In the latest report “Together, towards planet-friendly food” summary published on McCain’s website, the integrator shared the progress towards its Global Sustainability Strategy and commitments.
The document highlights a specific leadership key target to develop three McCain-owned, commercially operated farms across three different growing regions by 2025 – their so called “Farms of the Future”.
“The intention of these farms is to develop a better understanding of how a whole-farm, regenerative system works, and to advance, showcase, and roll out regenerative farming practices. In 2020, we established the first farm location in New Brunswick, Canada. With the acquisition and launch of the farm in 2021, we have commenced on-farm preparation and machinery modifications”, wrote McCain’s representatives in their report.
“Supporting our Farmers in Great Britain”
According to the report, in addition to navigating the challenges of the pandemic, McCain’s farmers in GB faced the two worst consecutive potato crops in the last 40 years.
As the largest purchaser of British potatoes, buying around 15% of the annual crop, McCain is supporting their producers to ensure a sustainable future for the sector and business.
Last year alone, McCain GB launched the “McCain Potato Farmer Pledge” which will see this company invest GBP25m (approximately CAD43m) over the course of five years, to support producers to mitigate climate change impacts and transition to more sustainable agricultural practices.
This investment will focus on strengthening McCain’s partnerships with farmers and support the wider supply chain, including their customers and suppliers.
“Building Thriving Communities”
Nearly all of the integrator’s 49 plants worldwide are located in rural communities, and the company is committed to the long-term development, education and support of both farmers, and families in their local areas.
Last year, the pandemic further highlighted the fragility of many communities around the world, including rural and marginalized communities. In the countries where the company operates, it witnessed millions of people facing unemployment, while food banks struggled to keep up with demand.
In response, the company’s specialized teams expanded the existing partnerships with food banks, and they were able to donate the equivalent of over 53 million meals globally.
“Potatoes for good”
As the pandemic forced the closure of restaurants and out-of-home eating establishments across the globe, McCain’s farmers were met with an oversupply of potatoes. As part of their commitment to honor all grower contracts, the integrator’s experts worked to minimize wastage by reallocating potato varieties normally earmarked for food service to retail product lines.
In partnership with FareShare UK’s largest food redistribution charity, they donated more than 160 tons of British potatoes between May and June 2020, marking the first time that they’ve ever provided fresh produce.
In Canada, McCain Foods works with over 130 farmers to grow and purchase millions of tons of potatoes needed every year to provide restaurants, food service, and retail outlets with McCain products. As the pandemic continues to affect everyone’s daily lives and businesses, Canadian farmers faced a surplus of potatoes.
In May 2020, A Canadian Marketing campaign called French Fries Feed Farmers, rallied Canadians to help reduce the surplus potato pile by eating more fries than they had been since the pandemic started. This campaign prompted McDonald’s, McCain’s biggest customer in Canada, to join the movement to support the integrator’s farmers with their Fries for Good campaign.
Besides “McCain” brand, well-known for delicious French fries, McCain Foods Limited is comprised of a range of companies which operate within the prepared potato and appetizer segments, potato seed cultivation, transportation and more.
