McDonald’s has launched its search for the farming stars and food industry leaders of tomorrow, as applications open for its Progressive Young Farmers programme for the academic year 2026/27.
This one-year placement, designed for full-time undergraduates in Ireland and the UK, is a unique opportunity for students who are passionate about agriculture, food, and the wider supply chain.
McDonald’s is proud to be one of the most recognised brands in the world. As a global leader in the food and service industry, we have a legacy of innovation and hard work that continues to drive us.
McDonald’s entered the Irish market in 1977 with the opening of its first restaurant on Grafton Street, Dublin.
Today, the company operates more than 95 restaurants across the Republic of Ireland, supporting over 11,000 jobs nationwide. In 2023 alone, McDonald’s invested €241.7 million with Irish businesses through its supply chain, underscoring its strong and lasting contribution to the local economy.
From farm to restaurant
The Progressive Young Farmers programme offers successful candidates the chance to step inside the full McDonald’s supply chain, gaining first-hand experience from farm to front counter. Students will work alongside farmers, suppliers, processors, and the McDonald’s team itself, learning how one of the world’s largest food businesses is run.
Participants rotate through key sectors of the agri food industry, gaining technical knowledge, practical farming experience and a commercial understanding of food production at scale. Each student is mentored by a dedicated host supplier, ensuring personal guidance and support throughout their placement.
Opportunities to specialise are broad, with placements spanning beef, pork, chicken, potatoes, dairy, and eggs. In addition to agricultural expertise, students will also build transferable business skills - an essential step for those who aspire to leadership roles within the food and farming industries.
As a big supporter of Irish agriculture, McDonald’s wants to inspire the next generation of farming talent. Many young people today may not realise the breadth of roles that the food and farming industry can offer. At McDonald’s we aim to challenge those misperceptions through programmes that showcase the real benefits of a career in this space.
That’s why, since 2012, McDonald’s has offered undergraduates a 12-month placement opportunity through the PYF programme. It provides invaluable industry skills, practical experience and mentoring with the businesses, farmers, and stakeholders that supply McDonald’s.
The Progressive Young Farmer Programme
This is a paid industrial placement designed for full-time undergraduates in Ireland or the UK. With professional training and real-world exposure, no two placements are the same, meaning students can explore different interests during their time on the programme. Below is some of what you can expect on the placement:
Join one of McDonald’s trusted suppliers for a full year.Rotate through multiple areas of the supply chain – from farm to restaurant.Work alongside agricultural teams and gain hands-on experience on progressive farms.Carry out projects in sustainability, efficiency and technical innovation.Travel to other suppliers to understand diverse food systems.Experience life in-restaurant to understand the customer perspective.Represent the programme and brand at industry events. Tomas Griffiths commented: “Being part of the McDonald’s Progressive Young Farmer Programme has been a transformative journey. From gaining hands on experience across Ireland’s beef supply chain – whether learning butchery skills in Waterford, exploring traceability in patty production, or working directly on farms with calving and grassland management. I’ve deepened both my technical knowledge and leadership abilities.
“Alongside industry tours, conferences and even joining a local rugby club, McDonald’s Progressive Young Farmer Programme has given me invaluable professional and personal growth.
“As I return to Harper Adams University, I feel well-prepared to continue building my career in agri-food, and I would highly recommend this opportunity to anyone passionate about shaping the future of farming.”
Building a sustainable future
The PYF programme isn’t just about placements – it’s about shaping the future of the agri food industry. With a strong emphasis on sustainability, regenerative agriculture, and efficient production, PYF equips participants with the knowledge and skills needed to tackle both the commercial and environmental challenges of farming.
Where could I work: students are employed by one of McDonald’s leading suppliers, such as Kerry, Arla and Dawn Meats. You don’t need an agricultural degree to apply. Students from all disciplines and backgrounds are welcome – what matters most is passion, curiosity, and the drive to learn.
How to apply: the application process will take place in three stages. First, candidates are required to submit a CV and cover letter by Friday 14 November. Following the initial review, shortlisted applicants will then be invited to complete a video submission, for which a brief will be provided.
The final stage of the process is the Assessment Centre in London, scheduled for Monday 8 December 2025.
Apply now: if you’re passionate about food, farming, and the future of agriculture, this could be your first step towards a rewarding career. Applications are now open for the 2026/27 academic year.
To find out more, search McDonald’s Food and Farming Careers, see mcdonalds.com
McDonald’s has launched its search for the farming stars and food industry leaders of tomorrow, as applications open for its Progressive Young Farmers programme for the academic year 2026/27.
This one-year placement, designed for full-time undergraduates in Ireland and the UK, is a unique opportunity for students who are passionate about agriculture, food, and the wider supply chain.
McDonald’s is proud to be one of the most recognised brands in the world. As a global leader in the food and service industry, we have a legacy of innovation and hard work that continues to drive us.
McDonald’s entered the Irish market in 1977 with the opening of its first restaurant on Grafton Street, Dublin.
Today, the company operates more than 95 restaurants across the Republic of Ireland, supporting over 11,000 jobs nationwide. In 2023 alone, McDonald’s invested €241.7 million with Irish businesses through its supply chain, underscoring its strong and lasting contribution to the local economy.
From farm to restaurant
The Progressive Young Farmers programme offers successful candidates the chance to step inside the full McDonald’s supply chain, gaining first-hand experience from farm to front counter. Students will work alongside farmers, suppliers, processors, and the McDonald’s team itself, learning how one of the world’s largest food businesses is run.
Participants rotate through key sectors of the agri food industry, gaining technical knowledge, practical farming experience and a commercial understanding of food production at scale. Each student is mentored by a dedicated host supplier, ensuring personal guidance and support throughout their placement.
Opportunities to specialise are broad, with placements spanning beef, pork, chicken, potatoes, dairy, and eggs. In addition to agricultural expertise, students will also build transferable business skills - an essential step for those who aspire to leadership roles within the food and farming industries.
As a big supporter of Irish agriculture, McDonald’s wants to inspire the next generation of farming talent. Many young people today may not realise the breadth of roles that the food and farming industry can offer. At McDonald’s we aim to challenge those misperceptions through programmes that showcase the real benefits of a career in this space.
That’s why, since 2012, McDonald’s has offered undergraduates a 12-month placement opportunity through the PYF programme. It provides invaluable industry skills, practical experience and mentoring with the businesses, farmers, and stakeholders that supply McDonald’s.
The Progressive Young Farmer Programme
This is a paid industrial placement designed for full-time undergraduates in Ireland or the UK. With professional training and real-world exposure, no two placements are the same, meaning students can explore different interests during their time on the programme. Below is some of what you can expect on the placement:
Join one of McDonald’s trusted suppliers for a full year.Rotate through multiple areas of the supply chain – from farm to restaurant.Work alongside agricultural teams and gain hands-on experience on progressive farms.Carry out projects in sustainability, efficiency and technical innovation.Travel to other suppliers to understand diverse food systems.Experience life in-restaurant to understand the customer perspective.Represent the programme and brand at industry events. Tomas Griffiths commented: “Being part of the McDonald’s Progressive Young Farmer Programme has been a transformative journey. From gaining hands on experience across Ireland’s beef supply chain – whether learning butchery skills in Waterford, exploring traceability in patty production, or working directly on farms with calving and grassland management. I’ve deepened both my technical knowledge and leadership abilities.
“Alongside industry tours, conferences and even joining a local rugby club, McDonald’s Progressive Young Farmer Programme has given me invaluable professional and personal growth.
“As I return to Harper Adams University, I feel well-prepared to continue building my career in agri-food, and I would highly recommend this opportunity to anyone passionate about shaping the future of farming.”
Building a sustainable future
The PYF programme isn’t just about placements – it’s about shaping the future of the agri food industry. With a strong emphasis on sustainability, regenerative agriculture, and efficient production, PYF equips participants with the knowledge and skills needed to tackle both the commercial and environmental challenges of farming.
Where could I work: students are employed by one of McDonald’s leading suppliers, such as Kerry, Arla and Dawn Meats. You don’t need an agricultural degree to apply. Students from all disciplines and backgrounds are welcome – what matters most is passion, curiosity, and the drive to learn.
How to apply: the application process will take place in three stages. First, candidates are required to submit a CV and cover letter by Friday 14 November. Following the initial review, shortlisted applicants will then be invited to complete a video submission, for which a brief will be provided.
The final stage of the process is the Assessment Centre in London, scheduled for Monday 8 December 2025.
Apply now: if you’re passionate about food, farming, and the future of agriculture, this could be your first step towards a rewarding career. Applications are now open for the 2026/27 academic year.
To find out more, search McDonald’s Food and Farming Careers, see mcdonalds.com
SHARING OPTIONS