ABP Ireland and lamb processor Irish Country Meats have marked their fifth consecutive year of 'Gold Membership' of Bord Bia's Origin Green programme.

The companies said that their continued membership of the food and drink sustainability programme reaffirms "their position among Ireland's leading food businesses for independently verified sustainability performance".

Gold Membership of the Origin Green programme requires a company to "demonstrate exceptional annual performance in areas such as raw material sourcing; water and energy efficiency; waste reduction; packaging; and social sustainability", according to Bord Bia.

ABP is a founding member of Origin Green, and was involved in developing the sustainability programme.

ABP said it continues to use Origin Green as a strong foundation for "setting and measuring sustainability targets" in its operations and supply chain.

ABP Group said that its businesses "drive sustainability" through teams focussed on delivering "measurable improvements both on site and across their farming network".

The group said that its businesses' programmes prioritise energy efficiency, emissions reduction, renewable energy generation, water stewardship, waste minimisation and adoption of circular economy principles.

ABP Ireland and Irish Country Meats said that, beyond their own operations, they work closely with farmers through initiatives aimed at supporting more sustainable beef and lamb production.

These include the ABP Advantage Beef Programme, which "provides practical, hands-on support to help farmers enhance their environmental performance".

Commenting on the continued Gold Membership of Origin Green, ABP Ireland managing director Jerome Aherne said retaining the status "is an achievement we are proud of, that reflects the dedication of our teams, and the strong partnerships we have built with farmers across Ireland".

"Sustainability remains central to how we operate and to the future of Irish agriculture," Aherne added.

Daniel Lyons, managing director of Irish Country Meats, commented: "This recognition reflects the strength of our partnership with the sheep farmers who supply us and the dedication of our team across Irish Country Meats."

The business said that Gold Membership renewal "recognises the ongoing work of ABP Ireland and Irish Country Meats, their employees and farming partners in delivering sustainability improvements through the Origin Green programme".