From Newry to Belgium - 26 travel on ABP Farm to Fork Study Tour

Last week 26 pupils and their teachers from six Northern Irish schools left from ABP in Newry for a farm to fork study tour to Belgium.

The three-day trip was part of their skills development experience as finalists in the 2022 ABP Angus Youth Challenge.

The tour commenced at ABP Newry and then moved on to Lismullin cookery school in Navan. There the teenagers learnt about the skills involved in butchery from Kettyle Irish Foods and got to cook their own perfect Angus steak. Briefings were provided by ABP and Certified Irish Angus about the international market for Northern Irish Angus Beef before flying out to Belgium.

In Belgium the pupils were hosted by the Irish College Leuven. They made presentations to Flanders Farmers Union about the projects they are working on as ABP Angus Youth Challenge finalists. They also vistied an Angus beef farm. On the final day the pupils went to Brussels to meet the NI Executive Office and Invest NI. Employees from ABP Belgium gave them an insight into the European arm of ABP’s business. Educational visits to the famous Great War memorials and museums in West Flanders were also part of their action-packed schedule.

ABP’s Head of Supply Chain Development, Liam McCarthy, accompanied the group on their trip along with other employees from ABP and Certified Irish Angus. He said, “The ABP Angus Youth Challenge helps teenagers learn, develop and gain the skills necessary to transition in to our sector. The study tour is one of many benefits that can be gained from taking part in the competition.”

Charles Smith of the Certified Irish Angus Producer Group added, “the study tour is one the highlights of the ABP Angus Youth Challenge. Young people’s education has been greatly disrupted by the pandemic. So we wanted to make this year’s trip all the more memorable for them and their teachers."

The ABP Angus Youth Challenge will open again for new entries in September. 14-15 year old going into Year 11, or interested parents and teachers can register now at www.abpangusyouthchallenge.com

Group 1 - Summer 2022 finalist teams

• Cookstown High School
• Dalriada School Ballymoney
• Friends School, Lisburn
• St Kevin’s Lisnaskea (not able to travel)

Group 2 - Winter 2022 finalist teams

• Cookstown High School
• Newtownhamilton High School
• Banbridge Academy
• St. Catherine’s Armagh

One overall winning team from each group will be announced this October.