China: The transformation of the potato sector begins with the digitization of the potato chip supply chain.

The initiative aims to integrate cultivation, processing, and distribution into a fully traceable and coordinated system.

China, the world leader in potato cultivation area, produces approximately 95 million tons annually on around 4.7 million hectares. Despite this, the sector is highly fragmented, with over 18 million households growing potatoes on small plots averaging only 0.67 hectares, which limits efficiency and modernization. 

The sector also faces structural challenges, including rising labor costs, soil degradation, low levels of mechanization, and increased climate risks. Furthermore, inadequate pest and disease control systems reduce productivity, preventing the sector from reaching its full potential.

As part of this new initiative, the partners will implement regenerative agriculture practices through Syngenta’s MAP platform, along with digital monitoring throughout the entire production cycle, from planting to harvest. This will ensure complete traceability, improved quality control, and a more stable supply for processors and end consumers.

This model is expected to create a predictable value chain where farmers have access to advanced technologies, seeds, and fertilizers, while ensuring long-term demand through McDonald’s and McCain. This initiative is a step toward modernizing China’s potato industry and strengthening its efficiency in the face of growing global demand for processed potato products.