McDonald's Plants a Greener Future: Historic $10 Million Investment in Regenerative Agriculture to Revolutionize U.S. Farmland

McDonald's USA has announced its most substantial commitment to sustainable farming yet, pledging a monumental $10 million investment over four years to accelerate regenerative agriculture practices across a staggering 1 million acres of U.S. farmland. This landmark initiative, a collaboration with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) and Farmers for Soil Health (FSH), marks a pivotal step in fostering a more resilient and environmentally conscious food system.

This unprecedented investment is designed to provide critical financial incentives and technical assistance to farmers, empowering them to adopt advanced regenerative agriculture practices.

The primary focus areas include the strategic use of cover cropping, reduced tillage, and optimized nutrient management. These methods are not merely agricultural techniques; they are cornerstones of a healthier ecosystem, aiming to significantly enhance soil health, improve water quality, boost biodiversity, and fortify the land against the impacts of climate change.

As Marion Gross, Executive Vice President and Chief Supply Chain Officer for McDonald's North America, emphasized, "This investment is a key part of our brand's sustainability journey and will help us make a positive impact on the environment while supporting the farmers who are critical to our supply chain.

We're proud to partner with NFWF and Farmers for Soil Health to help accelerate the adoption of regenerative agriculture practices and build a more resilient food system for the future." This statement underscores McDonald's dual commitment to environmental stewardship and supporting its agricultural partners.

The program sets an ambitious target: by 2030, it aims to influence 1 million acres of U.S.

agricultural land. The benefits extend far beyond environmental improvements, promising tangible advantages for farmers, including reduced input costs, increased yields, and enhanced resilience to extreme weather events. This integrated approach ensures that sustainability is not only environmentally sound but also economically viable for those who work the land.

Jeff Trandahl, Executive Director and CEO of NFWF, highlighted the collaborative spirit of the initiative, stating, "NFWF is pleased to partner with McDonald's to make this significant investment in regenerative agriculture.

This partnership will bring together farmers, ranchers, conservation organizations and other stakeholders to implement practices that benefit both agricultural producers and vital ecosystems." The broad coalition reflects a shared vision for a more sustainable future.

The collaboration with Farmers for Soil Health, a joint effort by the United Soybean Board, National Corn Growers Association, and National Pork Board, further amplifies the program's reach and impact.

Joe McDonald, a Minnesota farmer and chair of Farmers for Soil Health, articulated the practical value for the farming community: "This investment will help accelerate the adoption of critical practices across the U.S. and help us achieve our goal of advancing soil health on 30 million acres of U.S.

farmland by 2030. We are excited to partner with McDonald's and NFWF to make a real difference in the health of our soil and the future of farming."

This initiative aligns seamlessly with McDonald's broader global sustainability strategy, which includes an ambitious goal to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across its entire value chain by 2050.

By investing directly in regenerative agriculture, McDonald's is not only addressing its environmental footprint but also actively contributing to a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient future for the agricultural sector and the planet as a whole.