agribusinessreview.comAPRIL 20248 opinionIN MYThe widely shared goal for 2030 is to replace most of the standard potato varieties that have been grown for many years. The objective is to adopt new varieties of potatoes that will drastically reduce nitrogen inputs and improve water use, efficiency, and yield. Seed PipelineTo achieve this goal, McCain Foods is committed to developing a robust seed pipeline for new potato varieties to help growers meet sustainability goals while maintaining high yields and quality. "You must look five years out when planning a seed pipeline," says Nicole Nichol, Director of Agriculture Seed and Variety for McCain Foods. "Seed multiplication of potatoes takes a very long time compared to other crops." To address this, McCain brought on a seed team that included a seed agronomist and two seed representatives working with seed growers to contract volume. The seed team aims to provide guidance and financial backing to growers. They aim to de-risk and diversify across North America ­ expanding westward to be closer to the commercial grower. By Nicole Nichol, Director of Variety Development & Seed Supply, McCain Foods
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