McCain Foods Commits to 100% Regenerative Agriculture by 2030
In a bold move towards a sustainable future, McCain Foods, the global frozen potato giant operating across six continents, has set its sights on implementing regenerative agriculture practices across all its potato-growing acreage by the end of the decade.
As revealed in their recently published Sustainability Summary Report for 2023, McCain Foods is making significant strides toward this ambitious goal. This news feature explores the company’s commitment to regenerative agriculture and its broader sustainability efforts.
McCain Foods has embarked on an audacious mission – to usher in regenerative agriculture practices across its entire global potato acreage by 2030. This commitment, detailed in their Sustainability Summary Report, signifies a monumental shift towards reversing climate change’s detrimental effects and restoring soil health and biodiversity.
With over 51 production facilities spanning six continents, McCain Foods has already made significant progress by onboarding more than half of its global potato acreage onto its regenerative agriculture framework.
Regenerating Our Earth: McCain’s Pioneering Path
Regenerative agriculture, a pivotal approach to combating climate change, focuses on restoring soil organic matter and enhancing biodiversity.
The McCain framework provides farmers with clear pathways to adopt regenerative practices in their unique circumstances, facilitating a smoother transition for the industry. This innovative approach empowers growers to make incremental progress towards sustainable farming.
One of McCain’s pioneering initiatives, the ‘Farms of the Future’ program, currently comprising two farms (soon to be three), serves as a beacon of regenerative farming best practices.
These farms conduct innovative research and trial challenges, reducing the learning curve for McCain’s network of farmers worldwide. Furthermore, the program’s results not only benefit McCain but also contribute valuable knowledge to the broader agricultural community.
Sustainability Beyond the Fields
The release of the Sustainability Summary Report coincides with McCain Foods’ emphasis on sustainability across multiple pillars. These pillars encompass smart and sustainable farming, resource-efficient operations, good food production, and fostering thriving communities.
The president and CEO of McCain Food emphasised the importance of the food industry in combating climate change, stating that as one of the most vulnerable sectors impacted by climate change, the food system is one of the most important levers to help drive a sustainable and resilient future, with sustainability being at the heart of their purpose as a business.
They further stated that they are pleased to share an update on how they are making strides towards their goals in key areas that will ensure resource-efficient operations, smart farming, and contributing to thriving communities in the regions they operate, all while continuing to produce good food.
Innovations in Water Management and Renewable Energy
Apart from their commitment to regenerative agriculture, McCain Foods has been actively exploring innovative water management solutions in regions facing H2O scarcity.
The report revealed that the company has improved water efficiency by 9.4% and achieved the goal of making 21.9% of their potatoes resilient to water deprivation.
Moreover, McCain Foods is making remarkable strides in renewable energy, with 21% of its electrical energy now generated from renewable sources. This transition towards clean energy not only reduces the company’s carbon footprint but also sets an example for the industry at large.
Reducing Emissions and Sustainable Packaging
In a notable achievement, absolute emissions (scope 1 and 2) have reduced by 9.8% since 2017, showcasing the company’s dedication to mitigating climate change. This reduction highlights McCain Foods’ commitment to environmentally responsible operations.
Furthermore, the report details the company’s progress in sustainable packaging, with 98.5% and 87.8% of its paper and plastic packaging, respectively, designed for recycling. These efforts contribute to reducing plastic waste and promoting a circular economy.
A Healthier Approach: Clean Ingredients and Nutrition
In their quest for cleaner ingredients and nutrition, McCain Foods also introduced new global policies.
Notably, sodium content in their branded appetiser products has been reduced by 6.6%, promoting healthier eating choices for consumers.
Inviting Collaboration for a Planet-Friendly Future
The president and CEO concluded with a vision for the future, acknowledging the progress made while recognising that there’s more work to be done.
They emphasised the importance of partnerships and knowledge sharing, extending an invitation to stakeholders ranging from farmers to the government, financial institutions, NGOs, suppliers, customers, and other players in the food system to join them on their journey towards planet-friendly food production.
In Summary
In summary, McCain Foods’ commitment to regenerative agriculture and its broader sustainability efforts, as detailed in the 2023 Sustainability Summary Report, signifies a monumental shift towards a sustainable and resilient future.
With remarkable progress already achieved, the company stands as a beacon of hope in the global food industry, leading the way towards planet-friendly food production. McCain Foods not only champions regenerative farming but also sets a precedent for responsible resource management, reduced emissions, and healthier food choices.
What’s more, their invitation for collaboration highlights the collective effort required to pave the way for a greener, more sustainable world.
News Credits: McCain Foods on track to hit 100% regeneratively farmed potatoes
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