McCain Foods, a global leader in potato specialty foods, is set to launch its third commercial-scale research and innovation site, the ‘Farm of the Future,’ in North Yorkshire, near its GB headquarters. This initiative, in partnership with the University of Leeds, aims to trial and accelerate the adoption of regenerative agriculture practices in real-world farming conditions. The 202-hectare site is designed to address British farming challenges such as unpredictable weather, declining soil health, and ongoing policy uncertainty.
The Farm of the Future UK will be the most advanced of its kind, adopting practices such as controlled traffic farming, year-round soil cover, and biodiversity building. Notably, it will be the first to pilot a circular nutrient system, developed in partnership with the University of Leeds National Pig Centre. This system uses pig manure to enrich soils, reduce waste, and demonstrate how mixed farming systems can improve soil health and biodiversity while lowering greenhouse gas emissions. Potato production at the site is expected to begin in 2026.
McCain’s recent Farmdex research revealed that 77% of British farmers agree that sustainable practices are essential, and those already investing in them report greater confidence and resilience. The new site will not only focus on sustainable farming practices but also on autonomous vehicles and alternative fuels for farm equipment. Insights from the UK farm will be shared across McCain’s global network of 4,400 farmers, supporting the adoption of regenerative agricultural practices worldwide.
Max Koeune, president and CEO at McCain Foods, emphasized the significance of the Farm of the Future UK in scaling regenerative agriculture. “Each site helps us test real solutions with farmers, understand what works, and share that knowledge across our network. This is how we strengthen the resilience of our farms, support our partners, and build a more sustainable food system for the long term.”
James Young, vice president of agriculture at McCain GB&I, highlighted the importance of the initiative for British farming. “Farming is at the heart of Britain’s food system, and farmers face 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.”
The launch of the Farm of the Future UK aligns with the release of McCain Foods’ 2025 Global Sustainability Report, which outlines the company’s progress toward its sustainability commitments, including the establishment of three Farms of the Future by 2025. The report details McCain’s updated Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) targets, which align with the latest climate science, and a reinforced focus on nature and human rights.
In Great Britain, McCain has made significant progress against its global sustainability commitments. This includes momentum in its Regenerative Agriculture Framework, with 86% of McCain GB’s potato acreage at ‘engaged’ or higher within the framework. Since 2017, McCain GB has also achieved a 25% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions and a 19% reduction in water intensity.
The Farm of the Future UK represents a significant step forward in McCain’s commitment to sustainable and regenerative agriculture. By combining cutting-edge research with practical farming solutions, McCain aims to set a new standard for the industry, ensuring a more resilient and sustainable future for farming.