Outstanding examples of sustainable initiatives in Ireland’s agricultural sector will be recognised as part of the 2026 Festival of Sustainable Impact this October.

Hosted by All-Ireland Sustainability (AIS) the all-day celebration of sustainable practice will take place in Belfast's Europa Hotel, on Thursday, October 1.

With sustainability playing an increasingly important role across agriculture and agri-food, the event will offer applicable insights for the sector, and opportunities to network and engage with like-minded businesses from across Ireland.

The All-Ireland Sustainability Awards gala dinner will also take place on the evening of the event.

Centred around the theme 'Smarter business through sustainability', the gathering will explore how organisations can use sustainability as a practical tool to reduce costs, create long-term value, support people, strengthen resilience, and improve overall business performance.

Speakers will highlight how sustainability has evolved beyond standalone environmental initiatives to a smarter way of operating, investing, engaging staff and future-proofing organisations.

Festival of Sustainable Impact

Now in its fifth year – and in line with the All-Ireland sustainability ethos – the programme will feature a curated, cross-sector agenda and line-up.

The Festival of Sustainable Impact will combine the All-Ireland Sustainability Summit and Sustainability Awards for the first time into one day-long celebration of sustainable impact.

Danielle McCormick, founder, All-Ireland Sustainability / Triterra, said the festival will shine a light on "outstanding champions" of sustainability in business across the island of Ireland.

She said: "Alongside our headline sponsor Cushon, a UK-based workplace pensions and savings provider, and our key supporting sponsors, we are looking forward to recognising innovative thinking, ethical practice, and future-focused organisations from a range of sectors, including agriculture and agri-food, with the aim of inspiring businesses and organisations of all sizes to further embrace sustainability in their day-to-day operations and long-term objectives."

Jenda McSwiggan, head of growth operations for Northern Ireland said the event brings together organisations committed to creating a more sustainable future.

"We believe long-term thinking, responsible investment and positive social impact all play a vital role in building better futures for people, businesses and communities.

"We’re excited to be a part of the collaboration and celebration which will take place throughout the festival," she added.

Festival lineup

The daytime portion of the Festival of Sustainability will include a series of plenary and fireside sessions as well as break-out and practical learning opportunities featuring speakers from partner organisations including NIE Networks, Danske Bank and the Geological Survey of Northern Ireland.

Thematic areas will include sustainable travel and tourism; manufacturing; AI and sustainable technology; Scope 3 emissions management and monitoring; green marketing; sustainability reporting and behavioural insights.

An interactive exhibition space will facilitate those keen to build relationships with consultancies, organisations and facilitators who can help delegates develop, grow and implement sustainability and ESG commitments within their own organisations.

Gala dinner

The All-Ireland sustainability awards gala dinner and ceremony will take place from 6:30p.m.

It will honour projects, initiatives, individuals and organisations that have flown the flag for sustainability over the past year, culminating with the ‘Overall Sustainability Champion of the Year’ award.

Entries are now open for the 17 award categories, with a closing date of August 7.

A panel of judges has been curated to ensure expertise, impartiality and a rigorous adjudication process.