Cork wins at sustainability and livestock awards

By Daniel O’Neill

Two Cork businesses took home prestigious awards for their efforts in sustainability and societal development.

The Finding Common Ground festival is an RDS initiative that aims to increase awareness and education around natural resources and the circular economy. The festival features the RDS Sustainability and Livestock Awards which shine a light on businesses and individuals who are enhancing the economic, environmental, and social development of Irish agriculture and rural communities.

One of the successful Cork-based candidates was the Liskennett Assisted Activity Centre.

They took home the RDS Rural Social Impact Award which celebrates not for profit businesses who help support the sustainable economic and societal development of their local community. The centre is a facility of St Joseph’s Foundation for children and adults with autism and intellectual disabilities and specialises in offering assisted activities for members and students.

Gretta Cleary received both the Euro-Star Index and Beef Cow Awards.

The awards are designed to draw attention to the carbon footprint of production and shine a light on farmers who go the extra mile to ensure sustainability in farming.

Speaking at the awards, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and the Marine with responsibility for Food Promotion, New Markets, Research and Development, Noel Grealish TD, said: “These awards provide recognition to outstanding individuals, farm families and organisations who have excelled in enhancing the economic, environmental, and social development of Irish agriculture and their rural communities.”

“The awards commend farmers dedicated to sustainable breeding programmes and their commitment ensures that future generations of livestock are healthier, more productive, and increasingly carbon efficient.

“I want to congratulate all category winners, and I am delighted to be present to celebrate and highlight the most productive and efficient farmers and livestock in the country.”