From country to country, biodiversity is subjected to pressure from a broad range of human activities. Most notably for Ireland would be the expansion and intensification of our most prized sectors: agriculture, forestry, fisheries and aquaculture. It is clear that mainstreaming biodiversity considerations and directing more environmental responsibility to these sectors is paramount. Our relationship with these biodiversity clusters of native flora and fauna could be described as one of a symbiotic nature, one cannot survive without the other.

Sustainability-driven innovation

ABP’s approach to this impending challenge was to develop their Nurture Nature group-wide programme. Nurture has the inherent meaning of protecting and supporting something while at all stages of development, the subject here being ABP’s very own ‘Biodiversity Corridors’. The aim of this initiative was to create a link between the agricultural hinterlands and ABP’s many processing facilities, with each corridor designed to mirror the local aggregation of any particular site. Be this wetlands, semi-wetlands or woodland.

The first trial in Cahir involved the use of Line Transect Methods and the Pearson Correlation Coefficient equation to observe increased levels of activity from native pollinators and small animals on their visits to the 0.8 Ha designated area of the 11 Ha site.

Positive results

The results showed a wholly positive correlation between both species numbers and diversity with the purpose built biodiversity area. The positive research findings have meant that ABP can apply this level of expertise and knowledge towards the future design of biodiversity corridors across all of their locations. It adds to the growing list of ways that ABP are successfully integrating into their Europe-wide locations. Learning about their sustainability-driven innovation has really shown me how a company can successfully gain a competitive advantage while continuing to expand at a sustainable and achievable rate.

Similarities with Ireland

There are many comparable factors between Poland and Ireland. GDP in Poland has more than doubled since 1989 and it too faces the advancing and exciting growth of its main industries; these being agriculture, pharmaceutical and construction. Favourable geographical conditions mean that its natural assets thrive and it possesses a varied and rich level of biodiversity. Forestry covers approximately 30% of Polish land and I’ve found its use as both an amenity and a haven for natural wildlife a joy to become acquainted to. An existing 1000 m2 plot of land to the rear of the Klosowice site here (the boning hall) is home to a small but towering forest of Silver Birch and Common Larch, with additional rows of Silver Birch saplings planted alongside. On my observatory meanders through the biodiversity corridor, I’ve encountered dragonflies, bumblebees and the tunes of bird songs.

Origin Green creates an alliance between the private sector, food producers and the government

For me, to see a native butterfly mid-flight or observe a busy honey bee at either one of the Polish sites reconfirms ABP’s status as a market leader with a prominent ‘green agenda’. This biodiversity initiative is inclusive in ABP’s Origin Green sustainability charter, of which it is a founding member.

Origin Green creates an alliance between the private sector, food producers and the government, all parties interested in the sustainable future of food production. This united commitment sets achievable goals for farmers and producers alike and is positioning Ireland as a formidable example to countries all over the world in this regard.

On my recent visit home over the June bank holiday weekend I was delighted to visit the Origin Green exhibit at the sun-drenched Bloom in the Park festival. A fantastic interactive display meant that children, and those not already familiar with the programme could learn about targets already achieved, its future goals and why we should choose food producers who carry the coveted Origin Green standard.

Endorsing and supporting sustainability based innovation acts as a valuable shaper to ABP’s corporate image. As I boarded my flight back to Poznan, I felt very proud to be holding my Origin Green pen!

Gillian Meagher travels on the professional work experience programme supported by the Irish Farmers Journal and the Agricultural Science Association.

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