McDonald’s opens applications for young farmer programme
Cohort of next-gen farmers on McDonald's Progressive Young Farmers Programme © Freuds McDonald’s has opened applications for the 2027-28 intake of its Progressive Young Farmers (PYF) programme, offering 10 aspiring agricultural professionals a 12-month paid placement across the UK and Ireland.
The programme aims to give the next generation of farmers and food industry professionals practical experience across the entire McDonald’s supply chain, from farm production and processing through to restaurants.
Successful applicants will begin the programme in August 2027, travelling to farms, processing facilities and supplier sites to gain an insight into how food is produced and supplied to McDonald’s restaurants.
See also: McDonald’s and Arla partner to drive dairy farm biodiversity
The programme will also focus on some of the key challenges facing agriculture, including farm resilience, regenerative agriculture, productivity, efficiency and food security.
Participants will receive mentoring from agricultural specialists working with major McDonald’s suppliers, including McCain, Arla, Pilgrim’s Europe, Kepak, Dawn Meats, Cranswick, Kinisla, Noble and The Lakes and OSI.
Ellie Wotherspoon, agriculture and sustainable sourcing manager at McDonald’s UK and Ireland, said the programme provides participants with exposure to every stage of the supply chain while helping them understand the issues shaping the future of farming and food production.
First step on ladder
She said the programme could provide a first step into a career across agriculture, food or sustainability.
Tanner Breeze, a member of the 2026-27 cohort, said the programme had provided an opportunity to learn from farmers, suppliers and industry specialists while developing connections across the sector.
Applications are open to full-time undergraduate students at colleges and universities across the UK and Ireland with an interest in food, farming or the supply chain.
The application window closes on 16 November 2026.
To find out more, visit McDonald’s Food and Farming Careers page.
