McCain Foods has stepped up to support UK farmers facing unprecedented challenges, announcing a £30m financial package to help mitigate the impact of extreme weather and rising costs.
The frozen food giant, which sources 70% of its potatoes from British farms, has introduced an additional £15m in funding to assist its network of 250 growers. This follows a previous £15m investment last year, bringing McCain’s total support to £30m. The latest boost comes in response to extreme flooding that has devastated farmland across the country, with farmers still grappling with the long-term effects of soaring production costs.
“McCain has always been committed to standing by our growers in the UK,” said Daniel Metheringham, McCain’s Agriculture Director for GB & Ireland. “It’s clear that ongoing weather challenges, coupled with inflation, have created significant difficulties, and we are determined to provide the necessary support to ensure the long-term sustainability of British potato farming.”
The extra funding will help offset the financial strain caused by relentless storms and waterlogged fields, which have severely disrupted planting and harvesting cycles. Many farmers have been left struggling to meet supply demands after consecutive seasons of extreme weather, compounded by higher fuel, fertiliser, and labour costs.
The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) has praised McCain’s commitment, with NFU potato policy group chair Tim Rooke highlighting the severe challenges faced by growers. “Persistent rainfall over the last five months has created exceptionally difficult conditions, and McCain’s additional support is very welcome,” he said. “It’s encouraging to see a key player in the supply chain recognising the pressures on farmers and taking meaningful action.”
McCain’s continued investment aims to secure the future of British potato production while reinforcing its partnership with growers. The company has also been leading sustainability efforts, including regenerative farming initiatives designed to improve soil health and resilience against climate change.
As extreme weather events become more frequent, the UK’s agricultural sector faces mounting uncertainty. However, with initiatives like McCain’s £30m support package, farmers have a crucial safety net to navigate these turbulent times.
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