Improving crops for generations

How McCain works with growers through Regenerative farming

(Sponsored) Working to improve potato agriculture since the 1950s, McCain has created a smart and sustainable method for farmers and growers across the world. Through Regenerative farming, McCain improves farmer resilience, yield and quality, enhancing biodiversity and, ultimately, reducing the impact of synthetic inputs. 

Shane Kingsbury, farm manager at Kingsbury Family Farm in Mars Hill, Maine, has developed Regenerative farming techniques with the help of McCain. Kingsbury has been working on farms for 40 years and knows the importance of soil health, the changing demands of the environment and rising input costs.

“We certainly feel that Regenerative farming has improved our farm for the better,” Kingsbury said. “It took generations of families working on this land to get it to the condition that it is. Through Regenerative farming, it takes time and it takes commitment. Now, more than ever, we have to be sustainable. In my mind, sustainability and profitability have to go hand-in-hand.”

Kingsbury’s ultimate goal through Regenerative farming is to leave something for his children to adapt and manage for generations.

“I hope my kids will take an interest in continuing this farming operation. My goal is to have land and top-soil that my kids can continue to farm,” Kingsbury said. 

Continuing to work side-by-side with farmers, McCain makes Regenerative farming simple and easy.

Status mapping and regional action plans

McCain surveys farmers to better understand their level of adoption of Regenerative agriculture. In doing this, McCain agronomists and field representatives will prioritize the specific needs of each farmer and their region.

Training

Educating farmers on Regenerative agriculture is an important step to ensure the program can run successfully. Collaborating with multiple training experts, McCain will teach farmers the benefits of Regenerative agriculture in potato cropping systems and give them the knowledge needed when addressing any challenges. 

Research and development

Key issues such as fumigation alternatives, biological control products and reduced tillage are vital to understanding when implementing Regenerative farming techniques. McCain is also conducting university trials and creating innovation hubs to create a fulfilling and successful program for farmers. 

Data collection and measurement

By deploying digital agriculture technologies, McCain ensures farmers will have access to better data and quality insights about their farms. 

Financial partnerships

McCain has gathered preliminary data of different local costs and economic benefits when farmers implement Regenerative agriculture techniques. McCain helps farmers access government funding, partnering with banks and more. 

Through these implementations, McCain plans to deliver their Regenerative Agriculture Framework across their global grower base. 

 © 2022 McCain To learn more about McCain visit https://www.mccain.com/sustainability/smart-sustainable-farming/