GBP35m from McCain for British Farming in Tackling Environmental Challenges

McCain has committed to investing an additional GBP35m in British farming and promised a 31% increase in contract indexation.

The initiative intends to assist McCain's 250 potato growers in managing the increasingly difficult climate in which they operate. This is in addition to a 15% boost in contract prices last year and a GBP5m energy support package, for a total investment of GBP50m in just two years.

The investment compliments the company's ongoing engagement with farmers to improve agriculture's long-term sustainability, including McCain's global commitment to apply regenerative agriculture practices on 100% of its potato acreage by 2030. This is backed up by its global 'Farms of the Future' initiative, which focuses on regenerative farming practices such as improving biodiversity and soil health through technology and innovation. McCain also oversees varietal development and offers a 'Next Generation' initiative to help young producers get started in the sector.

This announcement follows McCain's Potato Farmer Pledge, a multi-year GBP25m investment in the British potato business that included a grower loyalty program, grant support, and contract optimization.

McCain growers in the U.K. completed 2,970 hours of training to improve excellent agricultural practices between July 2021 and June 2022. McCain's potatoes are 100% certified, with 36% of the crops planted being stress-tolerant types, demonstrating McCain's tremendous progress in adopting smart and sustainable agricultural practices.

Droughts, heatwaves, and floods, along with rises in fertilizer and energy prices, have resulted in unprecedented on-farm inflation for potato growers.