Key Takeaways
- McCain Foods reports 71% of its farming partners have reached the Onboarding stage of its Regenerative Agriculture Framework.
- The company remains committed to implementing regenerative agriculture practices across 100% of its potato acreage by 2030.
- The Taste Good. Feel Good. campaign aims to provide information on regenerative farming and its role in food production.
- New initiatives include an augmented reality game, a consumer experience at Chelsea Market, and partnerships to raise awareness.
- Sustainability progress includes increased renewable electricity usage and reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and water consumption.
McCain Foods Updates on Regenerative Agriculture Commitments
McCain Foods has announced updates on its commitment to regenerative agriculture, reporting that 71% of its farming partners have reached the Onboarding stage of the McCain Regenerative Agriculture Framework. The company’s goal remains to implement regenerative practices across 100% of the acreage used to grow its potatoes by 2030.
The Regenerative Agriculture Framework serves as a roadmap to assist farmers in transitioning to sustainable practices, with an emphasis on improving soil health, water efficiency, and biodiversity. The company continues to evaluate and expand initiatives through its Farms of the Future, which serve as research and innovation hubs for testing regenerative practices at a commercial scale.
McCain also noted ongoing efforts to support awareness of regenerative farming, citing research indicating that less than 1 in 10 Americans and Canadians are familiar with the concept. The company reports that interest in learning more about sustainable farming practices is increasing.
Consumer Engagement Initiatives By McCain Foods
Taste Good. Feel Good. Campaign
As part of its regenerative agriculture efforts, McCain Foods has launched the Taste Good. Feel Good. campaign. The initiative is intended to provide information on regenerative farming practices and their role in food production.
To support this effort, McCain is introducing interactive experiences aimed at engaging consumers:
- “Farms of the Future AR” Game – A digital experience designed to introduce users to regenerative agriculture through an augmented reality (AR) format. Players can engage with virtual farming scenarios and earn rewards.
- Chelsea Market Activation (New York City) – A consumer experience running from February 27 to March 1, designed to showcase McCain’s regenerative farming initiatives. Attendees will be able to participate in interactive displays about sustainable farming practices and sample Regen Fries, made with potatoes grown using regenerative agriculture methods.
McCain Foods has also collaborated with chefs and sustainability advocates to create recipes and participate in campaign activities.
Sustainability Progress in 2024 of McCain Foods
Regenerative Agriculture Adoption
- 71% of McCain’s farming partners have reached the Onboarding stage of the Regenerative Agriculture Framework.
- 24% of McCain farmers are actively Engaged in regenerative practices.
- 25,600+ hours of training provided to support sustainable farming transitions.
- 22% of McCain’s potato portfolio now consists of water-stress-tolerant varieties.
Resource Efficiency and Environmental Goals
- 23% of total electricity used by McCain now comes from renewable sources.
- 12% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions since 2017.
- 20% improvement in water efficiency at priority plants since 2017.
- 99% of paper packaging and 92% of plastic packaging now designed for recyclability.
Community Engagement and Food Security
- 18 million meals donated to food banks and NGOs in 2024.
- 24,000+ employee volunteer hours contributed globally.
- Support provided for 13,971 vulnerable farmers and families through sustainability programs.
McCain Foods reports that these sustainability initiatives align with its broader goals to improve resource efficiency, support farming communities, and reduce environmental impact.
Looking Ahead
McCain Foods continues its work towards 100% regenerative agriculture adoption by 2030. Through farmer partnerships, consumer engagement efforts, and sustainability initiatives, the company reports ongoing progress in meeting its environmental and operational targets.
The company has made its 2024 Sustainability Summary Report available online, providing further details on its regenerative agriculture framework, sustainability initiatives, and future plans.
