ABP Angus Youth Challenge has been recognised for its contribution to the skills development of young people with a ‘Corporate Social Responsibility Programme of the Year’ Award. The accolade was announced at the Irish News 2024 Workplace & Employment Awards Ceremony recently. It acknowledges ABP’s approach to addressing critical issues such as the sustainability of red meat production, occupational perceptions of farming and meat manufacturing, and the employability skills deficit among young people
Since its inception in 2017, the ABP Angus Youth Challenge has been providing a unique 'farm-to-fork' learning experience for 14–15-year-olds from schools, clubs or societies in partnership with the Certified Irish Angus Producer Group. By bridging the gap between traditional education and careers in the agrifood industry, the ABP Angus Youth Challenge provides successful participants valuable knowledge, hands-on experience in farming and beef production, and essential employability skills. Through a rigorous selection process involving industry and education representatives, finalist teams have the opportunity to rear Angus calves, benefiting financially from their eventual sale to ABP.
One of the key requirements of the finalist programme is on sustainability practices, with teams guided by mentors from the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise to utilise technology that can reduce emissions and enhance efficiency in farming. In addition to the practical experience, year-long projects aligned with the pupils’ GCSE subjects, focus on critical sustainability topics such as diversity promotion, succession planning in family farms, carbon reduction innovations, and the well-being of farming families. International exposure to ABP’s business is provided through a 4-day study tour with ABP and its delivery partner, Certified Irish Angus Producer Group. The schools that have reached this year’s final are Aughnacloy College; Dromore High School Co. Down; the Royal School Armagh and St. Colmcille’s in Crossgar. The first leg of their tour will commence in Co. Meath at Beef2024 followed by an interactive steak cookery demonstration at Lismullin Cookery School with ABP Ireland. The pupils and their teachers will then fly on to Belgium for visits to an ABP retail packing facility; the EU Parliament and for meetings with the NI Executive Office and the UFU.
The ABP Angus Youth Challenge initiative has involved a broad range of 110 participating schools to date, situated in both rural and urban locations throughout the province. The initiative’s success has been widely recognised by teachers for delivering an increased awareness of agrifood career pathways, improving academic performance and motivation among students, and enhancing linkages between schools, farming communities, and the broader public.
It is also playing a role in fostering knowledge transfer and best practices in beef production through its emphasis on community engagement. Communication and interview skills training is provided to all finalists to help them engage with their school and wider community and to assist with job interviews. A growing number of finalists are now pursuing agriculture, food-related, or veterinary qualifications demonstrating the lasting influence on career choices and aspirations.
Commenting on the recognition, George Mullan Managing Director of ABP in Northern Ireland said,
“The ABP Angus Youth Challenge is inspiring the next generation of leaders in sustainable farming and food production practices. Its success demonstrates the transformative power of education, experiential learning, and community engagement in creating a more resilient and responsible agrifood industry.”
