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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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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