Minister Hayes Addresses 'Future in Food' Conference in Croke Park
- 08 December 2015
The Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Tom Hayes, T.D. addressed the ‘Future in Food’ Conference in Croke Park today.
At the event Minister Hayes said that “the participation of over 270 companies in the Conference demonstrates their recognition that sustainable production at all stages of Irish food processing is imperative for growth. The case studies, techniques, presentations and networking opportunities on offer today can assist these companies to make sound practical choices and so deliver new business“ .
He added that “’sustainable intensification’ of food production – that is, producing more food while respecting and enhancing the environment – is the way forward“. Emphasising that Ireland has championed sustainable agri-food production, Minister Hayes commended those food and drink companies who have become fully-verified members of Origin Green, “when companies introduce resource efficiency systems, it is a winning combination, as they cut costs while reducing environmental impacts“. Minister Hayes encouraged all companies, which have signed up for the programme, to complete their plans and targets, which will be independently verified.
In conclusion Minister Hayes stated that “Ireland has been a champion of this approach for several years in the EU and on the world stage, and I believe we are leading the way in how to do this at a practical level“ .