Smart and sustainable farming is at the heart of our business.
The healthier the land, the better the potato, it’s as simple as that. We are focused on driving sustainable practices across the entirety of our operations from farm to fork. Learning and developing our regenerative agriculture practices year on year is something that remains a huge and worthwhile ambition for McCain.
That’s why we promise…
So, what are we doing to boost regenerative agriculture?
Farming partnerships and Grants
We are committed to developing research partnerships and leveraging collective action to advance better farming practices. We are part of (OP2B) coalition to help drive regenerative agriculture forward. We also provide grants for cover crops which helps improve soil structure.
McCain complete soil health assessments across a representative sample of fields annually, prior to the potato crop. Soil health assessments are carried out on an annual basis that measure the quality of our soil. This way we can measure the benefits that over time regenerative agriculture will be having on the soil.
We have 3 demonstration farms in the UK; Norfolk, Yorkshire and Shropshire, where we trial new varieties and regenerative agricultural practices. We’re committed to operating three global farms of the future, to advance sustainable farming practices and explore innovative agricultural technologies. These are currently based in Canada and South Africa, with another to be announced by 2025.
By the end of the decade 100% of our potato crop will involve regenerative agricultural practices. Regenerative agricultural practices will help secure the quality and quantity of our crop into the future.
As 80% of all potatoes eaten in the UK are home grown, they don’t need to travel far from the field to the plate, and this local sourcing is great news for the environment. But for restaurateurs and consumers, local sourcing goes beyond simply decreasing emissions, it also supports hundreds of British farmers and farming communities.
When it comes to our supply chain, quality and traceability are key. 100% of our British potatoes come from certified Red Tractor growers – the UK’s leading farm and quality food production certification, that assures food safety and traceability. This includes our seed potato business in Montrose.
As 80% of all potatoes eaten in the UK are home grown, they don’t need to travel far from the field to the plate, and this local sourcing is great news for the environment. But for restaurateurs and consumers, local sourcing goes beyond simply decreasing emissions, it also supports hundreds of British farmers and farming communities.
When it comes to our supply chain, quality and traceability are key. 100% of our British potatoes come from certified Red Tractor growers – the UK’s leading farm and quality food production certification, that assures food safety and traceability. This includes our seed potato business in Montrose.
Investing back into British Farming
We launched the £25 million McCain Potato Farmer Pledge in 2020 to ensure the long-term sustainability of British agriculture. We have committed a further £35 million in 2023 to safeguard the UK’s potato industry and support the next generation of farmers. We are providing 31% contract indexation in 2023, equal to a £35 million investment, to help manage impacts of climate, geopolitical and supply chain disruption. This brings our total investment since 2020 to £50 million, which includes a contract price increase and a supplementary £5 million energy support package.
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