Bord Bia's Origin Green in spotlight in Abu Dhabi
Bord Bia’s Origin Green programme was selected as one of only three key topics for discussion as part of yesterday’s opening ceremony. Ireland’s sustainability initiative was heralded as a global first when launched in 2012, and has become a model for proving the validity of environmental food production claims.
Bord Bia chief executive Aidan Cotter told the industry leaders in Abu Dhabi that Ireland has developed quality assurance systems for beef, dairy, and other food products, notably measuring carbon footprint. The measures taken in Ireland are closely aligned to the eco concerns of consumers and global food retailers.
“Taking these steps, and setting these ambitious targets at national and farm level, has given Irish agri-food the most comprehensive and verifiable commitment to sustainability of any country of origin in the world,” said Mr Cotter.
More than 485 Irish food and drink companies have signed up to Origin Green, which accounts for 95% of all food and drink exporters. At farm level, more than half of Irish dairy and 90% of Irish beef production comes from farms signed up to the initiative. To date, Bord Bia has conducted 100,000 carbon assessments on Irish farms, with over 900 taking place each week.
Some 300 industry delegates attended the forum launch. The forum is a two-day international trade event focussed on world class innovations in agriculture. GFIA is one of the world’s largest and most influential sustainable agriculture show welcoming thousands of agri-scientists, inventors, growers, food suppliers and producers, NGOs, and key government officials.
The event has attracted exhibitors and delegates from around the world and acts as an international platform to debate global food security, sustainable food production, and climate change.
