Unlocking Ireland's potential to lead global sustainability
2024 has been an incredible year filled with opportunities to connect with colleagues, customers and friends all over the world in new and exciting ways. We have been on a mission to share agriculture’s unique ability to not only nourish the world but also capture carbon and implement technologies that increase production efficiency and sustainability. Our industry is the industry that is going to save the planet — and that’s a science-based story we must keep telling.
At Alltech , delivering that message is both a priority and a profound privilege.
Last night, more than 120 agri-food leaders joined us for the European premiere of our documentary, World Without Cows . It was especially meaningful for me to bring this project back home to Ireland, my ancestral home and a place that plays such a massive role in the sustainable food future.
As the lights dimmed to start the film, the excitement was palpable. The farmers, scientists, industry leaders and journalists in attendance were abuzz with both curiosity and awe as they watched our World Without Cows journey unfold. For many in the audience, seeing their story reflected onscreen was both cathartic and energizing. These Irish ag leaders realized the huge opportunity that lies ahead to broaden the conversation about the impact of cattle on our world from a cultural, social, economic, nutritional and environmental perspective.
“I’ve been waiting for 20 years for this film to be made,” one of them told us.
A panel discussion afterward furthered the discussion with a focus on the issues raised in the film and their applications within Ireland and Europe more broadly. The panel featured Alltech team members Eddie Phelan (regional sales manager) and Tara McCarthy (global vice president for ESG), along with Eoin Lowry , head of agriculture at the Bank of Ireland , and Damien O Reilly , EU affairs and communications manager at Irish Co-operative Organisation Society .
Kicking off the Agricultural Science Association (ASA) Conference meeting today was a brilliant opportunity to again share the documentary’s key themes as well as challenge the Irish agri-food sector.
My thoughts often return to a powerful question that was posed to me in the days following my father’s passing in 2018: “What is your vision for the future of the company, Mark?” This question, and the deep self-reflection it stirred, significantly shaped my journey as Alltech’s leader and inspired our purpose of Working Together for a Planet of Plenty?.
Today at ASA, I posed a similar question to the leaders gathered there: What is Ireland’s vision for the future?
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Throughout my travels, I have seen firsthand the remarkable innovations in sustainable food systems around the world. The Irish agriculture sector has also made huge strides in improving productivity and sustainability, and yet, more opportunities lie in store. There are three areas where Ireland can differentiate itself:
As the European home to some of the largest and most innovative global players in technology, Ireland’s agricultural sector has tremendous potential to develop innovative solutions that improve profitability, production and performance. Where new tech often fails is its lack of practical understanding of livestock production. Ireland has both the tech and the agriculture expertise — why not partner up and take a global leadership position? With a well-established food and drink sector, valued at over €30 billion, the integration of ag-tech as a core expertise could further boost Ireland’s global competitiveness in agriculture.
As Ireland adapts its positive sustainability practices for global scale, it must keep its eye on the opportunity, not the legislation.
The Irish ag sector can leverage its strengths to become a true powerhouse for global sustainability leadership. In particular, professional development programs offered by Irish universities and organizations such as Origin Green , Bord Bia - The Irish Food Board and Teagasc could educate and export sustainability talent to the world, strengthening Ireland’s ties and influence. Partnership — specifically supporting countries and companies in achieving their aims — is an important path to leadership in today’s global economy.
To cement its position as a model for agricultural sustainability, Ireland must share its story with the world, putting science, not soundbites, at the center of solving sustainability challenges. Ireland is well-positioned to validate scientific improvements being made at the farm level, promote and export sustainable agri-food practices, enhance global collaboration on climate action, and bring together experts to share knowledge and develop collaborative solutions.
The true power of science is realized when our industry connects its journey from the lab to the lives it touches. Every day, researchers are learning more about agriculture’s ability to not only reduce our own greenhouse gas emissions, but to capture and sequester emissions that have been released by other industries. The potential to capture carbon in the soil presents an amazing opportunity to embrace our role solving climate change while also improving soil health, increasing crop productivity and promoting biodiversity. A great example of this is our strategic research alliance with Archbold at Buck Island Ranch, which has helped us gain an understanding about the impact of cattle production and pasture management on an ecosystem.
To flip the narrative about agriculture, we must stay united, educated and determined. Through the power of science and storytelling, real opportunities to effect change in our industry and in our world lie before us. World Without Cows is an important tool to help start the conversation, one that can inspire change in our industry — and beyond.
Join us on a journey to turn this movie into a movement. Learn more at worldwithoutcows.com.
Inspirational Business Leader & Managing Director | Expertise in APAC Market Expansion | Driving Global Success in Animal Nutrition & Chemicals
2 个月Great initiative, a long but worthwhile journey to arrive at this point of a completed documentary “A World Without Cows”.?With likely more great similar initiatives to keep tuned in to in the future! Have seen the preview and will be eager to see the whole thing. I am sure it will WOW about cows and other livestock farming in the balance of the global ecosystem. The animal protein industry being a significant contributor to nourishing sustainable food systems and yet perhaps not as damning in impact as some generalists make out. Not to say we don’t need to be conscious, to continually monitor, maintain and improve practices and standards. But to innovate, by improving, evolving to greater efficiencies, productivity and sustainably. Thus, I’m sure this documentary will stir thoughts and encapsulate mindful considerations, for sure in the context of farming of animals as part of our food systems and the balance it has in world we live in.
Mark it was really wonderful to see your incredible documentary! Thank you so much for your kind invitation. It’s fascinating. Lots of great insights and key learnings for us all.