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ABP's approach to sustainable food production, local farming and regional economic growth took centre stage at the inaugural Newry Chamber Sustainability Conference and Expo, held recently at the Canal Court Hotel. ABP UK's Environmental and Sustainability Manager Declan Gaughan delivered a keynote address at the event, which brought together businesses and stakeholders from the area to examine environmental challenges and local growth opportunities.
Gaughan outlined the scale of ABP's European operations, which employ 14,000 people across five divisions including fresh beef and lamb processing, pet foods, proteins and renewables through its Olleco division. In Northern Ireland, ABP facilities in Newry, Lurgan and Dungannon source from thousands of livestock farmers to supply beef and lamb to UK and international markets.
The Newry site was highlighted as a particular example of environmental progress, with investment in water management at the facility having been shortlisted for its collaborative work with NI Water in this year's Business in the Community Responsible Business Awards. Mr Gaughan noted that such work is often less visible but important in delivering real progress on the ground.
On broader environmental performance, he pointed to strong progress on science-based climate targets, including reductions in reliance on single-use plastics and achieving the company's energy reduction target four years ahead of schedule.
Gaughan said sustainability should not be framed in extremes but instead based on balancing the need to produce nutritious, affordable food with the responsibility to reduce environmental impact. He said there is no single solution, but steady, evidence-based progress is achievable.
With the most significant environmental impacts occurring at farm level, ABP's Programme for the Improvement in Sustainability of Red Meat is engaging directly with farmer suppliers to assess their environmental performance and identify practical improvements that can support the wider supply base to make commercially realistic changes that improve both environmental performance and farm resilience.
Supporting young people is also a key part of ABP's long-term sustainability approach. Education partnerships such as the ABP Angus Youth Challenge and a partnership with Forestry Schools NI are helping connect young people with farming, food production and the natural environment, while supporting the development of future skills within the sector.
Mr Gaughan added that sustainability cannot be delivered by any one organisation alone and requires collaboration across business, farming, government, education and local communities. He said Northern Ireland has both the opportunity and the credentials to play a significant role in that transition.
