More Than 670 Americans Applied to Join First FarmPath Cohort as Demand Signals Urgent Need for New Pathways into Farming

Farm Foundation launches first FarmPath cohort on May 20 with support from The Mosaic Company Foundation for Sustainable Food Systems and the PepsiCo Foundation.

Libertyville, IL – May 20, 2026 – Farm Foundation today announced the official launch of the first FarmPath cohort, welcoming more than 550 aspiring and beginning farmers from across the United States into the national, multi-year program designed to help build the next generation of American agriculture.

Originally created with a goal of enrolling 300 participants, FarmPath received overwhelming interest from more than 670 applicants representing 48 states, signaling a strong national demand for accessible pathways into farming and agricultural entrepreneurship.

FarmPath is a program of Farm Foundation supported by The Mosaic Company Foundation for Sustainable Food Systems and the PepsiCo Foundation. Designed to help meet the needs of the next generation in agriculture, the program equips participants with practical agronomic and business education, mentorship, professional networks, and long-term support designed to help them navigate the realities of modern agriculture.

“What we saw through this application process was both inspiring and revealing,” said Todd Van Hoose, Farm Foundation Interim President & CEO. “People across the country are deeply interested in farming and building a future in agriculture, but many are struggling to find clear pathways, trusted guidance, and systems designed to help them succeed. The response to FarmPath sends a powerful message: the interest is there, and the need is real.”

Applicants reflected a broad cross-section of emerging agriculture in America, including individuals from multigenerational farm families looking to diversify existing operations, urban and community growers seeking to scale, career changers pursuing farming later in life, and early-stage operators searching for stronger business and market knowledge.

The applicant pool also highlighted broader shifts happening across American agriculture, including growing interest in regenerative production practices, regional food systems, diversified farm models, and local food entrepreneurship.

“The overwhelming interest in FarmPath highlights both the opportunity and the gap facing the next generation of farmers,” said Ann Steensland, Executive Director of The Mosaic Company Foundation for Sustainable Food Systems. “There is real momentum, but also real need for practical training, trusted guidance, and systems designed to help new farmers reach their full potential. FarmPath is helping to close that gap.”  

“Supporting the next generation of farmers is essential to building a more sustainable food system,” said Monica Bauer, Senior Vice President, Social Impact, PepsiCo, and President, PepsiCo Foundation. “Farmers are at the heart of our communities and play a vital role in local economies. The overwhelming response to the first FarmPath cohort underscores both the demand for opportunity and the potential of this next generation to shape the future of agriculture. We’re proud to support programs like FarmPath that expand access to the tools, knowledge, and networks farmers need to succeed and help strengthen the agricultural communities that grow the crops at the core of our products.”

FarmPath was designed to go beyond teaching production skills alone. The three-year pathway helps participants better understand the systems, markets, business planning, and strategic decision-making required to succeed in today’s agricultural landscape.

Year One participants will take part in monthly virtual learning modules focused on business management, operations, sustainability, relationship-building, and market development while gaining access to Farm Foundation’s national network across food and agriculture. Select participants will later advance into years two and three for deeper mentorship, business planning support, and implementation funding of up to $10,000.

Farm Foundation leaders say the launch of the first cohort is only the beginning of a broader national conversation about the future of farming in America and the barriers many aspiring producers continue to face.

“Behind every application was a story,” said Tim Brennan, Farm Foundation’s Vice President of Programs and Strategic Direction. “Some applicants grew up on farms and want to carry on a family legacy in a changing economy. Others are entering agriculture for the first time because they believe deeply in food production, stewardship, and community. Together, they paint a picture of a generation ready to engage in agriculture if pathways are visible, practical, and achievable.”

Over the coming months, Farm Foundation and its partners will continue sharing insights and stories emerging from the inaugural cohort to help deepen understanding around the future of farming, barriers to entry, and the evolving needs of next-generation producers.

Applications for the current FarmPath cohort are now closed.

About Farm Foundation

Farm Foundation is an independent, nonpartisan organization invested in building a vibrant future for food and agriculture. We bring together people with diverse perspectives to exchange ideas, spark collaboration, and turn insight into action. Our Campus in Libertyville, Illinois is a living, breathing space where learning, connection, and practical solutions come to life, helping move food and agriculture forward, together. Farmfoundation.org

About The Mosaic Company Foundation for Sustainable Food Systems

The Mosaic Company Foundation for Sustainable Food Systems supports transformational investments in food and nutrition security, sustainable agricultural productivity, and community development in the United States, India, and Brazil. The Foundation is funded through contributions from The Mosaic Company.

About the PepsiCo Foundation

The PepsiCo Foundation, the philanthropic arm of PepsiCo, works to support positive change for people and the planet by expanding access to essential resources that help meet immediate needs and unlock pathways to opportunity. Guided by PepsiCo Positive (pep+), our philanthropic investments focus on four key areas: food access, safe water access, farming, and workforce development. Through collaboration with nonprofits, community organizations and global partners, the Foundation works to strengthen food systems, support farmers, expand access to nutritious food and safe water, and advance workforce development to build lasting economic resilience. Learn more at www.pepsicofoundation.com. Follow us on LinkedIn.

Media Contact:
Jordyn Landberg
Director of Marketing and Communications, Farm Foundation
jordyn@farmfoundation.org

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“Todd has been a strong advocate for the food and agricultural sector for decades,” said Cheri De Jong, Farm Foundation Board Chair. “He is a thoughtful and steady leader who will guide Farm Foundation in the months ahead and support the continued momentum of our work.”  

Shari Rogge-Fidler has resigned from her role as President & CEO of Farm Foundation. We thank her for her contributions and wish her well. 

“I’m honored to step into the role of Interim President & CEO,” said Todd Van Hoose. “I’ve had the privilege of working alongside Farm Foundation through my time on the Board and have seen firsthand the strength of this team and its mission. I look forward to supporting the organization as we continue building on that foundation.”  

Farm Foundation remains focused on its role as a trusted place where people from across food and agriculture come together to exchange ideas, build connections, and turn insight into action. With a strong team, an engaged community, and a clear sense of purpose, Farm Foundation is well positioned to build on its momentum and expand its impact in the months and years ahead.  

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In July, Farm Foundation celebrated the leadership of outgoing Board Chair, Dan Basse, President of AgResource, and welcomed its new Chair, Cheri De Jong, Owner of AgriVision Farm Management.

“As I conclude my time as Board Chair, I want to express my sincere appreciation to the Farm Foundation team, my fellow board members, and all our partners who are committed to advancing agriculture. It has been an honor to help guide this organization through a time of growth and evolution. I’m excited to welcome Cheri De Jong as our new Board Chair. Cheri’s deep industry expertise and thoughtful leadership will serve Farm Foundation well as it continues to drive meaningful change across the food and agriculture system.” — Dan Basse, Outgoing Board Chair, Farm Foundation

Cheri steps into her role as Chair after serving as a board member since 2019 and will lead the organization as it works towards its 95^th year of working across the food and ag value chain.

“I’m honored to step into the role of Board Chair at such a pivotal time for Farm Foundation. This organization has a rich legacy and a bold vision for the future of agriculture. I look forward to working alongside the board, staff, and partners to foster innovation, strengthen collaboration, and accelerate practical solutions that benefit farmers, communities, and the broader food system.” — Cheri De Jong, Incoming Board Chair, Farm Foundation

Farm Foundation also celebrated outgoing board members George Hoffman, Former President/CEO at Restaurant Services, Inc. and Mike Torrey, CEO of Torrey Advisory Group and welcomed new members Kelly Adesina, Director, Global Government Affairs at The Kraft Heinz Company, Karen Carr, Partner, Food & Drug Practice Lead, AgTech Industry Lead at ArentFox Schiff, Jayson Lusk, Vice President and Dean of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources at Oklahoma State University, Regents Professor in Agricultural Economics and Matt Moreland, Partner at Moreland Farms at the organization’s annual meeting in Spokane, Washington. David Gilmore, Independent Advisor, was elected as Vice Chair.

“I’m incredibly grateful to Dan Basse for his passionate and dedicated leadership during his time as Board Chair. He has poured his heart, insight, and energy into advancing Farm Foundation’s mission, leaving a lasting impact on our work and our community. Dan and all our outgoing board members have helped shape a strong foundation for the work ahead,” said Shari Rogge-Fidler, President and CEO of Farm Foundation. “I’m equally excited to welcome Cheri De Jong as our new Board Chair, along with the new board members joining us. Their energy, insights, and commitment to the future of agriculture will help us continue building momentum as we grow our impact across the food and ag system.”

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Farm Foundation is proud to announce the second cohort of students selected for the Careers in Ag and Food Exploration (CAFE) Student Workshop. This immersive program offers undergraduate students from 1890 land-grant institutions an exclusive opportunity to dive into the diverse and evolving world of agriculture and food systems. 

Held at North Carolina A&T State University, the CAFE Workshop equips students with professional development tools, career exploration experiences, and networking connections that extend well beyond the classroom. Over the course of the program, participants engage in hands-on sessions and thought-provoking conversations with leaders across the agri-food value chain—helping them better understand the range of impactful careers available in this vital sector. 

“We are thrilled to welcome this talented group of students to the CAFE Student Workshop,” said Jenna Wicks, program manager at Farm Foundation. “The food and agriculture sector offers a wide range of career opportunities, and we are committed to helping the next generation explore these possibilities.” 

The CAFE Student Workshop is made possible through support from the SAPLINGS (System Approach to Promote Learning and Innovation for the Next GenerationS) grant—an initiative led in collaboration with North Carolina A&T and funded by an $18.1 million award from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. 

We are honored to recognize the 2025 CAFE cohort: 

• Randall Gary, South Carolina State University 

• Jeronee Hinton, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff 

• Gary Jarvis, North Carolina A&T State University 

• William Johnson, Tuskegee University 

• Sahara McMillan, Virginia State University 

• Jerricah Robinson, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff 

• Cameron Shellman, Fort Valley State University 

• Jayla Silver, Tennessee State University 

• Markayla Watts, Tuskegee University 

These students represent a promising future across a variety of industries—bringing curiosity, passion, and a desire to grow.  

To learn more about the CAFE Student Workshop, visit: farmfoundation.org/cafe-student-workshop 

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The January Round Table Meeting brought together thought leaders, farmers, innovators, and decision-makers from across the food and agriculture value chain to tackle some of the industry’s most pressing challenges. As we closed the meeting, we turned our focus to a topic that continues to shape the future of agriculture: biotech acceptance among key stakeholder groups. 

Through an engaging and interactive event storming session, participants explored the perspectives of producers, regulators, consumers, and investors. Each group shared unique insights, identified challenges, and brainstormed actionable solutions to build trust and drive innovation in biotechnology. 

In this blog post, we’ll break down the key takeaways from the discussion, highlighting both the obstacles and opportunities ahead. 

Producers: Championing Innovation and Access 

The producer discussion highlighted the challenges and opportunities faced by producers when it comes to biotech acceptance:

• Information and Education: Producers need access to clear, consistent information across the value chain to make informed decisions.
• Adoption of Innovation: Ensuring traits and technologies are accessible at reasonable costs is critical for adoption.
• Consumer-Centric Traits: Producers want to see more biotech traits developed that directly benefit consumers, creating stronger alignment across the food system.
• Cost Reductions: Biotech solutions must also address the bottom line for producers.

Proposed Solutions for Producers: 

Efforts should focus on developing accessible innovations, providing educational support, and aligning product development with consumer demand. 

Regulators: Bridging Science and Policy

The regulator discussion revealed the critical role regulators play in shaping biotech acceptance and how current challenges can be reframed into opportunities:

• New Administration, New Opportunities: A shift in the political administration opens doors for resetting regulatory approaches and fostering new collaborations.
• Better Storytelling for New Products: Biotech innovations with tangible benefits—especially those connected to producers—offer compelling stories that can resonate with policymakers and the public.
• Breaking the Litigation Cycle: Regulation often stems from fear rather than science, perpetuating a cycle of litigation and mistrust.

Proposed Solutions for Regulators:

1. Voting and Education: Engaging policymakers and educating them on science-based regulation are critical first steps.
2. Collaboration: Building stronger connections among businesses, government, consumers, and advisory groups can help align priorities. Farm Foundation can play an active role in fostering these partnerships.
3. Regulatory Reform: Streamlining FDA processes and addressing outdated regulatory hurdles can pave the way for innovation.

Consumers: Shifting Perceptions Through Education and Benefits 

The group discussing consumer perspectives highlighted a gap between biotech advancements and consumer understanding:

• Misinformation and Lack of Education: Many consumers receive conflicting or inaccurate information about biotech products, leading to confusion and mistrust.
• Perceived Lack of Benefits: Consumers feel biotech advancements have largely been producer-focused, with limited visible advantages for them.
• Health Concerns: Human health remains a key focus, with some consumers wary of biotech’s potential impact.
• The Power of Partnerships: Collaboration with organizations and the amplification of collective voices can build trust and credibility.
• Innovation for Consumers: Biotech has the potential to create exciting new products that directly benefit consumers, such as healthier or more sustainable food options.

Proposed Solutions for Consumers:

1. Education Campaigns: Leverage influencers, social media, and in-store experiences like product tastings to dispel myths and share success stories.
2. Engaging Youth: Develop interactive games or resources through programs like FFA and 4-H to educate younger generations about GMOs and biotech innovations.
3. Consumer-Centric Traits: Focus on developing biotech traits that resonate with consumer priorities, such as nutrition, sustainability, or affordability.

Investors: Fueling Innovation Ecosystems 

The investor discussion zeroed in on the financial and structural needs to support biotech innovation:

• Capital Access: Long-term funding models, such as 15-year funds or farmer angel networks, are essential to sustain biotech development.
• Regulatory Streamlining: Investors need clarity and predictability in the regulatory process to confidently back biotech ventures.
• Strengthening Partnerships: Enhanced collaboration between universities, startups, and industry players can accelerate the innovation pipeline.
• Consumer-Focused Tools: Developing tools for growers that directly benefit consumers can increase market demand for biotech products.

Proposed Solutions for Investors:

1. Encourage Collaboration: Foster partnerships between public and private sectors, as well as between universities and startups, to create a thriving innovation ecosystem.
2. Regulatory Education: Streamline regulatory processes and keep investors informed about ongoing progress in both their specific areas of work and the broader biotechnology regulations to minimize uncertainty and improve decision-making.
3. Long-Term Investments: Create funding mechanisms that align with the extended timelines often required for biotech innovation and adoption. 

Advancing Biotech Acceptance Together 

The January Round Table Meeting’s closing session highlighted a critical truth: advancing biotech acceptance requires a collective effort. From producers navigating innovation access, to regulators striving for science-based policy, to consumers seeking clarity and benefits, and investors fueling the innovation ecosystem—each stakeholder group brings unique perspectives and challenges to the table. 

What became abundantly clear during the discussion is that collaboration is not just beneficial; it’s essential.

By bridging gaps between groups and fostering mutual understanding, we can create a future where biotech innovations are not only accepted but embraced for their ability to transform agriculture, enhance sustainability, and improve lives. 

At Farm Foundation, we are committed to serving as a convener and catalyst for progress. Whether it’s educating policymakers, engaging consumers, or fostering partnerships between universities, startups, and industry leaders, we aim to ensure that every voice is heard and every challenge met with actionable solutions. 

Together, we grow stronger—and with that strength, we can unlock the full potential of biotechnology for the betterment of society. 

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Farm Foundation, an accelerator of practical solutions for agriculture, has announced its 2025 Agricultural Scholars recipients. This annual program is sponsored in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Economic Research Service (ERS). Five graduate students were selected to join the program for inspiration and training in agricultural policy, commodity market analysis, agricultural finance, and other applied fields. This is the 6th cohort since the program began in 2020.

The program includes events and projects conducted throughout the year, including a mentorship with an ERS senior analyst, a research project, and participation in ag-focused forums and meetings, such as the USDA Ag Outlook Forum, AAEA’s Annual Meeting, and Farm Foundation Round Table meetings.

“This is just an incredible group of students,” says Program Manager Jenna Wicks. “Thanks to ERS’ continued generous partnership we are able to create a year of landmark opportunities for these program participants which will set them on rare footing as they enter their careers.”

The 2025 Agricultural Scholars are:
Isaac Albores, Virginia Tech
Isaac is currently a graduate research assistant at Virginia Tech, pursuing an M.S. in Agricultural and Applied Economics with a research focus on commodity market analysis. His current research examines agricultural commodities’ price dynamics and market volatility under varying market conditions and shocks.

Ivy Mackereth, West Virginia University
Ivy is a third-year student in the Natural Resource Economics Ph.D. Program at West Virginia University (WVU). Ivy’s research focuses on applications of big data in addressing economic issues in agriculture, food, and natural resources that affect local communities.

Caroline Roeder Helle, Montana State University
Caroline is a second-year Applied Economics M.S. student in the Department of Agricultural Economics and Economics at Montana State University. Her research focuses on maximizing the economic and ecological sustainability of working lands (lands managed for ecosystem services and agriculture).

Josh Strine, Purdue University
Josh is a second-year Ph.D. student in Agricultural Economics at Purdue University. Josh’s research focuses on agricultural finance and farm management. Since starting his Ph.D. program, he has researched the agricultural job market, agricultural lending, and crop prices.
Kelsey Vourazeris, Arizona State University
Kelsey is a Ph.D. student in Business Administration (Agribusiness) at Arizona State University’s W. P. Carey School of Business. She is dedicated to advancing knowledge and innovation in the field of Agricultural Economics, with a specialized focus on food supply chain resilience.

For more about each of the 2025 Agricultural Scholars and to learn more about the program at https://www.farmfoundation.org/programs-overview/agricultural-scholars/

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Additional Promotions Also Announced

Farm Foundation, an accelerator of practical solutions for agriculture, is pleased to announce that Timothy Brennan has been selected as their vice president of programs and strategic impact, a new role reflecting the increased emphasis on prioritizing work with clearly defined impact.  

“Tim brings both breadth and depth to this role,” said Farm Foundation President and CEO Shari Rogge-Fidler. Brennan, who comes from an Ohio farm family and maintains his own hobby farm south of Chicago, joined Farm Foundation nearly 12 years ago to manage external relations. Brennan previously served in a variety of externally facing roles at the University of Chicago and Northwestern University.  Brennan also currently serves as the co-chair of the Chicago Wilderness Growing with Agriculture Green Vision Goal which seeks to bring conservationists and farmers together to protect and improve land in the states surrounding Lake Michigan.  

“As Farm Foundation continues to build on our past and expand our programs at our new Innovation and Education Campus (IEC) at our farm just outside of Chicago, Tim’s experience in fundraising, innovation, and coalition building makes him ideally suited for this role” said Rogge-Fidler.   

“I am thrilled for this opportunity,” Brennan said.  He goes on to say that “the Innovation and Education Center allows us to bring our programs and projects to life in new and exciting ways. Even though we are a 91-year-old organization, we have the spirit and drive of a start-up that fosters an exhilarating, enabling environment focused on real-world impact.” 

Additional Promotions Announced

Two additional promotions will bolster the next chapter of growth and impact at Farm Foundation.  Morgan Craven has been named as the director of programs and events, and Dr. Amanda L. Martin has been designated the new senior director of external relations.  

Craven came to Farm Foundation in 2015 as the events manager, then moved into the senior manager of events role before her latest promotion. Prior to joining the Farm Foundation team, Morgan served as the conference and events manager at Trinity Christian College and as a premium hospitality game-day staff member for the Chicago Bears NFL team. Craven also worked at various Hilton brand properties furthering her hospitality experience. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina, Wilmington, in recreation, sports leadership, and tourism management. 

Martin joined the team in 2022 and has an extensive career in agriculture and higher education. Working within the colleges of agriculture at Auburn University and Louisiana State University, Martin most recently served as an assistant dean at LSU. Prior to making the move to Farm Foundation, Martin worked with the executive team at the American Egg Board. She earned her Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration at Louisiana State University and holds master’s and bachelor’s degrees from Southern Illinois University Carbondale in Agribusiness Economics. She currently serves as one of ten members selected to the National Agriculture Future of America Alliance Advisory Council. 

For over 90 years, Farm Foundation has been a pioneering force in agriculture, consistently leading the charge in developing ideas and fostering conversations that champion farmers and the agricultural community. In 2022, Farm Foundation took a bold step forward by becoming place-based, acquiring a century farm to deepen the understanding and experience of farming. This farm, alongside the Innovation and Education Center, will serve as the national headquarters for the organization.  

With this strategic addition, the latest innovations in agriculture, conservation, and technology will have a dedicated space to be showcased, allowing Farm Foundation to collaborate with stakeholders across the food and agriculture sectors in advancing the people and ideas that will shape the future. Rather than functioning as a tourist attraction or a research facility, this farm will provide agriculture leaders with authentic on-farm experiences through new programs. 

The Farm Foundation Innovation and Education Center (IEC) was officially opened on September 28^th with a public celebration that included food tasting stations, high-tech agriculture demonstrations and site tours.  The IEC is a state-of-the-art facility supporting a variety of uses, including gathering program participants to collaborate, community building, and engagement. There are also conservation projects, a variety of crops, and historic buildings on the campus.  

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The 2024 USDA ERS/Farm Foundation Agricultural Scholars recently completed their cohort year, presenting their capstone projects at the U.S. Department of Agriculture to USDA Economic Research Service staff during the second week of September.  

The group of 20 Ag Scholars presented on topics ranging from utility-scale solar energy, to labor markets, supplemental irrigation, and food loss and waste practices.  

After their presentations, the students met with USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics Sanah Baig, USDA Chief Economist Dr. Seth Meyer, and met with the House and Senate Ag Committees.  

At the end of the week, the Ag Scholars also attended the September World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) Lockup. 

The 5th cohort’s productive year connected the students with their field of study in a deeply meaningful way and forged connections across the industry that will serve them well as they continue to develop as leaders.  

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