McCain Foods launches regenerative agriculture program in the Netherlands
McCain Foods today developed a new program for regenerative agriculture in the Netherlands. McCain supports comparable Dutch potato growers in the transition to more sustainable agricultural practices with technical, commercial and – with its partner Rabobank – financial support.
Potato growers face major challenges due to climate change, extreme weather conditions, increasing procurement and production costs and regulatory uncertainty. The framework that McCain has developed globally is an ecosystem-based approach to agriculture, which aims to build farm resilience to improve potato quality. This is achieved by improving soil health, reducing the impact of synthetic agents and increasing biodiversity. Dutch potato growers can participate in this new program at four additional levels: Onboarding, Beginner, Master and Expert. The new program is part of McCain’s announcement to implement regenerative farming practices on 100% of its potato acreage by 2030.
Erwin Pardon, Regional President McCain Continental Europe: “This initiative in the Netherlands was launched in the context of our recently published sustainability report and is part of McCain’s strategy for responsible and sustainable agriculture. It is one of four pillars for sustainability, along with efficient use of multiple, good foods and vital solution,” says Pardon. “McCain and our sister company CêlaVíta have been committed to a healthier and more sustainable food system for years. After successfully rolling out agricultural programs in France and Canada, we now have our ‘Regenerative Agriculture’ program in the Netherlands, to support the sustainability of our food chain and support the collaboration with our growers.”
Potato growers Jan and Koen Lampert – father and son: “To prepare for tomorrow’s challenges, we must take action. One opportunity we see is regenerative agriculture, a more sustainable way of growing. McCain’s initiative to explore this path walking together, sharing knowledge and bringing together financial and soil knowledge is certainly a welcome addition.”
The recently launched McCain Regenerative Agriculture Program focuses on the following three pillars:
- Technical Support
Together with partner Aequator, McCain will guide and train growers in areas such as soil life, organic matter and crop diversification. “Our potato growers have been working on greening and taking good care of their soil for years. By working together we can take even more steps”, says Erik Haasken, Manager Agronomy Northern Europe at McCain. - Commercial support
McCain will voluntarily offer a three-year contract to growers who are committed to regenerative agriculture to reward and support their efforts in this transition. This contract includes a premium on the delivered tons of potatoes from regenerative agricultural plots. McCain starts the first year with a limited number of growers (as a pilot) and then rolls it out to all growers with whom it works. - Financial support
McCain will work closely with partner Rabobank to support their transition. The partnership will provide a range of financial support, including a discounted loan to help them transition to regenerative farming practices. The agreement between McCain and Rabobank has a lifespan of three years.
Gea Bakker, Sector Manager Food & Agri Rabobank: “Thanks to the collaboration with McCain, it becomes more attractive for growers to invest in sustainable activities. will have a positive effect on both the farm and nature.”
For more information:
McCain food
www.mccain.com