Aidan Cotter
CEO of Bord Bia
Agriculture & Fisheries / Ireland
“The first national food sustainability agenda”
The Irish food and drink industry is building upon its global reputation by employing demonstrable environmental sustainability. Aidan Cotter, CEO of Bord Bia (Irish Food Board) shares more about Ireland’s “Origin Green” strategy, the world’s first evidence-based national food sustainability program.
What products distinguish the Irish food brand?
We are the largest exporter of beef in the northern hemisphere, and the Irish dairy industry accounts for a tenth of the world’s infant milk formula. Sales growth for Irish whiskey is faster than any other spirit globally. Today Ireland has become a pioneer, launching the world’s first national food sustainability agenda through our Origin Green program.
How is the Origin Green program a game changer?
Covering 90% of Ireland’s food and drink exports, the Origin Green program provides a framework for Irish producers to independently verify their sustainability credentials. Through Origin Green, our members can demonstrate that their products have been produced sustainably across the entire supply chain. For example, each participating farm is carbon footprinted and then reaudited every 18 months, while food and drink factories have set ambitious commitments to source sustainable raw materials, reduce resource use, and promote biodiversity and employee well-being.
What impact has Origin Green had so far?
Each week, more Irish farmers and food and drink producers commit to Origin Green. The ripple effect has been monumental across the industry. Of course, the greatest impact is the positive environmental footprint Origin Green is fostering. The trend towards sustainability is flourishing globally, and Bord Bia is delighted to see other nations working towards similar sustainability programs.
