Centenary Thurles Co-op plays an important role in maintaining our rural environment, healthy fresh water and ecosystems throughout Tipperary as part of the national programme to protect Irish soil, biodiversity and water quality.

Good farming practices are instrumental, and our farmers uphold their obligations under the Nitrates Action Programme, which governs our use of nitrogen and phosphorus to help prevent pollution of ground and surface waters.

We support the efforts of our farmers through our farm advisory and grass management services, and promote the adoption of systems and technologies to help farmers develop the knowledge and skills to make meaningful changes. We also incentivise these changes directly to our milk suppliers through our Sustainability Payments, which adds a premium per litre to the bottom line.

Read more about how a reduction in nitrogen fertiliser has reduced costs, and GHG emissions for Centenary suppliers John and Debbie Sheridan.

Read more about how our Tipperary Fresh milk range relies on home grown non-GMO crops, improving soil health and biodiversity.

We know that the best quality dairy and meat comes from healthy and well-cared for animals, and for our farmers this level of care is a point of pride. It is also a cornerstone of the Sustainable & Quality Assured Schemes to which our members adhere. Certified farms are inspected by independent auditors every 18 months, who confirm that legal obligations and animal welfare standards are maintained.

Ireland’s grass-fed farming system provides a natural advantage – with temperate climes and a uniquely long growing season ensuring that livestock are free to graze on lush Tipperary pastures for up to 300 days a year.

In addition, antibiotics are strictly regulated and prescribed only by veterinarians to sick or injured animals. Rigorous standards and legislation are guaranteed by our 100% traceability system, enhanced by our farmer’s tradition of care and commitment to welfare.

Much of the milk produced by our dairy farmers is processed into cheese, butter and powders for export, making a significant contribution to the economic life of our country. The commitments made by our producers are followed through by manufacturers and retailers under Bord Bia’s Origin Green system – a world-leading national strategy designed to grow and manage a sustainable food industry.

The remaining liquid milk is packaged and made available to local consumers through our two branded ranges:

Thurles Fresh Milk has been enjoyed throughout County Tipperary for generations. The most popular ranges are now packaged in new bio-based Tetrapak – which is fully renewable, made with responsibly sourced sugar cane and paperboard from FSC® certified forests and other controlled sources – and designed to be flattened and recycled.

Tipperary Fresh is a milk produced by cows that have a diet free from Genetically Modified ingredients. The first such product on Irish shelves, it is also packaged in an infinitely recyclable pack. Read more about the environmental benefits of this tasty new milk.

Packaging and waste management continues to be a priority across our business units, driving investments in our animal feeds packaging systems to prioritise bulk deliveries and cut-to-order bagging.

In tackling the defining challenge of our time, we believe there is mutual benefit to cooperation between agricultural and conservation interests, and the potential for positive change is greatly enhanced by working together.

We’re actively engaged with our industry partners, peers and government, and are taking action to address climate change by reducing fossil fuels in transport, switching to solar and wind generated energy and supporting our farmers to help mitigate emissions.

Our Origin Green certified farmers undergo Carbon Footprint Assessments every 18 months which measures key information relating to a farms carbon output. The assessment is accredited to the Carbon Trust PAS 2050 standard and provides individualised progress and a national picture of how Ireland’s dairy and beef farms are performing.