McDonald’s Canada launches $1M Future of Potato Farming Fund to support Canadian potato farmers with McCain Foods

The fund is open to the more than 130 Canadian growers and farmers, together representing 76,000 acres of potato farmland. (Pexels photo)

McDonald’s Canada today announced applications are now open for the McDonald’s McCain Future of Potato Farming Fund. Launched in partnership with its longtime Canadian potato supplier, McCain Foods Limited, the fund offers Canadian potato growers grants totaling $1-million to help support the implementation of regenerative agricultural practices for a thriving, resilient food system and the next generation of Canadian farmers.

The fund is open to the more than 130 Canadian growers and farmers, together representing 76,000 acres of potato farmland. Growers and farmers can apply to two rounds of cost-sharing grants from a list of priority regenerative practices and technologies intended to improve soil health and build farm resilience, such as: cover crop seed, flower strip seed, lower intensity tillage equipment, decision support systems, organic soil amendments, and more.

“McDonald’s World Famous Fries™ come from 100 per cent Canadian potatoes, and each one starts with healthy soil and Canada’s dedicated potato growers,” said Gemma Pryor, Senior Director, Canada Impact Team, McDonald’s Canada. “McDonald’s Canada and McCain Foods have a long-standing relationship with potato growers across Canada and are working together to help advance agricultural practices and support the next generation of Canadian farmers.”

Funding decisions will be made jointly by an expert selection committee comprised of representatives from McDonald’s Canada, McCain Foods, the Soil Health Institute, and a representative from a national potato farming association. Visit [here] for more information on the McDonald’s McCain Future of Potato Farming Fund.

A commitment to food quality & sourcing

McDonald’s is living their purpose to feed and foster communities – with food quality and sourcing one way it’s taking positive action on key areas that matter to Canadians so they can Love what’s next™.

The company partnered with content creator Andrew Gunadie (@Gunnarolla) to create Farmer Spotlight, a series of videos aimed at showing Canadians where McDonald’s sources some of its homegrown ingredients. Released this month, the second episode highlights a New Brunswick family who has been growing potatoes for six generations.

In addition to the McDonald’s McCain Future of Potato Farming Fund, McDonald’s remains committed to serving great-tasting, quality food and supporting the next generation of Canadian farmers through:

• Sourcing: Sourcing ingredients like Canada Grade A eggs, potatoes, dairy and beef from nearly 50,000 Canadian farms†.
  • For example, the company sourced more than 600 million Canada Grade A eggs from 2017 to 2021.
• Agricultural practices: Supporting regenerative agricultural practices in Canada along with the company’s partners and suppliers.
  • For example, Ducks Unlimited Canada has teamed up with McDonald’s Canada and Cargill to support rancher-led work through a $5 million Forage Program. The program will work to return 125,000 acres (50,585 hectares) of cropland to grass and pasture by 2025.
• Sustainable beef production: Supporting sustainable beef production† here in Canada*.
  • The organization sources at least 30% of the beef for McDonald’s Quarter Pounder® burgers from farms and ranches certified to Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (CRSB) standards (crsbcertified.ca).
• Future of farming: Continuing to help support future generations of Canadian farmers.
  • For example, McDonald’s is a proud sponsor of the Cattlemen’s Young Leaders Mentorship program, a national initiative of the Canadian Cattle Association established in 2010 that provides young people aged 18 to 35 with industry-specific training and mentorship opportunities to help further the success of the Canadian beef industry into the future.

Guests can expect to hear more announcements about the commitments and actions McDonald’s Canada has set in the coming months. To learn more about McDonald’s history of helping feed and foster communities and the changes we’re making, visit the Purpose & Impact page on mcdonalds.ca.