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.