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Unilever Scales Up Partnerships for Iowa Farmers

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Unilever is deepening its support for U.S. farmers with the expansion of its largest regenerative agriculture project to date – right here in Iowa.

A farmer’s hands are shown holding rich-looking soil with plentiful earth worms.

Unilever Scales Up Partnerships for Iowa Farmers

Unilever is deepening its support for U.S. farmers with the expansion of its largest regenerative agriculture project to date – right here in Iowa.

This milestone builds on years of partnership and investment with farmers in the region, underscoring Unilever’s leadership in supporting sustainable farming practices that benefit farmers and promote its vision for resilient food systems and healthy soil.

For years, Unilever has worked hand-in-hand with local organizations like Practical Farmers of Iowa, empowering farmers to adopt regenerative practices that restore soil health, enhance biodiversity, and strengthen rural communities. Sustained engagement from these groups in Iowa has helped scale up cover cropping, conservation tillage, and other innovative approaches.

A bird's eye view of vast farm land and an open sky. A truck makes its way down the middle of the view.

STEP Up for Ag: A New Chapter

Unilever U.S. is now joining PepsiCo and other major retail, food, and beverage companies to launch the “STEP Up for Agriculture” initiative (Opens in a pop-up window). STEP Up for Ag strengthens farmer-facing organizations by providing tools, training, and funding to accelerate adoption of sustainable practices and build resilient supply chains.

Through this initiative, Unilever and its partners are helping local support groups:

  • Expand staffing and training
  • Develop strategic business plans
  • Implement measurement and reporting systems
  • Access new revenue streams and partnerships

“Regenerative agriculture is a big part of how we’re building a stronger, more resilient supply chain and food system,” said Kristina Friedman, Head of Sustainability for Unilever North America. “STEP Up for Ag can help us move faster and smarter, empowering farmer-led groups with the tools they need and opening doors to more great partners that can grow our business. Our longstanding work with Practical Farmers of Iowa has been game-changing, and this next chapter is a huge step forward.”

A Long-term Commitment to Innovation and Partnership

Unilever’s work in Iowa began in 2018, when the company recognized the need for science-based information and farmer-to-farmer networks grounded in trust. By investing in Practical Farmers of Iowa and other local partners, Unilever helped scale up support for farmers ready to adopt regenerative practices.

"Support from these major names came at a pivotal moment,” said Sarah Carlson, Senior Programs and Member Engagement Director at Practical Farmers of Iowa. “It helped us work more efficiently, connect with more farmers and give them timelier technical and financial support."

Today, Unilever’s Iowa initiative is the company’s largest regenerative agriculture project in the world, supporting farmers through locally tailored training, funding, and technical assistance. The program has grown to include more than 900 farmers and over 185,000 acres of farmland involved in cover crop planting, which supply soybeans that are used to make Hellmann’s mayonnaise in the U.S.

A farmer stands in a field of crops, looking at the camera. He is wearing blue jeans and a red baseball hat.

Global Vision, Local Roots

Unilever’s commitment to regenerative agriculture extends far beyond Iowa. The company is rolling out regenerative principles across 2.4 million acres globally by 2030, with expansion underway in markets around the globe.

“Our vision is to empower farmers and build a food system that is both sustainable and resilient,” added Kristina Friedman. “This project in Iowa is proof that long-term investment and partnership can deliver real impact.”

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