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McDonald's UK invests in sustainable program

March 27, 2012

McDonald's UK has launched a new program called Farm Forward, aimed at increasing its supply chain sustainability by supporting British and Irish farmers.

According to Environmental Leader, the program includes a training component for younger farmers, the provision of a "carbon calculator" (which helps farmers measure carbon impacts from their working practices and make changes), and funding for research and innovation in the agriculture sectors.

McDonald's initial investment for the program is about $1.5 million.

Additionally, the quick-service giant has partnered with Harper Adams University College, the University of Reading and Newcastle University to fund one-year courses for students to learn the supply chain and  franchise systems.

The program's announcement comes about a week after McDonald's switched course for its London Summer Olympics plans. The chain initially pledged to source ingredients from the UK as much a possible for the Games, but it was discovered that the majority of its chicken supply comes from other countries.

Organizations including the National Farmers Union protested, causing McDonald's to pledge that all chicken served during the Games – estimated to be more than 30,000 tons – will be British.

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