McDonald's helps grower improve soil

McDonald's, in partnership with supplier McCain, is establishing a fund to support UK potato farmers using innovative techniques and technologies to improve soil quality and water management. In this way, the companies want to contribute to the climate goals of the government.

The main goal of the so-called 'Sustainable MacFries Fund' is to help potato growers improve soil quality and water management. To achieve this, McDonald's and McCain jointly provide approximately €1 million in subsidies. With this funding, farmers can conduct research into their soil and water use. The companies are not just putting the ball in the hands of the grower, because they also want to fund new research in order to gain insight into, for example, the benefits of using ground covers.

Contribute to climate goals
The companies want to use the fund to make an indirect contribution to the government's climate goals. In 2017, the agricultural and horticultural sector accounted for 12% of national emissions. The goal is to significantly reduce this by 2050. “The fact that we can't serve our famous chips without the support of the more than 23.000 British and Irish farmers who supply us means we need to contribute,” said Nina Prichard, head of sustainable and ethical sourcing at McDonald's . “The Sustainable MacFries Fund, together with McCain, is providing funding to increase sustainability among potato farmers.”

That the theme of climate change is high on McCain's agenda is apparent from the fact that the French fries producer a month ago announced to invest millions in this topic. The producer is making almost €28 million available to help potato growers in the United Kingdom better arm themselves against the consequences of climate change and the corona crisis.

Kimberly Baker

Kimberly Bakker is an all-round editor at Boerenbusiness. She also has an eye for the social media channels of Boerenbusiness.

k.baker @boerenbusiness. Nl

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