McCain Foods shared plans for a second Farms of the Future, this time in South Africa. The plan is part of McCain’s drive to cut carbon emissions and tackle the impacts of climate change.
McCain has identified two South African locations totalling 465 hectare irrigation and 90 ha dryland on which McCain will grow 125 ha potatoes for use across the country, per year. The farm will focus on productivity, soil health, water efficiency, the reduction of agriculture chemical impacts and the introduction and preservation of biodiversity.
This comes after last year’s announcement of the first Farms of the Future location in Florenceville, New Brunswick.
McCain plans to open three Farms of the Future in different growing regions around the world by 2025 as part of its global commitment to implement regenerative agriculture across 100 per cent of its potato acreage by 2030.
“This is a critical moment. The strain that global supply chains are under right now is shining a stark light on how exposed we are, with a food system that requires a radical transformation to address the challenges of our century,” said Max Koeune, CEO, McCain. “If we don’t change the way we farm, feeding the world in 30 years will require an 87 per cent increase in carbon emissions. The implications of that are bleak – and we cannot allow it to happen. Farmers are on the front line here – they see the impacts every day, with extreme weather wreaking havoc on the growing season. Working collaboratively, we believe this transformation will ensure both McCain and our farmers will have a business for generations to come.”
All of the potatoes grown on Farm of the Future Africa will be made into French fries and other frozen potato products, servicing consumers across Africa.
