Tesco Ireland sponsors programme to boost sustainable beef production

Tesco Ireland has committed €20,000 per year for two years to sponsor the ABP Bull Improvement Initiative, a national programme designed to help Irish family farms purchase superior bulls with high genetic merit. The sponsorship aims to enhance herd performance, improve beef quality, and reduce the environmental footprint of Irish beef production.

The initiative, supported by the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation, uses data from ABP’s trial farm showing that calves from top-ranking bulls are on average 38kg heavier and worth €301 more than those from lower-merit sires at the same age. Faster growth rates not only improve productivity and profitability but also reduce emissions intensity, making beef production more sustainable.

Tracey McDermott, Head of Quality, Technical & Sustainability at Tesco Ireland, said the partnership reinforces Tesco’s sustainability strategy by helping farmers adopt science-based solutions for better breeding and environmental outcomes.

Stephen Connolly, ABP Agri Sustainability Manager, noted that the initiative benefits both beef and dairy sectors by driving genetic improvement and long-term commercial efficiency.

Tesco’s sponsorship highlights how private-sector investment can directly advance agricultural innovation and sustainability. By linking financial support with measurable on-farm improvements, the initiative demonstrates a practical model for aligning corporate responsibility with environmental progress.

Read the full story to see how Tesco is using sponsorship to transform Irish beef production.