The SDP strengthens global alignment with full equivalency for Ireland’s Origin Green programme
4th February 2025
SAI Platform is pleased to announce that Origin Green, Ireland’s National Food Sustainability Programme, has developed a new module for dairy processors which has achieved full equivalency with the Sustainable Dairy Partnership (SDP). This milestone reinforces the SDP’s role in aligning the global dairy industry behind a single approach to dairy sustainability reporting.
Mick Houlihan, Director of Origin Green commented “This achievement is testament to the dedication and hard work of farmers participating in the Bord Bia Sustainable Dairy Assurance Scheme. Their adherence to high standards, sustainable farming practices, and data collection have been instrumental in allowing Origin Green dairy processors and the Origin Green SDP Module to achieve equivalence with the internationally recognised SDP requirements. These collective efforts not only highlight the resilience and innovation of Ireland’s dairy industry but reinforces Ireland’s reputation as a global leader in sustainable dairy production.”.
Following an initial benchmarking exercise in 2021, Bord Bia, in collaboration with Irish dairy processors implementing the SDP, conducted a second benchmarking process. This identified relevant data points from the Sustainable Dairy Assurance Scheme farm audits, Origin Green Charter targets and other processor led farm sustainability initiatives that closely align with SDP requirements. As a result, the module has been designed to integrate seamlessly with the SDP framework, ensuring that processors can achieve equivalency at Stage 3 as a baseline, with a clear path to advance to Stage 5 for those demonstrating advanced sustainability performance.
This flexible approach reflects the SDP’s emphasis on continuous improvement, supporting dairy processors to enhance their sustainability performance and deliver meaningful progress, while meeting the expectations of global dairy buyers.
“SAI Platform congratulates Bord Bia and the Origin Green programme on achieving full equivalency with the SDP. By integrating the Origin Green SDP Module with SDP requirements, Irish dairy processors are well-positioned to demonstrate their sustainability credentials to global buyers, ensuring transparency and continuous improvement across the supply chain.”
Amale Zeggoud, Dairy Manager, SAI Platform.
Throughout 2025, Bord Bia will work closely with Irish dairy processors to implement the Origin Green SDP Module. To ensure credibility and transparency, the programme includes independent verification facilitated by Arthian, an SDP Approved Verifier. This streamlined verification process reduces inefficiencies and minimises the costs associated with multiple audits, enabling processors to focus resources on driving sustainability outcomes.
Robert Duncan, Associate Director of Sustainability in Arthian stated “The Origin Green Programme and Sustainable Dairy Assurance Scheme have provided dairy processors with an excellent foundation for achieving verification against the SDP requirements. By leveraging existing farm sustainability data alongside their Origin Green Plans, dairy processors can present KPIs and targets for verification that align closely with the Sustainability Criteria of the Dairy Sustainability Framework. These internationally recognised criteria form the foundation of the Sustainable Dairy Partnership requirements, enabling a streamlined and impactful approach to dairy sustainability.”
By achieving full equivalency with the SDP, the Origin Green SDP Module equips Irish dairy processors with a powerful tool to showcase Ireland’s dairy sustainability credentials to global buyers. This achievement highlights the value of collaboration in advancing sustainability and reinforces the SDP as the unified industry approach for measuring and reporting progress across the global dairy value chain.
