McCain opens regenerative UK Farm of the Future in Yorkshire

UK – McCain Foods has opened a regenerative UK Farm of the Future in North Yorkshire, supporting farmers as they face changing weather, declining soil health, and policy uncertainty.

The 202 hectare commercial farm, developed with the University of Leeds, will trial regenerative farming methods under real conditions and provide practical solutions growers can adopt.

Max Koeune, President and CEO of McCain Foods, said the project will help translate research into practice. “McCain Farm of the Future UK marks an important step in how we are scaling regenerative agriculture across our global Farms of the Future. Each site helps us test real solutions with farmers, understand what works, and share that knowledge across our network.”

The Yorkshire farm will use controlled traffic farming, year-round soil cover, and biodiversity measures to improve soil and help farms adapt to variable weather.

A circular nutrient system, developed with the University of Leeds National Pig Centre, will recycle pig manure to enrich soil, cut waste, and demonstrate how mixed farming lowers emissions.

McCain will also trial autonomous vehicles and alternative fuels for farm equipment, with results published annually to benefit its global network of 4,400 farmers. Potato production at the site is expected to start in 2026.

Connecting farm innovation with global growth

McCain said the farm comes as British growers express concern about the future. Farmdex research shows 77 percent of farmers agree sustainable practices are essential, and those investing in them report stronger resilience.

James Young, Vice President of Agriculture at McCain GB and Ireland, said the farm provides a model for others. “Farming is at the heart of Britain’s food system, and farmers face growing challenges that demand new solutions. This farm will show that regenerative farming works in practice and provide a clear model for others.”

Professor Nick Plant, Pro Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation at the University of Leeds, added, “Our partnership with McCain shows our shared aim to promote farming practices which reduce environmental impact and support food security.”

The Yorkshire site is McCain’s third Farm of the Future after Canada and South Africa. The launch coincides with the company’s US expansion, including its November 2025 agreement to acquire the Penobscot McCrum frozen potato processing plant in Maine.

The site will operate alongside McCain’s Easton facility, while the McCrum farming business remains independent under a long-term supply deal.

Together, the UK farm and Maine acquisition highlight how McCain is investing in both sustainable farming and processing capacity to support growers and food supply chains worldwide.

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