Agenda

9.30

Welcome and opening remarks from the chair

Ivan Yates

Broadcaster and former Minister for Agriculture

9.40

ESG in Food - Forks, Reports and Future Trends

A look at the movement pushing and promoting ESG in food. The discussion will cover policy, market demands and trends. This will include a focus on:

Current consumer preferences for sustainable and ethically sourced food products
Emerging trends in the food industry focused on health, sustainability, and transparency
How market demands drive the need for robust ESG strategies

Mark Christal

Divisional Manager - Food & Sustainability, Enterprise Ireland

Tomas Sercovich

CEO, Business in the Community

Martin Flynn

Better Farming Award Winner

Flynn’s Irish Tomatoes

Kevin Maher

Senior Executive, Dairy Sustainability Ireland

10.20

ESG Financial and Investment Considerations for the AgriFood Sector

A panel discussion on the financial incentives, investment consideration and risk management benefits of ESG.

Importance of ESG factors in attracting investors and securing funding
Case studies of companies gaining financial benefits from strong ESG performance
Financial trends and investment in the Food sector
Risk management and long-term financial resilience through ESG integration

David Bowles

Managing Partner, The Yield Lab

Dr. Julian Worley

Agricultural Economist, National University of Ireland, Galway

Sean Mulvany

Senior Investment Manager - Food and Agriculture Specialist, National Treasury Management Agency

10.50

Coffee Break

11.20

Farm to Fork: Data Dynamics Highlighting Social Impact

A panel discussion on the use of data and analytics to ensure sustainable practices across the supply chain emphasising ethical practices, public opinion and the influence on market trends and financial performance including:

Role of data in tracking and ensuring sustainable practices across the supply chain
Technologies and tools for collecting and analysing supply chain data
Importance of transparency and traceability for gaining consumer trust
How data supports compliance with regulatory requirements and standards
Impact of social responsibility on brand loyalty and market position
Partnerships and collaborations to enhance social impact
Case studies of successful social impact initiatives in the food industry

Martin Hofler

Senior Sustainability Manager, Origin Green Programme, Bord Bia

Niall Quirke

Founder & CEO, Greenpage

Niamh Lenehan

Chief Executive, An Rialálaí Agraibhia (Agri-Food Regulator)

12.00

The impact of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles within the food sector, with a specific emphasis on the evolving regulatory environment and its impact on corporate strategy and operating models.

This fireside chat featuring Ivan Yates, Orla Dunbar and Aoife Connaughton will provide a platform for food sector leaders and stakeholders to engage in meaningful discussions on 'The Impact of ESG Regulations and Trends within the Food Sector.'

Regulations: Why is there such a big push for sustainability regulation within the food sector specifically?
Strategy: How can my company best prepare itself to comply with these regulations
Operations: Where does responsibility for sustainability sit within organisations
Data: What approach should you take when considering ESG technology and data solutions

Aoife Connaughton

Director, Sustainability & Climate, Deloitte

Orla Dunbar, ESG Data and Technology Leader, Deloitte

12.50

Lunch

1.35

ESG Food Leaders Forum

Leaders from Ireland's AgriFood sector outline how they have prioritised sustainability, transparency, ethical sourcing, innovation, and waste management, integrating ESG strategies to meet market demands, attract investors, and drive long-term competitive advantage.