McDonald’s is investing in the next generation of agricultural talent as it looks to strengthen the supply chain behind its UK and Ireland food operation.

The company has opened applications for its 2027/28 Progressive Young Farmers programme, a paid 12-month placement giving 10 students experience across farming, food production and agricultural supply chains. FarmingUK reports that successful candidates will begin in August 2027, spending time with farms, processors and McDonald’s suppliers.

The programme gives McDonald’s a direct way to develop people who understand how its supply chain operates beyond the purchasing transaction. Participants will work with suppliers across beef, poultry, pork, potatoes and dairy, gaining exposure to production, processing, sustainability and technical efficiency. The current McDonald’s placement includes organisations including Arla, Dawn Meats, Kepak, McCain, Cranswick and Pilgrim’s Europe.

That matters for procurement because resilience in food sourcing increasingly depends on the capability of the businesses producing and processing the ingredients. Developing people with an understanding of farming, supplier relationships and production economics can give a major buyer a deeper view of the pressures affecting supply and the opportunities to improve it.

The initiative also connects with McDonald’s wider Farm Forward programme, which focuses on agricultural resilience, animal welfare and environmental improvements. The company says its UK and Ireland supply chain supports more than 29,000 farmers, underlining the scale of the ecosystem behind its purchasing operation.

Ireland is an important part of that network. The programme includes Irish suppliers such as Dawn Meats and Kinisla, while participants can gain experience across both markets. The placement pays £26,500 and applications close on 16 November 2026, giving students an opportunity to move directly into a supply chain that connects agriculture with one of the world's largest foodservice businesses.

For the sector, the programme points to a broader shift in procurement thinking. Major buyers are increasingly looking beyond price and immediate supply towards the skills, relationships and production capability that determine whether supply chains remain resilient over time. McDonald’s is using its scale to develop that capability from within its supplier network, making talent development part of its longer-term sourcing strategy.

Source: FarmingUK / McDonald’s UK & Ireland