Fueling the Future
of Agriculture

The future of agriculture depends on the next generation of farmers and agricultural leaders. Through partnerships, training and innovation, Cargill helps create opportunities that strengthen farming communities and build a more resilient food system. 

 

 

Key Takeaways

  • The next generation of agriculture includes farmers, entrepreneurs and agricultural professionals who will shape the future of food. Investing in their development helps strengthen food systems and farming communities.  
  • Agricultural leadership is built through education, mentorship, innovation and practical experience. Strong partnerships help create opportunities for young people to succeed across the food system.  
  • Cargill partners with farmers, educators, nonprofits and local communities around the world to help develop future agricultural leaders. Through training, innovation and career pathways, we're helping build a more resilient food system. 
Overview

Why the next generation matters  

The future of agriculture depends on the next generation of farmers and agricultural leaders. As the world's food needs grow and farming populations age, investing in people has never been more important.

 

 

 

3 ways to build agriculture’s future

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. Develop future leaders  

The future of agriculture depends on leadership development, agricultural education and hands-on experience. Cargill partners with educators, farmer organizations and communities to help prepare the next generation of agricultural leaders. 

2. Expand access to innovation  

Future farmers need access to technology, training and practical solutions that improve productivity and resilience. Cargill works with partners to help make agricultural innovation more accessible around the world. 

3. Create career pathways  

Strong food systems require talented people across farming, food production, science, engineering and business. Cargill supports mentorship, apprenticeships and career pathways that help young people build successful careers in agriculture. 

Man holding a corn cob in a corn field.

Must watch

Growing together for generations

For more than 30 years, Cargill has partnered with farming families in Vietnam to help farms grow, adapt and prepare the next generation to lead. Their stories show how trusted partnerships, shared knowledge and perseverance help shape the future of agriculture. 

Watch their story

 

Opening doors for future leaders

For nearly a decade, Cargill and the Taco Bell Foundation have helped Live Más Scholars pursue their goals through financial support, mentorship and hands-on opportunities. See how scholars are exploring careers, innovation and the many ways they can help shape the future of food and agriculture.

Meet the scholars

 

Farming for the Next Generation video

 

Faces of farming

Leaders shaping what’s next 

The future of agriculture will be shaped by today's emerging farmers, entrepreneurs and industry leaders. Their stories show what's possible when opportunity, partnership and determination come together. 

“ Fueling the Future of Agriculture   The Successor Program has been incredibly valuable. It’s given us the opportunity to tackle real challenges we face on the farm every day and better prepare for the future of our business. It’s also strengthened the partnership between Cargill and farmers. I’m grateful for the opportunity to participate."

 

Vinicius Rossetto

 Business manager and participant in Cargill’s 2025 Successor Program, Brazil. His family has produced soybeans, corn and sorghum since 1997.
“ Fueling the Future of Agriculture   "I started with two pigs. Today I have ten, and I'm planning to buy a breeding sow so I can produce my own piglets and continue growing my business. Thanks to the program, I now have the confidence to keep building my future."

 

   

Erik Mauricio

 Participant in Cargill Animal Nutrition & Health's ImpulCerdo program in Honduras, which equips young entrepreneurs with skills in business management, finance and pig production.

 

The next generation of agriculture: your questions answered

 

Why is investing in the next generation of agriculture important? 

The future of agriculture depends on the next generation of farmers, entrepreneurs and agricultural professionals. As farming populations age and food demand continues to grow, investing in leadership development, practical skills and career opportunities helps strengthen farms, rural communities and the global food system. 

What challenges are young farmers and agricultural professionals facing today?  

Young people entering agriculture often face barriers including access to land, financing, technology, markets and practical experience. Building successful careers also requires mentorship, professional networks and opportunities to develop leadership and business skills. 

How can young people build a career in agriculture?   

Agriculture offers careers far beyond farming, including animal nutrition, agronomy, engineering, food science, technology, sustainability, supply chains and business. Young people can gain experience through apprenticeships, internships, vocational training, leadership programs and mentorship opportunities that build practical skills and industry knowledge. 

What careers are available in agriculture?    

Modern agriculture includes careers across the entire food system—from farming and livestock production to research, engineering, digital technology, logistics, sustainability and global trade. Together, these roles help produce, move and improve the food the world depends on every day. 

What does the future of agriculture look like?   

The future of agriculture will be shaped by innovation, collaboration and people. New technologies, data-driven farming and stronger partnerships will help improve productivity, strengthen resilience and prepare the next generation to meet the needs of a growing global population. 

How do partnerships help strengthen the future of agriculture?  

No single organization can prepare the next generation alone. Partnerships between farmers, educators, nonprofits, governments and businesses help expand access to knowledge, technology, mentorship and career opportunities that strengthen agriculture and local communities. 

How is Cargill helping develop future agricultural leaders?  

Around the world, Cargill partners with schools, universities, farmer organizations, nonprofits and local communities to help prepare the next generation of agricultural leaders. Through leadership development, farmer training, innovation programs, mentorship and career pathways, Cargill helps create opportunities that strengthen agriculture and support a more resilient food system. 
Fueling the Future of Agriculture