McCain is set to invest £35 million in its farmers to help them manage rising costs and the current challenging working environment that they operate in.
This comes as environmental threats such as drought, heatwaves and floods, as well as price increases across fertiliser and energy costs has resulted in unprecedented on-farm inflation for potato growers.
In partnership withan agri-business consultant, the frozen potato manufacturer has reviewed next season’s contract pricing and has committed to a 31% indexation increase to ensure its growers are fairly compensated.
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As part of the aid, McCain has included a supplementary energy support package and for the current season, it has also pledged to pay a supplement to those who have had to renew electricity contracts or are paying variable rates.
“Potato farmers have been hit very hard in the last couple of years and are facing a myriad of unprecedented challenges – from droughts, to rising fertiliser cost and energy crisis – that are affecting the way they grow potatoes,” McCain GB and Ireland, vice president of agriculture, James Young said.
“The combination of all these factors mean that they have experiences one of the toughest growing seasons in the last 40 years.”
Young added: “As the largest purchaser of British potaotes, we pricde ourselves on our strong partnerships with our 250 growers and are committed to helping them overcome these challenges.
“However, more work needs to be done collaboratively to ensure the long-term viability of potato growing in the UK. We are committed to working with farmers, customers, industry leadership groups and the government to create a sustainable future for years to come.”
