Monaghan Mushrooms has become a fully verified member of the Bord Bia Origin Green sustainability programme, exceeding the targets required by the programme.
With 3,500 staff across its operation in Ireland, the UK, continental Europe and Canada, the Monaghan-based business has been building sustainability measures into its business planning for over a decade, including using 100% green electricity to its sites in Monaghan, Mayo and Kildare from 10 turbines in Kealkill, Cork.
Its Tyholland plant uses harvested rood rainwater in the washing and cooling process, and the company has recently invested €720,000 in new energy-efficient lorries to reduce its CO2 emissions.
CEO of Monaghan Mushrooms, Ronnie Wilson commented, “Monaghan Mushrooms is dedicated to the improvement and identification of exciting new processes, services, concepts and products. From farm to fork, the renowned research programmes cover every aspect of the food supply chain and beyond.”
“Our operations are extremely resource efficient incorporating a continuous internal circle of reduce, reuse and recycle. Our state-of-the-art Research & Development department is committed to bringing research-led, commercially driven innovation to our customers.” he continued. .
Speaking at the presentation of the Origin Green award, Minister Heather Humphreys, Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht said, “I would like to commend Monaghan Mushrooms on achieving this impressive award. The company’s ambitious and pragmatic approach to energy efficiency, sustainability and recycling is one that many other businesses could learn from.”
Aidan Cotter, chief executive of Bord Bia further commented “Monaghan Mushrooms has been a major driving force behind the growth and development of the sector over a long period.”
He added that “at a time when the world needs to produce more food with limited resources, Origin Green provides Irish companies with the opportunity to differentiate itself in a highly competitive global marketplace, while addressing issues of increasing global importance.”
Photo: Mike Licht
