McDonald’s launches programme to boost young farmers’ business skills

Farm Forward has been created in collaboration with leading farmers and agricultural experts including the National Farm Research Unit, beef and lamb industry organisation EBLEX and FAI Farms. It launches with three projects, each informed by a new study of 500 progressive farmers, commissioned by McDonald's, to find new insights into the key challenges they face and the solutions they believe would offer most value to their businesses and the agricultural sector. The projects are: A training programme for young farmers, which will enable agricultural students from across the UK to complete a 12-month placement to gain experience through the whole spectrum of the agricultural supply chain, from farm to abattoir to restaurant. Starting in July 2012, the 12-month placement has been created in partnership with leading agricultural colleges and some of McDonald's biggest suppliers, including food manufacturer McCain and food production companies OSI Food Solutions and Tulip. The training provides aspiring young farmers with the business skills needed to succeed in today's farming sector. A free simple carbon calculator to help livestock farmers measure and understand how to change their working practices in order to drive greater efficiencies on their farms and improve environmental performance. The calculator has been created by independent energy-auditing company E-CO2 following a two-year research study by E-CO2 and the Carbon Trust, which measured the carbon emissions of 350 beef farms across the UK and Ireland. In 2012, more than 200 farmers will trial the calculator before it is modified as needed, and made available to beef farmers across the UK and Ireland next year. Funding new research and innovation to encourage improvements in animal welfare standards by providing evidence and practical guidance for farmers, such as the newly-published study by Dr Ashleigh Bright, which identifies the economic value for farmers of providing range enrichment for laying hens. When farmers were asked how highly they rate a range of factors in keeping their enterprises successful, respondents rated animal welfare within the top three priorities for investment in their farm, alongside growing their business and improving the farm's sustainability footprint. Brian Mullens, senior vice president, Supply Chain, McDonald's UK said: "Supporting the next generation of farmers is vital if we are to secure the future of farming in this country, and our new work programme for young farmers is designed to help them develop the blend of skills and experience that progressive, modern farmers want and need." Terry Pickthall, placement manager at Harper Adams University College, added: "This is a unique opportunity for young people starting their careers to work across McDonald's entire supply chain, from the farm through to the restaurant counter. "Through this programme, McDonald's is playing its part in equipping the next generation of farmers with the knowledge and experience they need to succeed in a dynamic Agri-Food sector, and the insight these students will gain will be invaluable as they look to start their careers as farm managers and agricultural professionals."