Spudman April 2023 - 7

McCain's sustainable road map
to Regenerative agriculture
How an ecosystem-based approach can positively impact generations of farmers
Putting agronomy and sustainability first to ensure
healthier soils while leading to more sustainably sourced
food is at the heart of McCain's purpose as a business. As
a global leader in prepared food products, McCain has the
opportunity to introduce smart, sustainable farming methods
like Regenerative agriculture.
Regenerative agriculture is an ecosystem-based approach
to farming, aiming to improve farmer resilience, quality
and yield. Through this approach, McCain can improve
soil health, enhance biodiversity and reduce the impact of
synthetic inputs.
McCain continues to build farmer resilience by working
directly with 3,500 farmers and providing them with
technical and financial support to implement and develop
Regenerative agriculture techniques.
McCain's Smart and
Sustainable Commitments
1. Improving water use efficiency by 15% in waterstressed
regions by 2025.
2. Implementing Regenerative agriculture practices
on 100% of McCain's potato acreage by 2030.
3. Providing proper training, knowledge and
technology to participating farmers.
4. Developing research partnerships and
leveraging collective action to advance
Regenerative agriculture.
5. Reducing CO2 per tonne from potato farming,
storage and freight by 25% by 2030.
Potato growers often face increasing challenges like rising
input costs, climate change and regulatory uncertainty.
McCain is combating these challenges and threats to the
industry by re-imagining how to grow potatoes. With a
commitment to implementing Regenerative agriculture
practices worldwide by 2030, McCain believes the answer
is in the soil
" We're really keen to prove that Regenerative agriculture
can have a great impact on soil, water management,
biodiversity and be economically sustainable, " Max Koene,
President and CEO of McCain said.
Farm Manager at Reynold Agribusiness LLC in Moses Lake,
Washington, Brett Reynolds explained the key to Regenerative
agriculture within his farm and his own practices.
" The key to Regenerative and sustainable farming is a
combination of organic and conventional practices while
employing innovative technology, culture and, ultimately,
gaining high efficiency, " Reynolds said.
Through the use of Regenerative agriculture techniques
and with the help of McCain, Reynolds has seen an
improvement in quality and overall yields within his crops.
" Since implementing Regenerative practices in our farm
we have seen an increase in potato quality and yield quality, "
Reynolds said. " Because we maintain efficiency, we are able
to use less product all while utilizing complex nutrition,
particularly with carbon. "
Reynolds recommends growers take the time to learn
proper Regenerative practices and have the right timing in
order to succeed.
" When you're using reduced rates in high-efficiency
products, you need to have your timing right. You do not
want to be behind, " Reynolds said. " Make sure you learn
your products and the differences between them. Having the
right knowledge will lead you to success. "
Reynolds believes Regenerative agriculture techniques can
positively impact generations of farmers.
" Because of Regenerative agriculture, we can look at
improving our soil health as we apply fertilizers. With
increasing positive results, these techniques can leave future
generations in a better position on the farm, " Reynolds said.
To learn more about McCain visit www.mccain.com/sustainability/smart-sustainable-farming.
ADVERTISEMENT | © 2023 McCain Foods Limited
http://www.mccain.com/sustainability/smart-sustainable-farming
Spudman April 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Spudman April 2023
