McCAIN’S

Regenerative Agriculture
Framework.

Updated January 2024
in line with external
global standard

Potato growers face increasing
challenges from climate change
and variable weather, rising input
costs, and regulatory uncertainty.
To face these existential threats to our industry, andsecure supply for the future, McCain is partneringwith our growers to re-imagine the way we growpotatoes with a commitment to implement
regenerative agricultural practices across 100 percent
of our potato acreage worldwide by the end of 2030.

WHAT IS REGENERATIVE
AGRICULTURE.
McCain defines Regenerative agriculture as an ecosystem-based approach to farming that aims toimprove farm resilience, crop yield and quality by improving soil health and water quality, optimizing
water use, enhancing biodiversity, and reducing the impact of synthetic inputs.
McCain, in partnership with key stakeholders, has developed six key principles of Regenerative agriculturethat can be applied to the farming of potatoes:

Ensure farm resilience

Armour soils, preferably withliving plants

Enhance crop and ecosystem
diversity

Minimize soil disturbance

Reduce agro-chemical
impact & optimize water use

Integrate organic and livestockelements

The aim of our regenerative agriculture program is to enhance the resilience of farms by improving
soil health, water use efficiency, and biodiversity while reducing our climate impact (greenhouse gasemissions). These four key impact areas are aligned with our Smart & Sustainable Farming commitments.

OUR COMMITMENTS.
12

34Onboarding levelof regenerative
agricultural practices
reached across 100
percent of McCain
potato acres by 2030

Engaged levelof regenerative
agricultural practices
reached across 50
percent of McCain
potato acres by 2030.

Developing research
partnerships andleveraging collective
action to advance
Regenerative
agriculture.

Operating three
Farms of the Future
by 2025, dedicated todeveloping regenerative
agriculture practices
and transferring thisknowledge to growers.

REGENERATIVE AGRICULTURE FRAMEWORK

2SUPPORTING TARGETS

25%

15%

20%

reduction in CO2 emissions per
tonne from potato farming,
storage, and freight by 2030
(Scope 3).

improvement in water-use
efficiency in water-stressedregions by 2025.

of all potato crops grown for
McCain to use water stresstolerant varieties by 2025.

THE FRAMEWORK.
The McCain Regenerative Agriculture Framework is a farmer-centred framework developed inconsultation with growers and other agricultural experts. It is a pathway to progress and guide for ourfarmers to support their progression toward a more regenerative model.
The Framework aims to set a credible, applicable standard for the potato industry, while allowing forregional flexibility to focus on indicators growers want to prioritize. Regenerative practices vary dependingon the crop, geography, climate, and other factors – it is not “one-size-fits-all”. It is critically important toallow tailoring for the significant differences across farms and potato growing regions around the world.
The Framework provides the measurement criteria for the achievement of our goals across different
levels: Onboarding, Engaged, Advanced and Leading. As farmers expand the regenerative practices they
put into action on their farm, or adopt new ones, they move up the continuum.
The Framework measures progress based on seven indicators with the aim of delivering outcomes inalignment with our key areas of impact:
1. Armoured soils, preferably with living plants – decrease soil erosion, increase soil organic carbon.
2. Enhanced crop diversity – enhancement of crop and soil biodiversity.
3. Minimized soil disturbance – decrease in soil erosion and compaction, maintain soil carbon andstructure.
4. Reduced toxicity of pesticides – reduce risks of crop protection products and promote soil
4.
biodiversity which enables the natural function of soil, such as the ability to fight pests and diseases(suppressive soils).
5.
5. Enhanced farm and ecosystem diversity – protection or restoration of natural habitats, protectionof waterways, promotion of beneficial organisms.
6.
6. Reduced agro-chemical impact and optimized water use – improve nutrient use efficiency andreduce GHG emissions; decrease surface/ groundwater pollution and improve biodiversity.
7.
7. Increased soil organic carbon (matter) – increase soil fertility and resilience, increased soil

infiltration and water holding capacity; enhancement of soil biodiversity.
We have created two versions for the Northern and Southern hemispheres to reflect the differences inclimate and soil types.

CONTEXT ANALYSIS
While it is a global framework, we are working closely with our farmers to discover what works best on
their farms in the way that makes economic and agronomic sense in each region, for example, how canthe practices help solve local challenges like soil erosion due to storm or wind events. To do this, local
McCain teams are undertaking baseline assessments with growers to inform regional goals and actionplans, along with regional and sub regional assessments on priority practices.
REGENERATIVE AGRICULTURE FRAMEWORK3

We also encourage growers to conduct a context analysis, as an important first step to understand what
impact areas and practices should be prioritized to provide the greatest productivity enhancement,
economic and environmental benefit. This analysis should answer the following types of questions:
Soil health

Water

Biodiversity

Climate• Is the farm/field at
risk of soil erosion,compaction, salinity
or loss of structureand fertility?

• Is the availability ofwater for irrigation
at risk? Are current
practices leading tolower surface andgroundwater quality?

• Has any land
use change has
contributed todeforestation, or theloss of habitat or
biodiversity?

• Has the farm
reduced its fossil fuelconsumption?

• Is the level of organic
matter or soil carbon
too low? How can it
be improved in thelong term?

• Has crop protection
product impacted thesoil biodiversity and/or
overall biodiversity?

• Is there an opportunity
to introduce renewableenergy or decreaseenergy consumption?

• Is crop/plant diversity
used to prevent to soil
erosion and nutrient
leaching?

Onboarding
At this level, farmers must have (1) participated in a McCain Regenerative
agriculture training, (2) met requirements for at least one engaged indicator of
the farmers choice and (3) completed a soil health assessment which is crucial
for setting a baseline for measuring improvement in soil health. By 2030, we will
support all McCain potato farmers to reach at least this Onboarding stage.

Engaged
Farmers need to have undertaken a baseline soil healthassessment and implemented at least five of theseven indicators, including certain required elements(e.g. armouring soils and crop diversity). This sets aminimum standard while allowing for regional flexibility
on which indicators farmers want to prioritize. Ouraim is for 50 percent of our potato acreage to be at
the Engaged level by 2030. We know in many regions
champion growers are leading the way and are alreadyat this level.

Advanced
Farmers have advanced their progress in each of theindicators, including increasing the number of speciesgrown and reaching 5 percent of non-cultivated land
dedicated to natural habitat.

Leading
The leading level includes increased soil protection,
minimized tillage, increase in soil organic matter and30 percent of the potato crop nutrient requirements
provided from organic sources (plants/manure). At thislevel, growers should be able to reduce GHG emissions
by at least 25%.
REGENERATIVE AGRICULTURE FRAMEWORK4HOW WE DEVELOPED THE
FRAMEWORK.
We developed the Framework in consultation
with a range of stakeholders including academia,
scientific organizations, farmer representatives,
public institutions, customers, and NGOs. We
have also aligned our framework with the work ofcoalitions focused on these topics, including theSustainable Agriculture Initiative (SAI) platform
and One Planet for Business Biodiversity (OP2B).
We welcome further feedback and engagement
to improve and see wider adoption across thepotato industry. We recognize research into
soil science and measurement is continuing
to develop and will update our guidance andstandards as necessary. Note, this Framework
was updated in January 2024 to align with SAI
Platform’s Regenerating Together Programme.

SUPPORTING FARMERS.
We have worked side-by-side with our farmers forgenerations, and we will continue to partner withthem on this journey. We will meet each of ourfarmers where they are and make it as easy as possible to participate.
• Status mapping and regional action plans: We are surveying our farmers to understand theirlevel of adoption of Regenerative agriculture. This will help to inform McCain agronomists and field
representatives to prioritize opportunities and set regional goals and action plans.
• Training: In collaboration with training experts, we have developed new programs to increase farmers’
understanding of the benefits and opportunities of Regenerative agriculture in potato cropping
systems and equip them with the knowledge to address any challenges.
• Research & development: We are committed to research and development on key issues, such asreduced tillage, fumigation alternatives, and biological control products. We are also leveraging ourlearnings from our Farms of the Future program, as well as undertaking university trials, developing
unique partnerships and creating Innovation Hub models with farmers.
• Data collection and measurement: We are deploying digital agriculture technologies to ensure
farmers have access to better quality data and insights. We continue to work collectively with otherstakeholders to harmonize and align measurement tools and verification practices.
• Financial partnerships: We have conducted preliminary analyses of local costs and economic benefitsof the journey to Regenerative agriculture at the farm level. We are identifying the best local financing
approaches, including partnerships with banks, helping farmers access government funds, and othersolutions. We believe regenerative practices have a business case, and proving the environmental andeconomic cases on a regional basis with volunteer growers is critical.

REGENERATIVE AGRICULTURE FRAMEWORK

5What Defines a Regenerative Potato
Grower in the Northern Hemisphere.
INDICATORENGAGEDADVANCEDLEADING

Armoured soils preferably with living plants:
Over the prior 4 years, including current season,
fields on the farm are covered by living plants
with an average NDVI value >0.25 for all fields
during the season and at least 30% of soil surface
is covered by living crops or residue year-round.

90 days /year

180 days /year

270 days /year

Enhanced crop diversity: Over the prior 4 years,including the current season (or throughout
the length of the rotation cycle if longer), cropsof different species are grown providing arange of growth cycle (annual, bi-annual andperennial) as well as growth characteristics(plant architecture and root types).

Crop species aregrown, including
a grass. Legumes
should beconsidered1

Crop species aregrown, from 3
different plantfamilies, including
a grass andlegume1, a perennial
species should beconsidered

Crop species aregrown, from 4
different plantfamilies, including
a grass, legume1
and 2 perennial
crops

Reduce tillage by
1 event on potato
crop & adopt
conservation tillage
in rotation crops
or decrease tillage
intensity acrossrotation by 10% *Reduce tillage by
2 events on potatocrop & adopt
conservation tillage
in rotation crops
or decrease tillage
intensity acrossrotation by 25% *Reduce tillage by
3 events on potato
crop & adopt
conservation tillage
in rotation crops
or decrease tillage
intensity acrossrotation by 50% *Minimized soil disturbance: Intensive tillage
is kept to a minimum across the rotation cycle.
Tillage associated with cover crops/residue
incorporation, planting and potato harvest
excluded form potato tillage measurements.
*Measured by Soil Tillage Intensity Rating(STIR-USDA).

Reduced toxicity of pesticides: Crop protection
products are selected to reduce environmental,human and consumer impact.
Growers exceeding 2,500 EIQ values for potato
crop cannot be considered as Engaged or higher.
Onboarded growers have 2 years to lower their EIQ
values below this threshold..

ONBOARDING

41
Engagedindicator ofchoice+
Regenerative
agriculture
training +soil healthassessment todefine baseline

Enhanced farm and ecosystem biodiversity:
Small natural habitats and natural landscapeelements are promoted. Small natural habitats
are present within 250 m from the edge of thefield; riparian buffer zones are present aroundwater bodies.
Reduced agro-chemical impact and optimize
water use: Use of inputs is justified andmanaged to reduce risks. Decision support
systems (IPM, 4R’s, irrigation scheduling) andtechnology are used to precisely apply inputs.
Increased soil organic matter: Every 5 years,
soil health is assessed for organic matter, as wellas biological, physical and chemical properties2.

Soil healthassessment
every 5 years(minimum of 1fields for each soil
type / croppingsystem)

800 EIQ

6500 EIQ

per hectare

per hectare

1%

5%8200 EIQ

per hectare

8%of non-cultivatedland is dedicatedto natural habitatof non-cultivatedland is dedicatedto natural habitatof noncultivated landis dedicated tonatural habitat

All inputs areapplied based on
DSS or expert advisefrom recognizedcrop advisor. GPS
is usedMeet engaged leveland 15% of crop
nutrient needs tobe provided fromorganic sources(plant/manure)

Meet engaged leveland 30% of crop
nutrient needs
provided fromorganic sources(plant/ manure)% OM increase% OM
increase

OM% increasetarget TBD
based on local
expertiseTBD Over 5 years

TBD Over 5years

Red indicators are required. The grower must meet 5/7 indicators to achieve the Engaged level.
1

Unless prohibited by regulation

Must have elements: % soil organic carbon (preferably) or soil organic matter, % clay, presence of earthworms/other biological assessment, soil water holding
capacity and pH. Suggested additional measurements:, Inorganic Carbon (Carbonates) on soils with pH>6.5, % sand and % silt, bulk density and Soil N levels (prior toplanting potatoes), water infiltration, soil aggregate stability and soil mineralization potential.
2REGENERATIVE AGRICULTURE FRAMEWORK

6

What Defines a Regenerative Potato
Grower in the Southern Hemisphere.
INDICATORONBOARDING

Armoured soils preferably with living plants:
Over the prior 4 years, including the current
season, fields on the farm are covered by living
plants with an average NDVI value >0.25 for all
fields during the season and at least 30% of
soil surface is covered by living crops or residue
year-round.

230Days / year

6Enhanced crop diversity: Over the prior 4 years,including the current season, (or throughout
the length of the rotation cycle if longer), cropsof different species are grown providing arange of growth cycle (annual, bi-annual andperennial) as well as growth characteristics(plant architecture and root types).
Minimized soil disturbance: Intensive tillage is
kept to a minimum across the rotation cycle.
Tillage associated with cover crops/residue
incorporation, planting and potato harvest
excluded form potato tillage measurements.
*Measured by Soil Tillage Intensity Rating (STIRUSDA).
Reduced toxicity of pesticides: Crop protection
products are selected to reduce environmental,
human and consumer impact.
Growers exceeding 2,500 EIQ values for potato
crop cannot be considered as Engaged or higher.
Onboarded growers have 2 years to lower their EIQ
values below this threshold.

Soil healthassessment
every 5 years(minimumof 1 fields foreach soil type /cropping system)

280

Days / year

8LEADING

320

Days / year10

Crop species aregrown, from 3
different plantfamilies, including
a grass and alegume3, a perennial
species should beconsidered

Crop species aregrown, from 4
different plantfamilies, including agrass, legumes3 and2 perennial crops

Reduce tillage by 1
event on potato crop
& adopt conservation
tillage in rotation
crops or decreasetillage intensity
across rotation by
10% *Reduce tillage by
2 events on potato
crop & adopt
conservation tillage
in rotation crops
or decrease tillage
intensity acrossrotation by 25% *Reduce tillage by 3
events on potato crop
& adopt conservation
tillage in rotation
crops or decreasetillage intensity
across rotation by
50% *800
EIQ perhectare1%

Reduced agro-chemical impact and optimize
water use: Use of inputs is justified andmanaged to reduce risks. Decision support
systems (IPM, 4R’s, irrigation scheduling) andtechnology are used to precisely apply inputs.

ADVANCED

Crop species aregrown, including
a grass. Legume
should beconsidered31
Engagedindicator ofchoice+Regenerative
agriculture
training +soil healthassessment
to definebaseline

Enhanced farm and ecosystem biodiversity:
Small natural habitats and natural landscapeelements are promoted. Small natural habitats
are present within 250 m from the edge of thefield; riparian buffer zones are present aroundwater bodies.

Increased soil organic matter: Every 5 years,
soil health is assessed for organic matter,as well as biological, physical and chemical
properties4.

ENGAGED

500
EIQ perhectare

5%200

EIQ perhectare8%of non-cultivatedland is dedicated tonatural habitatof non-cultivatedland is dedicated tonatural habitatof non-cultivatedland is dedicated tonatural habitat

All inputs areapplied basedon DSS or expert
advice fromrecognized cropadvisor. GPS is used

Meet engaged leveland 15% of crop
nutrient needs tobe provided fromorganic sources(plant/manure)

Meet engaged leveland 30% of crop
nutrient needs
provided fromorganic sources(plant/ manure)% OM
increase% OM
increaseTBD Over 5 years

TBD Over 5 years

OM%
increasetarget TBD basedon local expertise

Red indicators are required. The grower must meet 5/7 indicators to achieve the Engaged level.
3

Unless prohibited by regulation

Must have elements: % Soil organic carbon (preferably) or soil organic matter, % clay, presence of earthworms/other biological assessment, soil water holding
capacity and pH. Suggested additional measurements:, Inorganic Carbon (Carbonates) on soils with pH>6.5, % sand and % silt, bulk density and Soil N levels (priorto planting potatoes), water infiltration, soil aggregate stability and soil mineralization potential.
4

REGENERATIVE AGRICULTURE FRAMEWORK7