Potato Farmer Holy Grail: McDonald's French Fries

These days, however, taste, texture and golden-brown appearance aren't everything.

In March, three activist investor groups won an agreement from McDonald's to promote best practices to cut pesticide use by its American potato suppliers.

So far, the groups say the company is doing a "great job" adhering to its commitments.

McDonald's Smith says he's satisfied growers are already working efficiently and sustainability, largely because wasteful water or chemical practices dent their profits. But finding new varieties to meet that goal without mashing customers' taste expectations would be, well, gravy, he said.

Just now, McDonald's is scrutinizing the Bannock Russet, a 10-year-old potato variety bred originally in Idaho that isn't as susceptible to most diseases as Russet Burbanks.

"If we can find a variety that does that, with less inputs, water or whatever, that's something we're looking for," Smith said. "To date, there are not a lot of varieties that perform consistently enough."

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