A new Sustainability Programme has been launched by Glanbia, which is being operated in association with Bord Bia – it is currently being piloted and will be rolled out in 2012. The Sustainability Programme is an extension of the current Glanbia Dairy Farm Assurance Scheme, an accredited farm audit process introduced in 2005. The programme has also been designed in tandem with some of Glanbia’s key global ingredients customers. Commenting at the launch, Glanbia Group MD, John Moloney said: “Our objective is to build an infrastructure at farm level, which will underpin an internationally recognised sustainability accreditation and create a point of difference for the products we export from Ireland. As a grass-based dairy industry we are in a strong position to build on our naturally advantageous
position. We see this programme as a process of continuous improvement, based on what is already a strong commitment to sustainability. For example, at
milk processing level we already operate an ongoing sustainability programme – being the first Irish-owned company to achieve the IS 393 Energy Management
System certification, the precursor to the EN 16001 – and on farm we also operate a quality farm programme, the CMI certified, Glanbia Dairy Farm Assurance Scheme.
I am confident that working with our milk suppliers – who are among the best dairy farmers in the world – and with the expertise of Bord Bia, we are well positioned to deliver this Sustainability Programme.” Jim Bergin at Glanbia stated: “The benefits of a sustainable claim means that we will be able to establish a mark or accreditation for our produce that comes from a sustainable source, and that’s a good thing for farmers, processors, retailers and consumers. Ireland is viewed
as a source of high quality safe food and we already have a ‘green’ image and this is something we can build on. Also, we are already low carbon users in terms of
milk production in comparison to our international counterparts. And now we have a programme that underpins the efficient use of natural resources in the production of dairy products. From our Irish base, Glanbia can offer the world stage a competitive and sustainable supply of high quality dairy ingredients, as well as innovative solutions for today’s customer.”