From the outset, independent verification and accreditation have been an integral element of Origin Green across all levels of the programme.
The plans created by food and drink manufacturers, retailers and foodservice operators are independently verified and assessed by Mabbett, a leading inspection, testing, verification and certification body.
Farms and primary producers are members of Origin Green through Bord Bia’s Sustainability and Quality Assurance Schemes. These schemes are examined and approved by independent experts before they can be included under Bord Bia’s ISO17065 international accreditation. Each farm is audited by an independent auditor every 18 months and is assessed for compliance against the criteria outlined within the respective standards.
The Sustainability and Quality Assurance standards are voluntary and cover primary products including, beef, lamb, poultry, dairy, eggs, and horticulture. Similar schemes are also available for processors, packers and retail butchers of primary products. Carbon Footprint assessments are independently accredited by the Carbon Trust to its PAS 2050 Standard.
Since 2016, Bord Bia has demonstrated its alignment to the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s). The Origin Green programme aligns with 15 of the 17 UN SDGs. Bord Bia became a United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) member on June 26th, 2018.
For further information, please visit our page on the Origin Green Charter.
Origin Green collaborates with over 53,000 farms and 320 leading Irish food and drink companies to prove and improve the sustainability of the food they produce to meet the evolving needs of global customers and consumers. Verified Origin Green members account for 90% of our food and drink exports and over 70% of the retail market. Becoming an Origin Green member means that your organisation will have the tools to produce food and drink in a sustainable manner now and into the future.
