#Canada #Toronto #Sustainable Farming #McCain Foods #Regenerative Practices

McCain Foods' 2024 Global Sustainability Report

In its latest release, McCain Foods demonstrates a steadfast commitment to sustainability, as outlined in the global 2024 Sustainability Report. The report illustrates the company's ongoing journey towards offering sustainably sourced products and fostering community support.

Commitment to Regenerative Agriculture

McCain Foods has taken significant steps towards sustainable agriculture by partnering with over 3,900 farmers globally. The goal is to have all potato acreage utilized for McCain products transitioned to regenerative agricultural practices by 2030. Notably, as of fiscal year 2024, 71% of this farming community has joined the McCain Regenerative Agriculture Framework, with 24% actively engaged in practices that bolster farm resilience. These metrics serve as vital benchmarks on the path to realizing the company’s sustainability goals.

Max Koeune, President and CEO of McCain Foods, emphasizes the importance of agriculture in their mission, stating: "Agriculture is at the heart of our business, and our commitment to regenerative agriculture is at the core of our sustainability journey." He highlights the challenges in the global landscape, such as extreme weather conditions and rising inflation, which motivate McCain’s initiatives to establish a resilient supply chain and foster a sustainable future.

Achievements in Sustainability

Smart and Sustainable Farming

71% of farming partners integrated into the regenerative framework.
An expanded network of financial support, with nearly half of farming partners qualifying for regenerative agriculture loans.
Over 25,600 hours dedicated to training farming partners in regenerative methods.
22% of McCain's total portfolio now includes water-stress tolerant potato varieties.

Resource-Efficient Operations

23% of electrical consumption sourced from renewable energy.
A 12% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions since 2017.
20% improvement in water use efficiency across key plants.
An approximately 9% reduction in food waste intensity since 2020.
Aiming for 99% of paper packaging and 92% of plastic packaging to be recyclable.

Good Food Initiatives

97% of eggs sourced come from cage-free hens.
Acquisition of the plant-forward Strong Roots brand to enhance offerings.
98% of McCain facilities and primary suppliers achieved GFSI-recognized certification.
The sodium content in branded appetizer products has decreased by 6.5% since 2018.

Community Engagement

More than 18 million meals provided to food banks and NGOs.
Over 24,000 volunteer hours contributed by employees in 2024.
Initiatives supporting 13,971 vulnerable farmers and families, surpassing the company’s 2025 target ahead of schedule.
Launch of the Eastfield Community Shop in the UK, positively impacting 1,262 community members in its inaugural year.
Through Project Utthan, McCain has facilitated a 25% income increase for farmers transitioning to high-yield crops.

The report also emphasizes improvements in internal operations, highlighting safety and overall employee experience, demonstrating a holistic approach to sustainability.

Max Koeune reiterates that collaboration along the value chain is crucial in driving progress: "Our ambition to lead in regenerative agriculture has the potential to drive meaningful progress for farmers, communities, and consumers. As we look to the future, we recognize there is more to do and strive to amplify these efforts, creating a lasting impact on the global food system."

Conclusion

In conclusion, McCain Foods' 2024 Sustainability Report is a testament to their unwavering commitment to fostering a sustainable food system. By continuing to innovate and invest in sustainable practices, McCain not only contributes to global sustainability efforts but also strengthens its relationships with farmers, communities, and consumers alike. For those interested, more information is available in the full 2024 Sustainability Summary Report