Food producers urged to sign up to Bord Bia-led sustainability charter

Sustainable, low-carbon food production is vital for Ireland’s clean image and also cuts business costs, according to 120 food and drink industry chief executives gathered in the UCD Michael Smurfit School of Business yesterday to launch a Bord Bia-led programme.

‘Origin Green’ includes a target of 75% of Irish food and drink exports being sourced from signed-up members of this new sustainability charter before the end of 2014, and 100% by the end of 2016.

Bord Bia chief executive Aidan Cotter said: “We are confident that these targets can be met. Ireland can be a world leader in sustainability. At today’s Origin Green launch, we have given a symbol for this commitment by food and drink businesses, whom are signing up to a sustainability charter.

“Consumers and retailers want this, because it is the right thing to do. Reducing carbon emissions also makes business sense. Our research has highlighted the significant opportunities that exist if the Irish food and drink sector can demonstrate its commitment to delivering continuous improvement.”

Launched as part of the Pathways for Growth Food and Drink Leadership Summit, yesterday’s launch was a high-profile drive to build Ireland’s brand reputation around green credentials.

Michael Carey, chairman of both Bord Bia and Jacob Fruitfield, cited Ireland’s existing green credentials via initiatives such as Bord Bia and Teagasc’s joint carbon footprint monitoring for all Bord Bia Quality Assured beef farms.

He also cited Bord Bia’s pilot sustainability programme with nine Irish food and drink companies: Kerry Group, Glanbia (Dairy Ingredients Ireland), Marine Harvest, Country Crest, Dawn Farm Foods, Flahavan’s, Irish Distillers, ABP, and Errigal Seafoods.

ABP chief executive Paul Finnerty was one of the 120 chief executives present to support the Origin Green drive. “Bord Bia is right to focus on this strategic agenda. Our big international buyers want this commitment from Irish food producers. There are two themes on the horizon for the food world: Carbon emissions and water footprint.

He added: “If you reduce your carbon emissions, you are actually saving money. Sustainability and business efficiency go together.”

Bord Bia is also conducting extensive trade research with leading retailers, and food manufacturers and service groups including Marks & Spencer, Sainsbury’s, Unilever, McDonald’s, and Subway.

Simon Coveney, the food minister, said: “It is not enough to say that you have a clean, green product, you must be in a position to prove this through a credible means of measurement.

“The development of this programme is an essential element in the growth strategy for the food sector and I encourage producers and companies alike to sign up.”