The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, PepsiCo Services Asia Limited, Pepsi Cola (Thai) Trading, alongside governmental partners and local communities, have come together to achieve a remarkable feat. They’ve successfully implemented the ‘Building a Climate Resilient Potato Supply Chain Through a Whole-Farm Approach’ (RePSC) project. This collaboration has not only strengthened public-private partnerships but also significantly contributed to improving the livelihoods and capacities of thousands of farmers, with a special emphasis on female farming groups in Thailand’s Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai regions.
Climate change looms as a formidable threat to food security worldwide. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warns that global warming of 1.5°C could lead to crop yield reductions of up to 30% in certain areas, potentially subjecting 250 million more people to food insecurity by 2050. PepsiCo, a prominent figure in the food and beverage industry, with over 40,000 farmers under its wings across more than 60 countries, is keenly aware of these environmental impacts. The company is committed to mitigating these threats and bolstering farmers’ resilience. Its goal by 2030 is to introduce regenerative farming practices over 7 million acres, investing heavily in climate-smart agriculture, smallholder support, and resource accessibility through strategic partnerships.
Sudipto Mozumdar, General Manager of Indochina Foods and Chief Commercial Officer for Asia-Pacific at PepsiCo, addressed the situation at the project’s opening session. “Climate change increasingly threatens Thailand’s farmers’ livelihoods, impacting crop yields of rice, green peas, maize, and potatoes. Suitable crop-growing areas in Thailand could diminish by up to 40%. Farmers now grapple with more extreme flood events, landslides, and mudslides, posing threats to their land, communities, and livelihoods. Projections indicate that potato productivity may decline, pest and disease risks elevate, and production costs surge over the next decade. Preparing farmers for climate resilience is paramount, as their livelihoods hang in balance without substantial adaptation efforts.”
With support from DeveloPPP, the RePSC project was implemented by GIZ Thailand, PepsiCo Services Asia Limited, and Pepsi Cola (Thai) Trading. The Thai Ministry of Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives’ Department of Agriculture, Department of Agricultural Extension, and Department of Rice were also instrumental. This initiative capitalizes on a farmer-centric approach to develop multi-stakeholder solutions that address climate adaptation and mitigation, improve market linkages, and foster community endurance.
Four cornerstone activities have shaped this initiative: crop-focused methods, whole-farm strategies, community-centered practices, and climate-smart agriculture. Championed in partnership with local and national governments, agronomic advisors, rotational crop off-takers, and community groups, these practices have been rolled out across systems in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai over a two-year period from 2022 to 2024.
Dr. Nana Kuenkel, Agriculture and Food Cluster Coordinator at GIZ Thailand, commended the initiative, “We provide a platform for stakeholders to actively enhance farmers’ capabilities. By utilizing digital tools and resources, we aim to refine farm management, bolster production standards, and boost Thailand’s agricultural sector’s competitive edge.”
The RePSC project has achieved significant results, enabling over 2,000 farmers to improve their net farming income through adopting regenerative agricultural and climate-resilient practices. With strategies like crop rational farming, GPS land leveling, integrated pest management, and effective soil, straw, and water management, more than 13,000 Thai rai of plots have been positively transformed, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 20%. Notably, a quarter of project members comprise female farmers, inspiring capacity-building sessions to affirm their essential role in agriculture.
Peeraphan Korthong, Director-General of the Department of Agricultural Extension, remarked, “In Thailand, we are committed to developing a food system that champions food security, minimizes environmental impact, and fosters gender-inclusive growth in agriculture. Collaborations with GIZ focus on expanding climate-smart and regenerative agriculture practices and nurturing a growth mindset among farmers to tackle new and existing challenges.”
Highlighting the project’s milestone during a panel discussion titled “The Footprint of Climate Resilience Farming on the Ground and Step Forward: RePSC Project Remarkable Outcome,” Wisa Lakkhampa, representing female farming groups in Chiang Rai, expressed her views, “For smallholders, scaling resilience while meeting international market standards is challenging. The series of training, modules, and data systems introduced by the project empower farmers to collaborate, share knowledge, and strengthen management practices to sustainably meet market demands.”
This fruitful collaboration to enhance smallholders’ capacities in building climate resilience within the integrated crop supply chain was prominently celebrated at the project completion ceremony held at Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong Hotel. The event gathered up to 50 participants from PepsiCo Services Asia Limited, Pepsi Cola (Thai) Trading, GIZ, and the Thai Ministry of Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives, led by the Department of Agriculture, Department of Rice, and Department of Agricultural Extension, along with the Office of Agricultural Economics, marking the successful project completion and showcasing the contributions of smallholder groups.
I think it’s incredible to see big companies like PepsiCo finally taking responsibility and working towards climate resilience!
Great point, but let’s not forget that PepsiCo is still a massive contributor to plastic pollution. Can they really be trusted?
Trust is a big issue, but if they’re making positive steps now, isn’t that a win for everyone, including the environment?
I bet this is just a PR stunt. Big corporations always have hidden agendas. What do you think?
I worry this isn’t enough. Climate change is so pressing and I’m not sure small-scale projects alone can make a difference.
As a farmer, I really appreciate these efforts. Anything that helps us fight climate change is good for our community!
But what about the cost to implement these new practices? Not every farmer can afford such changes.
That’s true, but with support from these projects, it’s becoming more accessible. Let’s not ignore the long-term benefits!
Exactly, it’s the upfront investment that can be a blocker, but I think with time the yield should justify it.
Wow! Empowering women through agriculture. It’s about time such projects spotlight female farmers!
Exactly! Women are often sidelined in agriculture when they should be leading it.
Agreed. The more inclusive these projects are, the better. Gender equity in agriculture is crucial.
This all sounds great on paper, but who will hold PepsiCo accountable if they don’t meet their goals by 2030?
Accountability is key. Maybe there should be third-party audits or transparency reports to ensure goals are met.
Absolutely! Public pressure and stakeholder engagement can push them in the right direction.
Can someone explain the whole ‘farmer-centric approach’ thing? Sounds like jargon to me.
It’s refreshing to see such large-scale collaboration across sectors. Hopefully, more industries follow suit.
I just don’t buy into these corporate partnerships. They often benefit the company more than the locals.
But sometimes a successful project can be a win-win. Shouldn’t we give them a chance to prove it?
I’m excited about the integration of technology for better farm management. This could set new standards!
Just as long as it doesn’t replace the hands-on knowledge traditional farmers bring to the table.
Technology should be a tool to enhance, not replace. Balance is crucial.
The goal to reduce greenhouse gases by 20% is quite ambitious. It’d be great if more companies set such targets.
I’m curious whether these practices will expand to other regions. We need global action!
Real change starts small. I’m hopeful but cautious about these initiatives spreading worldwide.
Spreading worldwide takes time, but seeing Thailand as a starting point is promising.
The environmental impact of agriculture is often underestimated. Glad this project addresses it.
Exactly! More focus on sustainable practices is necessary for future food security.
I love seeing female farmers being instrumental in this. Representation matters in all fields.
It’s great to see something positive come out of a corporate-agriculture partnership for once.