Sustainability, while falling down the corporate agenda globally, remains critically important to the agri-food sector in Northern Ireland, KPMG’s recent Food & Agribusiness Breakfast has heard.
Russell Smyth, Head of Sustainable Futures at KPMG, told the audience of senior leaders from Northern Ireland’s agriculture, food and drink sectors that while policy in regions such as the US has placed less importance on sustainability in recent months, the agri-food sector’s intrinsic connection to nature and the environment means it remains as relevant as ever, and also provides an opportunity.
He said if the sector were to adopt already available and proven renewable and other technologies, it could not only boost its sustainability credentials but also save money and increase productivity.
Russell Smyth said: “The commercial business case for sustainability in the agri-food sector remains strong. Northern Ireland farms have the ability to reduce farm-level emissions by over 10% while actually saving money by increasing productivity and efficiency through the adopting proven technologies.
“Those technologies include renewable energy, feed additives and low emission slurry spreading, while further commercial opportunities exist around areas such as biomethane gas production.”
John McLenaghan, newly elected President of the Ulster Farmers’ Union, also took part in the breakfast as part of a panel session. He said farms across Northern Ireland are focused on sustainability.
“Farm businesses are, in general, already sustainable but we can do more to demonstrate that to the public. That is a journey which farming has been on and I’ve every confidence its something we will get better at.
“While we’re focused on sustainability we also need to be remain focused on profitability; a more sustainabile farm is a more profitable farm.”
The event was also addressed by farmer, businessman and BBC Countryfile presenter Adam Henson. He said Northern Ireland’s agri-food sector has a lot to celebrate.
“The Northern Ireland agri-food sector has an incredible brand, is well known around the world, exports significant amounts of food and adds value to the magnificent produce you already have. The integration of farms with the public and that understanding of where food comes from is also something to be proud of, it’s very much a Northern Ireland thing.”
After a fireside chat at the event, which was held at the Balmoral Show, Mr Henson joined John McLenaghan in a panel discussion alongside Russell Smyth.
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