ABP Angus Youth wins 'Responsible Business Champion' Accolade

ABP has been named Responsible Business Champion in both the Education Partnership and Environmental Leadership categories of the 2020 Business in the Community NI Awards.

 ABP was recognised for its leadership in environmental sustainability within the agri-food sector. The company is also a BITC NI Climate Change Champion. Managing Director of ABP in Northern Ireland, George Mullan said, “ABP has already adopted a science-based target measuring model to our environmental strategy across our business here and the wider group. We have several projects underway, including a new dairy beef partnership with Dale Farm which is supporting the sustainability of dairy beef production through the reduction of emissions using the very latest in animal genetic research. As a Climate Change Champion, we are supporting BITC NI’s campaign to invite local businesses to sign up to a pledge to cut their GHG emissions ahead of the UK government trajectory to achieving Net Zero by 2050.”

ABP’s skills development programme for teenagers, the ABP Angus Youth Challenge was also highlighted as a solid education partnership that has succeeded in raising the aspirations of young people. The ABP Angus Youth Challenge was launched in 2017 in conjunction with the Northern Ireland Angus Producer Group. It aims to help teenagers aged between 14-16 years of age to bridge the gap between education and employment. 14 schools are currently competing in the 2020 semi final. George Mullan continued, “we have adapted certain aspects of the competition to the challenges of the pandemic and it will open again for new entries on 5th October.”

Congratulating ABP, Kieran Harding, Managing Director of Business in the Community Northern Ireland said, “there is no doubt that 2020 has been a very different year to the one we expected. However, throughout the pandemic, so far, I am continually heartened by the determination of companies across Northern Ireland to being even more responsible through their activities as they take care of their people, the environment and their communities.”

Young minds look to the future of beef production

Offsetting carbon emissions, the importance of eating quality and opportunities for food tourism were just some of the topics presented by this year’s semi-finalists in the ABP Angus Youth Challenge.

14 teams from 13 schools competed virtually due to Covid-19 restrictions. The teenagers had to present their ideas and displays on sustainable Angus beef production in Northern Ireland for an independent panel of judges.

The teams that progress to the next stage will be announced in early November. Under the guidance of ABP and the NI Angus Producer Group they will then take part in an 18-month skills development programme. They will be rewarded with a hands-on experience of rearing Angus cross calves and profiting from their sale to ABP; whilst gaining employability skills and knowledge of the beef industry. The proceeds of the sale of each team’s calves to ABP will be awarded to each group. One overall winning team will also receive a £1,000 cash prize for their school or club. 

The competition is now also open for new entries from teenagers aged 14-16 years old in Years 11 & 12. There is flexibility to enter a team to represent a school, club, or society or as a group of friends. More than one entry can be submitted per school or club. Closing date for entries is 27th November 2020.

 ABP was recently recognised with a ‘2020 Responsible Business Champion’ award by Business in the Community for the ABP Angus Youth Challenge. Explaining more about its appeal, Arthur Callaghan of ABP said, “We’ve had a great mix of young people from both rural and city communities taking part. The competition does appeal to those studying the GCSE in Agriculture & Land Use or a BTEC in Agriculture. But others are drawn to the opportunities the ABP Angus Youth Challenge gives to enhance CV’s for a variety of jobs and careers that the agri-food sector can offer, from food science; production; veterinary science; finance & business management to logistics and procurement.”

 “Entrants do not have to live on a farm to take part. Along with the Northern Irish Angus Producer Group, ABP will assist participants in the selection of suitable NI Farm Quality Assured farm.”

FOR MORE PICTURES OF THE 2020 SEMI-FINAL VISIT THE GALLERY SECTION