By Cath Isabedra 

Food systems across the globe are under immense pressure to evolve. Consumers demand to know not just what’s in their food, but where it comes from, how it was made, and what it costs the planet. Against this backdrop, Ireland has made traceability the cornerstone of its national sustainability goals.  

Rather than branding or promotional campaigns, the real value lies in what the system achieves: measurable environmental stewardship, social accountability, and a credible pathway to climate resilience. 

Traceability as a foundation for sustainability 

Traceability in Ireland’s food system isn’t a regulatory afterthought—it’s a structural pillar. It allows food producers to account for their environmental impact and make improvements based on data. Through national databases and auditing infrastructure, Ireland captures information about emissions, soil health, animal welfare, biodiversity, and resource use from tens of thousands of producers. 

“Origin Green was born out of international customer demand. It drives daily decision-making through measurable, sustainable targets that protect the environment and support local communities,” says Lisa Phelan, Southeast Asia Director at Bord Bia.  

Weekly audits—up to 700 of them—form the operational core of the system. These assessments go beyond compliance, feeding into feedback loops that guide on-farm and supply chain decisions. 

Empowering farmers and producers with feedback and benchmarking 

What sets Ireland’s system apart is how it transforms traceability data into actionable feedback. Farmers receive detailed reports outlining carbon footprint, nutrient management, and land use practices. These reports, created in partnership with Teagasc, offer science-based guidance and allow producers to track their performance over time. 

Some farmers have used the reports to implement sustainability improvements such as low-emission slurry spreading, reduced nitrogen inputs through clover planting, better forage management, and a transition to protected urea fertilizers. “These actions help reduce greenhouse gas emissions while enhancing productivity,” Phelan notes. 

A structured path for smaller producers 

One of the strongest elements of Ireland’s system is its inclusiveness. Smallholders and SMEs are often left behind in global sustainability efforts due to resource constraints. Ireland addresses this with structured support, like the Signpost Farms initiative and the Origin Green Academy, which offers advisory services, training, and standardized tools. 

“By standardising data collection through the Sustainability Survey and providing benchmarking tools like the Carbon Navigator, the programme enables smaller producers to measure and improve their performance without requiring additional headcount or investment,” says Phelan. 

Accountability through independent verification 

Ireland’s sustainability goals are not merely aspirational. They are enforced. Phelan explains that companies that fall short of their five-year sustainability plans face conditional approval, corrective actions, and in some cases, suspension.  

“Persistent underperformance or inaction… can result in a formal deduction of Origin Green credits… In severe cases, companies may be downgraded or lose their membership entirely.” 

This system protects the credibility of the traceability model and ensures that sustainability remains an operational requirement. 

Beyond compliance: Traceability as a market enabler 

Traceability in Ireland isn’t just about meeting domestic or international standards. They use it as a tool for value creation. Verified data on sourcing and environmental impact enables producers to differentiate their products in high-trust markets.  

“In Asia, Irish producers use traceability to reinforce product authenticity and build consumer trust… particularly for high-growth categories like beef, dairy and seafood,” says Phelan. 

Over 90% of Ireland’s food and drink exports come from producers that are part of the traceability and sustainability framework. This data-driven approach appeals to discerning markets like Japan and Singapore, where clean-label and sustainable sourcing are highly valued. 

Tackling seafood traceability head-on 

Seafood presents added complexities—cross-border jurisdictions, bycatch, and habitat impact. Ireland’s solution involves partnerships with BIM and the use of real-time monitoring, certifications like MSC, and reporting mechanisms that trace catch from sea to plate. 

Phelan elaborates: “Irish seafood producers demonstrate measurable environmental responsibility through a combination of innovation and rigorous verification… Through Origin Green, producers commit to quantifiable sustainability targets across emissions, water use and biodiversity management.” 

To ease the burden on smaller fisheries, Ireland supports group certifications and shared compliance resources. Initiatives like the RSS certification ensure that even small-scale producers meet traceability standards. 

Responding to new sustainability dimensions 

The idea of sustainability has evolved rapidly. “Sustainability today is no longer just about carbon emissions or environmental compliance,” says Phelan. “From an Irish standpoint, it now encompasses biodiversity, water stewardship, social equity, and long-term economic resilience.” 

Traceability systems are adapting to meet this expanded definition. Ireland is aligning its reporting frameworks with international benchmarks such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), creating a model that others can reference. 

Lessons for the global food system 

Phelan is clear that the global industry isn’t asking the right questions yet. “One critical gap is whether traceability and sustainability systems are being designed to create true transparency and value, not just to meet regulatory compliance.” The key lies in designing frameworks that empower producers, offer credible transparency to consumers, and integrate metrics like biodiversity and water use. 

Countries looking to emulate Ireland’s approach should resist copy-paste models. “Programmes must be tailored to local realities, not copied wholesale,” Phelan cautions. The success of Ireland’s model stems from continuous improvement, independent verification, and support structures that reach across every node in the supply chain. 

Traceability as a tool for resilience 

Ireland’s approach reframes traceability from a burden into a catalyst for transformation. It empowers producers with data, builds market trust, and provides accountability without exclusion.  

Ireland’s Origin Green journey exemplifies how traceability can be wielded as a strategic tool – ensuring that promises of sustainability are backed up by proof, building consumer and buyer trust, and ultimately securing a competitive edge in the global food marketplace.  

As the world’s food systems grapple with challenges of safety, authenticity, and environmental impact, the Irish example shines a light on a possible path forward: one where every link in the food chain is accountable, and every product carries the legacy of a sustainably minded origin. 

With insights from Lisa Phelan, Director, Southeast Asia and Australia, Bord Bia.  

Based in Singapore, Lisa Phelan leads Bord Bia’s efforts across Southeast Asia and Australia to drive greater awareness, appreciation, and demand for Ireland’s world-class food, drink, and Horticulture. 

With over 12 years of experience in the food and beverage industry, Lisa brings a wealth of expertise spanning procurement, business development, commercial strategy, and excellence in leading global multinationals. She has spent the last decade in Singapore, building strong commercial bridges across Asia, and joined Bord Bia in 2023 to deepen Ireland’s presence in one of the world’s most dynamic and fastest-growing markets. 

Passionate about connecting sustainably produced Irish food with the evolving tastes and trends of the region, Lisa works closely with industry partners, retailers, and chefs to champion Ireland’s commitments to quality, sustainability, and innovation through Bord Bia’s flagship programmes, including Origin Green and the Spirit of Ireland.  

This story first came out in our May/June 2025 issue.