EIT Food and the PepsiCo Foundation have launched Future Harvest, a new European programme designed to help young and next-generation farmers build more resilient and economically viable farming businesses amid mounting sector challenges.

The initiative comes as Europe faces a growing demographic challenge in agriculture. According to European Commission and Eurostat data cited by the programme partners, only around 11% of farm managers across Europe are under the age of 40. At the same time, farmers are navigating increasing pressures from climate change, rising input costs and market volatility.

Future Harvest will operate in France, Spain, the Netherlands, Poland and Türkiye, with the aim of reaching approximately 900 young and next-generation farmers during 2026. The programme is intended to support farmers who are already managing farms or preparing to take over family operations, providing them with skills, practical knowledge and access to professional networks.

Funded by the PepsiCo Foundation and implemented by EIT Food in collaboration with local partners, the programme will combine online learning with practical farm-based experiences. Participants will follow tailored learning pathways covering sustainable farming practices, business management, entrepreneurship and leadership development.

A central element of the initiative will be the Future Harvest FarmHub, which will offer farm clinics, field visits, mentoring opportunities and peer-to-peer knowledge exchange. Organisers say the platform is intended to connect farmers with innovation ecosystems and practical expertise that can be applied directly on-farm.

The programme will also focus on regenerative and climate-resilient farming practices, alongside digital technologies, agritech applications and financial management skills. The objective is to help participants strengthen business resilience while adopting new approaches that support long-term sustainability.

Monica Bauer, Senior Vice President, Global Social Impact, PepsiCo, and President of the 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 the programme is built around a common European framework, organisers said delivery will be adapted to the specific agricultural conditions and priorities of each participating country.

Richard Zaltman, Chief Executive Officer of EIT Food, 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.”

He added: “Future Harvest is part of EIT Food’s wider commitment to building a more resilient agriculture sector across Europe.”

The programme is scheduled to run from June to December, with participation opportunities opening during 2026. Details on eligibility criteria and application timelines will be announced through EIT Food and its programme partners.