McDonald’s recently announced that it will put $200 million into U.S. cattle ranches over the next seven years, its largest American investment yet in regenerative agriculture.
The chain said the money will go toward projects on up to 4 million acres in 38 states.
Ranchers will be encouraged to rotate herds and rest the land, a method that helps grass regrow with deeper roots. The process pulls more carbon from the air, boosts soil health, conserves water, and reduces the need for chemical fertilizers, making ranches more productive and environmentally sustainable.
“As a brand that serves more than 90% of Americans every year, we recognize the responsibility we have to help safeguard our food systems, for long-term vitality,” Cesar Piña, McDonald’s supply chain chief for North America, said in a statement.
The investment reflects a growing trend among major food and retail companies to support sustainable farming practices. Companies like General Mills, Nestle, Walmart, and PepsiCo have made similar commitments to regenerative agriculture in recent years as they seek to strengthen their supply chains and meet environmental goals.
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McDonald’s is working with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, which will run a competitive grant process to select local groups assisting ranchers in adopting these practices. The foundation said the first awards will be announced in January next year.
Other big names are backing the effort, including suppliers Cargill and Golden State Foods, as well as Coca-Cola. Jeff Trandahl, who leads the foundation, said the long-term goal is to make ranches more profitable while restoring grasslands.
McDonald’s has already funded regenerative projects on potato farms in Canada and Europe. The U.S. cattle program is its biggest step yet at home.
Sources: McDonald’s, AP News, WKRG