McCain: Regenerative Agriculture for British Potato Farmers

McCain Foods, which purchases approximately 20% of the British potato crop from 250 farmers across the country, making it the largest buyer in the market, has revealed plans for a new Farm of the Future.

The research site will be used to develop and trial regenerative agricultural practices.

According to Max Koeune, President and CEO at McCain Foods, the UK site represents a significant development in the company's efforts to scale regenerative agriculture globally. "Each site helps us test real solutions with farmers, understand what works and share that knowledge across our network," he says.

"This is how we strengthen the resilience of our farms, support our partners and build a more sustainable food system for the long term."

The initiative forms part of McCain's broader commitment to implementing regenerative agriculture practices across 100% of its global potato acreage by 2030.

Set to launch in 2026, the 202-hectare farm will be located in North Yorkshire, close to McCain GB's headquarters.

Planned practices include controlled traffic farming, year-round soil cover and biodiversity building measures.

Developing scientific partnerships

The project will be undertaken in collaboration with the University of Leeds, which will support the development of a scientific and teaching partnership whilst providing independent data validation across soil health, biodiversity and greenhouse gas emissions.

This will mark the first Farm of the Future location to pilot a circular nutrient system, delivered in partnership with the University's National Pig Centre.

The approach involves using pig manure to enrich soil and reduce waste, demonstrating how mixed farming systems could improve soil health and biodiversity while lowering emissions.

Professor Nick Plant, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Research and Innovation at the University of Leeds, says: "The University of Leeds is committed to helping address global challenges including food security and the climate crisis.

"Our partnership with McCain at their Farm of the Future in the UK is a clear example of our joint ambition to promote farming practices which minimise environmental impact.

“Establishing this 20-year agreement will enable us to further develop research expertise in soil health and land productivity that can benefit farming approaches worldwide.”

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Completing the global programme

The UK site represents McCain's third commercial-scale research and innovation facility used to trial regenerative agriculture practices, completing the company's Farms of the Future programme alongside established farms in Canada and South Africa.

These facilities bring together scientists, agronomists and experts in advanced farming technology to test and embed best practices in smart and regenerative farming.

The new UK farm will build upon the foundations of the other two sites, with insights from its research used to inform McCain's global network of 4,400 farmers.

James Young, Vice President of Agriculture at McCain GB&I says farming sits at the heart of Britain's food system, with farmers facing growing challenges that demand new solutions: "We're proud to launch our third and final Farm of the Future here in the UK, combining global knowledge with local action and a research partnership with the University of Leeds.

"This farm will show that regenerative farming works in practice and aims to provide a blueprint for others, helping secure the future of farming for generations to come."

McCain's efforts could support British farmers as they navigate increasing pressure from unpredictable weather, declining soil health and changing policies.

The company's recent Farmdex research revealed that 77% of British farmers agree that sustainable practices are essential, whilst showing that farmers already investing in regenerative farming techniques report greater confidence and resilience.