McDonald’s Canada, McCain Foods launch $1 million potato farming fund

McDonald’s Canada and McCain Foods are teaming up to launch the Future of Potato Farming Fund to help Canadian potato growers use regenerative farming practices.

The $1 million investment will provide Canadian farmers with education, demonstration, and cost-sharing grants to support sustainable farming methods and techniques for improving soil health.

The fund’s goal is to mitigate the impact of climate change on yield and crop quality.

Gemma Pryor, senior director, impact team of McDonald’s Canada, noted that McDonald’s fries come from 100 percent Canadian potatoes, each starting with healthy soil and Canada’s dedicated potato growers.

Jeremy Carter, director of agriculture, Western Canada, McCain Foods, commented that through their shared vision with McDonald’s Canada, they are focused on supporting their growers in accelerating the transition to the key principles of regenerative agriculture like maintaining living cover, reducing tillage intensity, diversifying rotations, reducing the intensity of chemical applications, and enhancing biodiversity.

The first round of grants will be awarded this month to more than 130 Canadian farmers who collectively farm more than 76,000 acres of potato-growing land.