McDonald's Shooting for Sustainable Farming

Before you get all excited about the possibilities, this is McDonald's Europe. There is a chance to see this here -- eventually. I am pleased that there is a change to more positive approach than when I was a Marketing Manager with the company.

I hope this move will offer proof to people that sustainable farming does work and does benefit the bottom line. This should also offer an opportunity for farmers to learn and improve their own practices.

This is a unique initiative that should promote the benefits of sustainable agricultural practices from their suppliers and farming communities. This new move is being called "Flagship Farms" and should show the innovative farming practices being used by European farmers.

Ideally a sustainable farm works with soil, water and energy use. Additionally there should be animal welfare and farm worker well-being as part of the plan. McDonald's has an Agricultural Assurance Program which utilizes existing plans to assess and improve farm standards.

As people become more interested in where their food comes from, corporations have an opportunity to do the right thing and highlight innovations and stay ahead of the curve.

Here are some places that are supplying McDonald's Flagship Farms program.

The Lakes Free Range Egg Company, Cambria is a free range egg producer using variety of methods, including planting 100,000 trees, to improve flock welfare and increase production. Owner is David Brass, the owner, is 2008 Farmers Weekly Poultry Farmer of the Year.

Dempsey Farm, Ireland is a beef farm demonstrating high standards of animal welfare and good environmental management.

Primaflor, Spain is a lettuce producer that has demonstrated how efficient water use and targeted fertilizer application can improve productivity and protect the environment.

Stockland, Netherlands is a dairy farm using range of methods to improve cow welfare. Examples include dual chamber water beds, grooved anti-slip flooring, weekly foot bathing and tri-annual foot trimming.

Autruy-Sur-Juine, France is a cereal farm that tests soil that leads to maximized yields and avoids over-application of fertilizer

Farm Frites, Poland is a potato farm that uses innovation and technology to improve use of soil, water and energy which has increased yields.

If you know of other farms involved in this program or have links to those listed here, please share.


Links:
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