The overall ambition of the Origin Green programme is that Irish food and drink is the first choice globally because it is trusted as sustainably produced by people who care. 'Sustainable food production' means shared responsibility for the production, supply and consumption of safe and nutritious food within a viable industry that simultaneously protects and enhances our natural environment and quality of life now and into the future.
In essence, it means meeting the needs of the present without compromising the future.
As populations grow*, the need for food also grows. So too does the pressure on limited natural resources such as soil and water. Therefore, it’s vitally important that food is produced in a way that protects these natural resources rather than depleting them, while also being respectful to the community, now and into the future. Origin Green’s focus on sustainability improvements is in line with the Food Wise 2025 recommendation to strengthen the sustainability credentials of Ireland’s production systems in parallel with increases in production levels, to ensure that the advantages of the sector are maximised for the Irish economy and environment into the future. Ireland has many natural advantages when it comes to sustainable food production.
Our climate makes a long, grass-growing season possible. It gives us plenty of rainwater. And our weather conditions are ideal for rearing livestock and growing many crops. Our grass-based system is more efficient and environmentally sustainable than intensive indoor animal feeding systems.
* The world’s population is estimated to increase by over a third by 2050, from the 2012 figure of 7 billion to over 9 billion people. (United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs)
