McDonald’s announced the launch of the Grassland Resilience and Conservation Initiative, a major new program aimed at accelerating the implementation of regenerative agricultural practices among U.S.-based beef cattle producers in its supply chain.
Launched alongside the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and several key McDonald’s U.S. suppliers, the new initiative will invest more than $200 million over the next seven years to help promote and accelerate regenerative grazing practices, habitat restoration, water and wildlife conservation on cattle ranches spanning 4 million acres across up to 38 states.
Regenerative agriculture practices are aimed at addressing the environmental impact of the sector, and include techniques to improve and restore ecosystems, build soil health and fertility, reduce emissions, enhance watershed management, increase biodiversity, and improve farmers’ livelihoods.
Under the new initiative, ranchers will be provided with opportunities to leverage tools and resources to help them improve wildlife habitats, conserve water, and enhance soil health. Key strategies targeted by the initiative include grazing management, including developing and implementing plans to optimize stocking rates and livestock movements, and incorporate practices to promote plant growth, improve wildlife habitat, and maximize soil function; grassland restoration, including reseeding native plants, controlling invasive vegetation, and removing and modifying fencing to facilitate wildlife migrations, and; protection and restoration of water resources and wildlife habitats.
Cesar Piña, Senior Vice President and Chief Supply Chain Officer, North America, said:
“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. Through our support of this initiative, McDonald’s USA is demonstrating the power of partnership between the public and private sectors and that feeding the population and stewarding our natural resources can coexist.”
Under the new initiative, NFWF will manage and invest conservation funding to advance ranchers in their voluntary conservation efforts. McDonald’s suppliers also providing funding to NFWF for the initiative include Cargill, Golden State Foods, Lopez Foods, OSI and The Coca-Cola Company.
The first round of competitive grant-making will culminate in the announcement of awards, expected in January 2026.
Jeff Trandahl, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer at NFWF, said:
“The benefits of grassland conservation are far-reaching. When cattle are managed to optimize multiple ecological and economic values, the land holds more water, grows better grass and supports more wildlife. Conservation practices voluntarily adopted by ranchers can improve the productivity of grasslands, increase ranching profitability and strengthen the vitality of rural communities across the United States.”
