Sustainability

In Ireland, the commitment to keep farming sustainable is even further advanced through the operation of the Origin Green programme, operated by Bord Bia. One example of sustainable farming in Ireland is Euro-star index. This system genetically identifies suitable breeding ewes, rams, heifers and bulls. This, in addition to quality livestock provides for the measurement of the carbon footprint of beef and lamb animals and a mechanism that enables the farmer to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from his herd.

In addition to these Origin Green programmes, in Ireland the grass-based way of farming livestock is more efficient and environmentally sustainable than alternative intensive indoor feeding systems. Furthermore, Naturesway Farm beef and lamb are part of the newly launched sustainable Beef and Lamb Assurance Scheme and the Sustainable Dairy Assurance Scheme.

All farm enterprises are very conscious on sustainable farming and have to adhere to strict protocols set out by the regulatory agencies. No animals can be housed outdoors during the winter months and this eliminates the risk of mature finding its way into water streams which would contaminate the water, fish kill and upset the river bed for other species. No manure can be spread on the land during the winter months as there would be a risk of run-off manure finding its way into the water streams which would contaminate the water ways and kill fish. On Naturesway Farm, the type of farming that is carried out reduces carbon-dioxide as there is a very low energy input hence what is produced is green for the environment. This is done as the animals are left to strip graze in rotation in a field. This allows them to roam, graze and express their normal behaviour while fertilizing at the same time.

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