admin McDonald’s and Arla Foods have strengthened their long-term dairy partnership with a nature-led sustainability initiative. The collaboration aims to improve soil health, boost biodiversity, and reduce emissions across 60 UK dairy farms. Both companies share a deep commitment to promoting sustainable dairy farming through innovation and measurable results.
The partnership expands through Arla’s FarmAhead Customer Programme, launched under the ReNature project. This project focuses on soil regeneration and biodiversity growth across organic dairy farms. Farmers now gain tools to measure soil health, track wildlife activity, and evaluate sustainable progress. The insights from these farms will support long-term climate goals and reduce scope 3 emissions.
Ellie Wotherspoon, Agriculture and Sustainable Sourcing Manager at McDonald’s UK and Ireland, shared that British dairy farming remains vital to their business. She said the partnership helps farmers improve sustainability while providing quality milk for customers. Through these initiatives, both partners work to make dairy farming more sustainable and resilient for the future.
Arla supplies McDonald’s with organic milk for restaurants across the UK. Over the years, both brands have invested nearly £1 million into sustainable projects. These include regenerative agriculture, biodiversity monitoring, and carbon reduction. The new phase focuses on practical, nature-led solutions that support both farmers and ecosystems.
Paul Dover, UK Agricultural Director at Arla Foods, highlighted the importance of the alliance. He noted that both brands aim to lower emissions and support nature-friendly practices. Together, they promote innovation and create a sustainable food system that benefits the entire industry.
Dairy farmer Will Tizzard emphasized the practical benefits of the programme. He explained that healthier soil directly strengthens herd health and farm resilience. By adopting nature-led solutions, farmers ensure a strong foundation for future sustainable dairy production.
The initiative aligns with McDonald’s wider Plan for Change and Farm Forward programme. These efforts support over 29,000 British and Irish farmers committed to responsible agriculture. Moreover, it contributes to the Dairy Roadmap, which unites farmers, retailers, and food service providers.
Together, McDonald’s and Arla set a new standard for nature-positive dairy farming. Their shared vision connects sustainability with profitability, showing that caring for nature strengthens the entire dairy value chain. As they continue innovating, the future of British dairy sustainability looks stronger than ever.
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