b'Cultivating Resilience: Highlights from the2024 Potato Expo.An Exclusive Conversation with Dansoil health. By hosting customers Metheringham, NA VP of Agriculture andat the farms, McCain aims to add recognition to the work already Sustainability at McCain Foods underway by growers, providing a Having just arrived home after an excellent week at Potato Expoplatform to tell their stories. A significant part of my role involves 2024, I am thrilled to share my vision for the year ahead whicheducating McCain customers on the entire journey from field to fry. promises to be a defining chapter for sustainable agriculture. MyInitiatives like Regen Fries and collaborations with customers like 26-year journey in the potato industry started in a UK Fresh PackA&W strive to convey the shared efforts of farmers and processors. shed and Ive worn various hats through the years, from packingMcCains commitment to regenerative agriculture isnt a recent lines to quality inspector to field representative and potatodevelopment; its deeply ingrained in our ethos, aligning with the buyer/trader. Ive had the privilege of traveling globally with theMcCain familys belief that good ethics is good business.McCain Agriculture team, learning from our growing regions inPotato Expo Takeaways and Future PlansEurope, South Africa, and Argentina. What I find most rewardingThe Potato Expo provided invaluable insights. Innovations like is the belief that we can truly make a difference in the regionsbetter data-sharing across the supply chain and predictive where McCain Foods operates by enhancing farmers operations,yield modeling to maximize supply for both the growers and making them more profitable and sustainable for the long term. processers are exciting. Hearing about diverse ideas shows how Our North America Innovation Hubs much opportunity we have as an industry to collaborate and Challenges in all seasons are inherent but the key to successunlock more efficiency gains in the future. I highly recommend lies in proactive management with growers. The last day of theattendance for the networking, learning, and direct interactions Potato Expo featured a McCain panel on regenerative agriculturewith industry expertsand to enjoy the amazing fries McCain and Innovation Hubsand it was a hit! As I mentioned then, Ishared during the opening reception.take pride in our Innovation Hubs accomplishments. WeveIm passionate about potatoes and the entire industry. I believe collaborated closely with growers to address environmentalthe future promises sustainable, efficient, and connected potato challenges that are unique to each local region. Farmers arefarming. Our vision is clear: to cultivate resilience in the face conducting commercial scale trials so we can learn fastandof challenges, innovate for a sustainable future, and engage fail fastfrom new practices and new varieties, then share thatstakeholders in a commitment to regenerative agriculture. We knowledge with all local growers during Field Days. The earlybelieve that growers and processorsworking hand in hand signs are positive, with a significant percentage of growers whotoward shared successcreate a thriving and resilient industry.visit our Innovation Hubs expressing their intent to implement new practices on their own farms. McCain has also secured funding throughgovernment and customers to support growers in accelerating their regenerative agriculture journeys.Im particularly excited about continuing the success of the Innovation Hubs and pioneering innovations in regenerative agriculture. Listening to grower feedback and addressing region-specific challenges through the lens of sustainability is our goal. The prospects of making a meaningful impact, improving soil health, and increasing efficiency are inspiring. McCains commitment to implementing regenerative practices on 100% of our potato acreage by 2030 is not just a goal but also a journey marked by collaboration and shared responsibility. My passion lies in sustainability with a real return on investment. For me, sustainability must be both economic and environmental to be truly viable. Its about assured supply, meeting yield targets, and investing in soils for generations to come.Engaging McCain Customers in 2024: A Call to Transparency and EducationWe know relationships are built and strengthened when customers visit farms, meet growers, and have theWe are McCainopportunity to get their hands dirty as we talk abouthttps://www.mccain.com/sustainability'