PepsiCo and CF Industries Cut Farm Emissions With New Fertilizer

Potato chips just got a climate-friendly upgrade, and farmers didn't have to change a single thing about how they grow their crops.

PepsiCo and CF Industries launched the first commercial rollout of certified low-carbon fertilizer for potato farmers who supply Frito-Lay brands across the United States. The fertilizer performs exactly like traditional products but cuts greenhouse gas emissions during production by using carbon capture technology and advanced emission reduction systems.

This matters because fertilizer production accounts for nearly 20% of total emissions in potato farming. By switching to low-carbon alternatives, farmers can maintain their yields and crop quality while measurably reducing their environmental impact without learning new techniques or buying different equipment.

The certified low-carbon urea ammonium nitrate comes from CF Industries' Donaldsonville facility, where carbon capture and sequestration systems trap emissions before they reach the atmosphere. The Verified Ammonia Carbon Intensity Program certified the product, ensuring the emission reductions are real and measurable, not just marketing claims.

Farmers receive the fertilizer through their usual agricultural retailers, making adoption seamless. They don't need special training, new application methods, or costly equipment upgrades to participate in cutting emissions from their operations.

The Ripple Effect

This partnership creates a blueprint for transforming entire food supply chains without disrupting the people who feed us. When major food companies like PepsiCo invest in low-carbon inputs, they signal to the market that sustainable agriculture isn't just possible but commercially viable at scale.

The initiative helps farmers meet growing pressure to reduce emissions while protecting their livelihoods. Instead of asking them to take financial risks on unproven methods, the partnership delivers a drop-in solution that works with existing practices and infrastructure.

Erik Mayer from CF Industries noted the collaboration proves low-carbon fertilizer solutions are ready for widespread commercial use today. Burgess Davis, PepsiCo's Chief Sustainability Officer for North America, emphasized that agriculture sits at the heart of their business, making supply chain sustainability essential for long-term resilience.

Both companies plan to expand beyond potatoes to other crops, building a broader ecosystem that connects fertilizer producers, farmers, food manufacturers, and certification systems. This approach could accelerate emission reductions across American agriculture without forcing small operations to bear the cost of innovation alone.

The partnership demonstrates that climate solutions don't require choosing between environmental progress and economic stability—sometimes the best path forward works for everyone.