultural supply chain, particularly for potato crops, aligning with the Iraqi government’s Zero Hunger goal and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
The PepsiCo Foundation, PepsiCo’s philanthropic arm, has granted $250,000 to WFP’s “Food Assistance for Assets” program in Iraq. This program helps rural communities achieve self-reliance and resilience against challenges like climate change. It has received support from Iraqi government officials and the U.S.-Iraq Business Council. This collaboration will enable Iraqi smallholder farmers to connect with reliable markets, access necessary financing, improve crop quality and yields, and adopt internationally recognized food safety and sustainable agriculture standards.
A WFP staff member works with Iraqi farmers.
Through the PepsiCo Foundation’s support, WFP will provide training, technical expertise, and best practices in agriculture, such as efficient irrigation and fertilizer use. Critically, PepsiCo will purchase potatoes directly from these farmers, creating a stable market and bolstering their livelihoods. This direct purchasing agreement ensures farmers have a guaranteed buyer for their produce, contributing significantly to their income and long-term stability.
“This partnership exemplifies how public and private sectors can collaborate to address global food insecurity,” said Wael Ismail, Vice President for Corporate Affairs at PepsiCo. “It will significantly impact tens of thousands in local communities, contributing to a more sustainable future.”
This initiative aligns with PepsiCo’s “Pep+” agriculture strategy, which emphasizes regenerative farming and empowering farming communities. PepsiCo aims to improve the livelihoods of over 250,000 people in its agricultural supply chain and sustainably source 100% of its key ingredients by 2030. More than 32,000 farmers in PepsiCo’s AMESA (Africa, Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia) region participate in its Sustainable Farming Program. This program promotes responsible agricultural practices to increase crop yields, improve farmer livelihoods, uphold human rights, and protect the environment.
“PepsiCo’s partnership with WFP is particularly crucial given the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on vulnerable communities,” stated Ally-Raza Qureshi, WFP Iraq Representative. “By sharing resources and expertise, PepsiCo contributes to a more sustainable food system, empowering farmers to increase productivity, improve income, and ultimately transform their lives.”
The PepsiCo Foundation has a long history of supporting WFP, contributing over $12.2 million since 2006 through grants and employee donations. This program is part of PepsiCo’s “Food for Good” initiative, demonstrating its commitment to global food security. The collaboration between PepsiCo and WFP demonstrates the power of partnerships in addressing complex challenges and creating positive change within vulnerable communities.
PepsiCo’s commitment extends beyond financial contributions; it involves actively engaging in sustainable practices and empowering farmers through training and market access.
