Glanbia Agribusiness has teamed up with Breast Cancer Ireland for the fifth year in a row to raise vital funds to support the charity’s pioneering research and awareness programmes around the country.

Through #PinkBales 2019, farmers are encouraged to share photos and videos of their pink bales on social media, using the hashtag #PinkBales. They are also urged to embrace the ‘BaleWatch’ drive by placing some of their pink-wrapped silage bales in visible locations on the farm to help raise awareness of breast cancer amongst those passing by.

View from above: the Glanbia Agribusiness BaleWatch Campaign for Breast Cancer Ireland is bidding to turn the countryside pink with #PinkBales.

This year, the campaign focuses on the importance of good breast health. Over 3,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer annually and while the figure is increasing, the charity believes this is a result of better awareness, screening and increased population size.

A donation will be made to Breast Cancer Ireland for every single roll of the limited edition pink MastercropAgristretch silage wrap purchased across all Glanbia Agribusiness and GlanbiaCountryLife branches, as well as online at www.GlanbiaConnect.com. Supporters can also donate by buying a Breast Cancer Ireland €2 trolley token, keyring or pin which are available in all of Glanbia Ireland’s 53 branches online through the link above.

Amii McKeever, president of the ASA; James Byrne, marketing manager at Glanbia Ireland and Niamh Bambric of Glanbia Ireland. \ Claire Jeanne Nash

Farmers around Ireland have already embraced the worthy cause. Last year, Glanbia Agribusiness raised over €100,000 for Breast Cancer Ireland through the #PinkBales campaign, their Two Peaks Challenge and the Glanbia Ireland 300km cycle. This year, Glanbia Agribusiness has also introduced the Plant Pink initiative, which sees the company donate €2 to Breast Cancer Ireland for every special pink Dianthus plant sold through its 14 Glanbia CountryLife stores.

Commenting on the initiative, Breast Cancer Ireland CEO Aisling Hurley says: “Breast Cancer Ireland is once again delighted to be the beneficiary of funds raised through this annual initiative with Glanbia Agribusiness. We welcome the impact the pink bales dotted around the countryside throughout the summer have in driving awareness of good breast health across rural Ireland."

In addition, the monies raised allow us to fund pioneering research and ongoing awareness programmes. Early detection saves lives and we are grateful to those who help us to transform the landscape of breast cancer in Ireland.”

Samantha McGregor of Breast Cancer Ireland; Amii McKeever, president of the ASA and Niamh Bambrick of Glanbia Ireland.\ Claire Jeanne Nash

Glanbia Agribusiness is delighted to support research into breast cancer and to raise money for and awareness of such an excellent cause. Glanbia Ireland’s marketing manager James Byrne says: “Glanbia Ireland organises a number of campaigns and events annually to support breast cancer research and this one always has the greatest visual impact."

"This year, we really want social media users to help raise awareness of breast cancer in rural communities, not only by painting the countryside pink, but also by sharing their photos and videos of their bales with us, using the hashtag #PinkBales.

"We want everyone on board as the silage season 2019 kicks off and to make everyone in rural Ireland more breast cancer aware.”

Breast Cancer Ireland wants to offer translational therapies from bench to bedside for patients diagnosed. Their aim is to focus on improvements in research that are changing the landscape. Breast Cancer Ireland’s outreach co-ordinators are covering all regions and are having massive impact.

In addition, Breast Cancer Ireland is also helping to heighten awareness and education on the importance of breast health amongst women of all ages as earlier detection will save lives.

Pink Silage wrap is now available on www.glanbiaconnect.com and in your local branch.