Boston, March 5, 2026 – McDonald’s Corporation agreed to disclose additional information about its regenerative agriculture programs. The move came in response to a shareholder proposal filed by Green Century Capital Management (Green Century). As a result of the agreement, Green Century has withdrawn its proposal.
“Regenerative agriculture can help us preserve farmland, protect biodiversity and reduce climate emissions while reducing material risks. That works best when companies are clear about what they mean when they say ‘regen ag,’” said Leslie Samuelrich, president of Green Century. “By disclosing a summary of its regenerative agriculture framework, McDonald’s will clarify information that multiple investors are seeking.”
Global interest in regenerative agriculture
An increasing number of global food companies are supporting regenerative agriculture as a way to keep farmland and the environment healthy, touting benefits such as cleaner water, improved wildlife habitat and reduced emissions. However, there is no standard definition of regenerative agriculture. Practices vary from region to region and farm to farm. If a company doesn’t provide a clear explanation of how it defines “regen ag,” customers and investors don’t know what benefits they’re getting.
“Regenerative agriculture practices can involve many things,” said Andrew Shalit, Shareholder Advocate at Green Century. “They can involve crop rotation, reducing pesticides, or using certain grazing techniques. McDonald’s agreement to provide more information about its regenerative agriculture framework will help clarify how the company considers these practices.”
McDonald’s has increased its investment in regenerative agriculture
McDonald’s has been investing in regenerative agriculture projects for several years. In September 2025, McDonald’s USA announced its largest investment ever in regen ag. This $200 million partnership will promote regenerative grazing practices, habitat restoration, and water and wildlife conservation on cattle ranches across the United States over the next seven years.
The UN’s Food Action Alliance estimates that current food and agricultural practices impose $2.9 trillion of environmental costs per year. These costs include contamination of groundwater by excessive fertilizer use and greenhouse gas emissions. Regenerative agriculture has the potential to greatly reduce these negative impacts.
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