Working together towards a future-proof potato supply chain

Farm Frites and partners join forces to make Dutch potato supply chain more sustainable

On 30 May 2025 – International Day of Potato – McDonald’s Netherlands, Rabobank and Farm Frites took an important step towards more sustainable potato cultivation. With the signing of a five-year partnership focused on regenerative agriculture, we are joining forces to build a future-proof potato supply chain, from field to plate.

The effects of climate change are increasingly visible in potato cultivation. Drought, heat stress and extreme rainfall are reducing yields and increasing the risk of crop failure. In response to the growing pressure on arable farming, we launched the Farm Frites Future Farming Program in 2023. This initiative supports farmers in the transition to regenerative agriculture through knowledge sharing, practical insights and financial resources. The programme focuses on improving soil health, increasing biodiversity and reducing CO₂ emissions.

A shared challenge

The collaboration with McDonald’s and Rabobank strengthens the Future Farming Program, which already includes 80 Dutch growers. “Because we believe in the power of the programme, we’ve also launched it in Poland this year, with Belgium, Germany and France to follow,” explains Hens Gunneman, Sustainability Manager at Farm Frites. “This partnership shows that sustainability is a shared challenge. With the support and investment from McDonald’s and Rabobank, farmers can realise their sustainability ambitions. This way, fields remain greener and together we ensure there are enough quality fries available in your favourite McDonald’s restaurant, now and in the future.”

Accelerating the transition

McDonald’s serves millions of portions of French Fries each year, which requires a large supply of potatoes. To ensure enough quality potatoes are available now and in the future, McDonald’s participates in the Farm Frites Future Farming Program. Jerôme de la Chambre, Sustainability Manager at McDonald’s Netherlands, explains: “For our iconic French Fries, we want to offer consumers the highest quality at an affordable price. We do this by investing in sustainable potato cultivation. Healthy soil retains moisture more effectively and withstands weather extremes better. This increases the resilience of potato cultivation and ensures we can continue enjoying our delicious fries made from locally grown potatoes for decades to come. It is also wonderful that we can do this together with the entire chain, accelerating the transition in this way.”

A 'true value' for agriculture

Rabobank also contributes as a partner in the Future Farming Program. “Rabobank can't transform the sector alone,” says Nicoline van Gerrevink, Head Food System Transition at Rabobank. “Collaboration with chain partners like Farm Frites and McDonald’s is essential. The approach of Farm Frites and its Future Farming Program together with McDonald’s Netherlands appeals to us greatly because it uses concrete KPIs and growers are rewarded based on the steps they take. From Rabobank, we contribute with interest discounts for frontrunners, and attractive terms for transition loans. A fine example of how we work together on ‘true value’ for agriculture in the Netherlands.”

Want to learn more about our Future Farming Program?