McCain Foods is a global leader in the frozen foods industry. As a socially responsible and environmentally conscious brand, the company works closely with farmers, particularly potato farmers, to make agriculture sustainable. McCain Foods India is dedicated to regeneration – not just of their crops, but of the land, communities, and the future of agriculture itself. Their vision is built on four pillars: Smart & Sustainable Farming wherein they are aiming to implement regenerative practices across their entire potato acreage by 2030. Resource Efficiency which includes reducing CO2 emissions, water usage, and waste generation. Good Food which involves promoting healthier ingredients, lower sodium content, and transparent nutrition information. Lastly, the company strives for Thriving Communities by supporting farmers, families, and vulnerable communities.
The bedrock of their commitment is Regenerative Farming which is about nurturing the Earth- from minimizing soil disturbance to reducing chemical inputs. The company is partnering with Indian farmers to make this a reality, providing training, knowledge transfer, and collaboration with research partners. In this exclusive interview with ThCSRUniverse, Ms. Saranya Pradhan, Head – Corporate Communications and CSR, McCain Foods India, talks about how they are addressing pressing challenges like soil health, water management, biodiversity, and climate resilience through regenerative agriculture.
Scroll down to for deeper insights from the full interview:
Q. Please shed some light on the overarching sustainability vision of McCain Foods India and the pillars that it is built on. How does sustainable agriculture align with this vision?
A. McCain Foods India is unwaveringly committed to an overarching sustainability vision that revolves around producing delicious food in a manner that is both environmentally responsible and socially beneficial. At the heart of this vision are four pillars that guide our sustainability strategy. First and foremost, we emphasize "Smart & Sustainable Farming," with a pledge to implement regenerative agriculture practices across 100% of our potato acreage by 2030. This commitment reflects our dedication to protecting soil health and biodiversity while mitigating the impacts of climate change. Additionally, we focus on resource-efficient operations, striving for significant reductions in CO2 emissions, water usage, and waste generation. In the pursuit of "Good Food," we are dedicated to using recognizable and healthy ingredients, reducing sodium content, and providing transparent nutritional information. Lastly, we are deeply invested in "Thriving Communities," aiming to support farmers and families through meal donations, employee volunteering, and improving the livelihoods of vulnerable farming communities.
Sustainable agriculture is a fundamental component of McCain Foods India's vision as it aligns perfectly with our commitment to responsible food production. The Smart & Sustainable Farming pillar underscores our dedication to regenerative agricultural practices, which not only reduces carbon emissions and improves water efficiency but also promotes biodiversity and soil health. By reducing pesticide use and promoting stress-tolerant crop varieties, we exemplify our commitment to environmentally conscious farming. Furthermore, our efforts to support farmers and communities by improving livelihoods and providing training exemplify our holistic approach to sustainability. In essence, McCain Foods India's sustainability vision is built on a strong foundation of environmentally responsible agriculture, resource efficiency, nutritious food production, and community support, all of which work together to create a more sustainable and resilient future for both the planet and its inhabitants.
Q. McCain Foods established their first production unit in India in 2007. Please take us through your journey with respect to working with Indian farmers? Are there any particular achievements or milestones that you would like to share with us?
A. Since establishing our first production unit in India in 2007, McCain Foods has embarked on an enriching journey of collaboration with Indian farmers. Over the years, we have forged strong partnerships with local farming communities, working hand in hand to promote sustainable agriculture practices. Our commitment to supporting Indian farmers has resulted in several notable achievements and milestones. We have significantly enhanced the livelihoods of farmers by providing training and technology transfer, contributing to improved crop yields and reduced pesticide use. Furthermore, we are proud to share that a substantial portion of our contracted potato volume is now certified by Global GAP, underlining our dedication to responsible farming. This journey of cooperation and progress with Indian farmers continues to be a cornerstone of our sustainable vision for a better future.
Q. Please explain the concept of regenerative farming. How has McCain Foods India incorporated it into their potato farming practices?
A. McCain Foods India is committed to the principles of Regenerative agriculture, an ecosystem-based approach to farming that prioritizes soil health, biodiversity, and reducing synthetic inputs. By adopting these practices, we aim to improve farmer resilience, crop yield, and quality while nurturing the environment and local communities. Six key principles guide our regenerative agriculture efforts, which include minimizing soil disturbance, enhancing diversity, reducing agro-chemical usage, optimizing water use, ensuring farm resilience, and integrating organic and livestock elements into farming practices. These principles reflect McCain's dedication to sustainable and responsible potato farming in the face of environmental challenges and food safety concerns.
Q. How have you helped Indian farmers implement regenerative agriculture? What kind of support and resources are provided to them in the process?
A. McCain Foods India has been actively engaged in supporting Indian farmers in implementing regenerative agriculture practices. We provide comprehensive support and resources to facilitate this transition. Firstly, we offer training and knowledge transfer programs to equip farmers with the necessary skills and understanding of regenerative farming techniques. Additionally, we collaborate with research partners to advance regenerative agriculture collectively. Our commitment extends to improving water-use efficiency in water-stressed regions, reducing CO2 emissions, and minimizing the impact of synthetic inputs. Furthermore, we work closely with farmers to promote crop and ecosystem diversity, minimizing soil disturbance, and integrating organic and livestock elements into their farming practices. Through these initiatives, McCain Foods India empowers farmers to enhance soil health, increase biodiversity, and improve the overall sustainability of their agricultural operations, ultimately contributing to a more resilient and planet-friendly food supply chain.
Q. Can you share specific examples of agricultural challenges that McCain Foods India has been able to address through its regenerative farming practices?
A. McCain Foods India has effectively addressed a range of agricultural challenges through its commitment to regenerative farming practices. One significant area of focus has been soil health, achieved by implementing techniques such as cover cropping, reduced tillage, and crop rotation. These practices have resulted in healthier soils that are more resilient to erosion, retain moisture effectively, and support higher crop yields. McCain Foods India also promotes biodiversity by planting cover crops and hedgerows, providing habitats for beneficial insects and wildlife, naturally controlling pests and diseases. In addressing water management, McCain Foods India prioritizes water conservation and efficient irrigation methods as part of its sustainable farming practices. These efforts not only combat water scarcity but also reduce the environmental footprint of agriculture. Moreover, McCain Foods India contributes to carbon sequestration through increased organic matter in the soil, aligning with climate change mitigation. By fostering healthier and more diverse ecosystems, regenerative farming enhances farm resilience to climate change impacts like extreme weather events and changing rainfall patterns. Ultimately, these practices can lead to improved long-term economic sustainability for farmers by reducing input costs and gradually enhancing yields. McCain Foods India's holistic approach to regenerative agriculture is making a positive impact on both the environment and the livelihoods of local farmers.
Q. Besides regenerative farming, what are the other key agricultural practices that the company has been working on? Have you collaborated with any Indian institutions for agricultural, food science or technological research?
A. McCain Foods India is deeply committed to enhancing agricultural resource efficiency and sustainability through several key initiatives. We prioritize Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) to ensure food safety, traceability, and environmental sustainability, with 94% of our Contracted Potato Volume now certified by Global GAP. Additionally, we promote sustainable water usage, with all our growers adopting drip and sprinkler irrigation systems, resulting in an 8% improvement in water use efficiency. We're dedicated to innovation and technology adoption, constantly evolving our farming practices through cutting-edge machinery and the development of a model farm. Importantly, we focus on empowering rural livelihoods by working closely with over 1000 growers, providing training and knowledge in precision farming, data-driven agriculture, pest management, and post-harvest handling practices, in collaboration with multinational irrigation and Agri input companies. This holistic approach underscores our commitment to sustainable and thriving farming communities.
McCain Foods has collaborated with many industry partners and institutions to support farmers in the adoption of environmentally conscious agricultural practices. In 2022, McCain Foods collaborated with several institutes and partners globally, including Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Dalhousie University, Cornell University and the University of Guelph, as well as receiving funding under the Canada/New Brunswick Canadian Agricultural Partnership Program. McCain also formed an External Advisory Board composed of agronomy practitioners, scientific experts and farmers to review and challenge progress and share technical support.
Q. In what ways does McCain India utilize technology and innovation to enhance sustainable agricultural practices and improve the efficiency of potato farming?
A. McCain India leverages technology and innovation to advance sustainable agricultural practices and enhance the efficiency of potato farming in several impactful ways. Firstly, we employ cutting-edge machinery and equipment to optimize planting, harvesting, and storage processes, reducing resource consumption and waste. Additionally, we are actively involved in developing a model farm that integrates Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), sustainability principles, and profitability, serving as a technological showcase for modern and sustainable farming.
Moreover, we are committed to precision agriculture, utilizing data-driven insights to optimize crop management, pest control, and irrigation, thereby conserving resources, and increasing yields. This approach not only reduces environmental impact but also improves the economic viability of farming for our growers.
Furthermore, McCain India collaborates with multinational irrigation and agri-input companies to offer technical training and access to the latest agricultural technologies to our partner growers. This ensures that our farming communities are well-equipped to adopt sustainable practices and embrace innovation for a more sustainable and resilient agricultural future.
Q. Has McCain India taken (or plans to take) any steps to ensure the resilience of farms and the adaptability of farming practices in the face of changing environmental conditions?
A. Absolutely, McCain India is committed to enhancing the resilience of farms and the adaptability of farming practices in response to changing environmental conditions. We have already initiated several measures to achieve this, such as promoting regenerative agriculture to improve soil health and reduce climate impact. Furthermore, our investment in precision farming and data-driven agriculture empowers farmers to make informed decisions and adapt to evolving conditions effectively. We also collaborate with farmers to introduce stress-tolerant crop varieties, ensuring crop resilience in the face of environmental challenges. These ongoing efforts underscore our dedication to sustainable farming practices that support both farmers and the environment in an ever-changing climate.
Q. Being a global company, are there any learnings pertaining to sustainable agriculture from other geographies that have helped with your work in India and/or vice versa?
A. As a global company, McCain Foods has benefited from cross-geographical learnings in sustainable agriculture that have enriched our work in India. We have leveraged best practices and insights from various regions to adapt and implement sustainable farming techniques in the Indian context. Conversely, our experiences in India have also contributed to our global sustainability efforts, serving as a valuable case study for sustainable agriculture practices that can be applied elsewhere. This exchange of knowledge and experience fosters a collaborative approach to sustainability that strengthens our commitment to responsible agriculture worldwide.
Q. Given the company’s extensive work in the agricultural domain, we would like you to share any policy level suggestions that you feel may help in raising agricultural productivity and farming incomes.
A. Certainly, based on our experience in the agricultural sector, we feel promoting widespread adoption of sustainable farming practices through incentives and subsidies can enhance both productivity and environmental sustainability. Investing in rural infrastructure, including irrigation systems and cold storage facilities, can reduce post-harvest losses and improve income security for farmers. Facilitating access to credit and insurance schemes tailored to the agricultural sector can help mitigate risks and support investment in modern farming technologies. Promoting agricultural diversification and value addition through food processing and agribusiness initiatives can open up new income avenues for farmers. Policymakers can play a pivotal role in implementing these measures to create a more prosperous and resilient agricultural sector.
Q. What does the roadmap for McCain Foods India look like in the next 3-5 years? How do you see the relationship between the company and Indian farmers evolving?
A. Over the next 3-5 years, the roadmap outlines a comprehensive strategy for sustainable agriculture and an evolving partnership with Indian farmers. McCain Foods India will continue to embrace technological advancements, investing in digital platforms, data analytics, and precision farming tools to empower farmers with data-driven decision-making capabilities and enhance productivity. Sustainable and regenerative farming practices will be a focal point, with close collaboration with farmers to improve soil health, reduce chemical inputs, and promote biodiversity, aligning with global sustainability goals. Supply chain efficiency remains a priority, aimed at reducing waste and ensuring efficient product distribution. Climate resilience efforts will assist farmers in adapting to changing weather patterns through crop diversification, improved irrigation, and climate-smart practices. Addressing shifting consumer preferences for healthier, organic, and sustainable products will drive innovation and marketing strategies. Digital financial services will enhance farmer financial inclusion and risk management. Strengthened partnerships with farmers' cooperatives, research institutions, and government agencies will foster a more resilient agricultural ecosystem. Furthermore, McCain Foods India's unwavering commitment to responsible sourcing and ethical business practices will be integral, especially within global supply chains. This holistic roadmap underscores the company's dedication to sustainable agriculture and its evolving, mutually beneficial relationship with Indian farmers.
