Tirlán honoured at European Cooperative Innovation Awards for Sustainability Leadership

The prestigious ceremony, hosted in the European Parliament in Brussels, celebrated 11 outstanding cooperatives from across seven countries for their groundbreaking contributions to sustainability, digitalisation, community empowerment, and economic development within Europe’s agri-food sector. This year’s event coincided with the UN International Year of Cooperatives, underscoring the vital role cooperatives play in driving rural resilience and farmer-led innovation.

The Award for Environmental Value Creation was presented by Irish MEP Barry Cowen to Tirlán’s Farm Sustainability Advisor Matthew Moylan in recognition of the ‘visionary, science-based blueprint for national water quality improvement’ developed by Tirlán and project partners as part of the Farming for Water: River Slaney Project. 

The River Slaney Project brings together expertise from Tirlán, Teagasc, the Local Authorities Water Programme (LAWPRO), local authorities, Uisce Eireann, the livestock and tillage sector and accounting and advisory specialists ifac to help enhance water quality in this river that flows through the heart of the Tirlán catchment area. The learnings from the River Slaney Project will now be scaled across the Tirlán Catchment and shared with the Teagasc National Better Farming for Water Campaign. 

Tirlán’s Chairperson John Murphy, noting the pending vote regarding Ireland’s Nitrates Derogation, said the award demonstrates what can be achieved through collaboration and having a common purpose. He stated the award was a reflection of the dedication of every farmer and stakeholder who engaged so positively with our advisory teams and who have contributed to this journey.

“The River Slaney Project demonstrates how sustainability action can be transformed into measurable impact, with a significant reduction in nutrients leaving the Slaney Catchment. This is delivered through a clear focus on environmental and economic sustainability. The Slaney Project is very much a collaborative partnership between key stakeholders who all came together to deliver this project to address water quality challenges and as part of Ireland’s collaborative efforts to retaining the Nitrates Derogation,” said John Murphy. 

Tirlán Chief ESG Officer Lisa Koep said work on the project was ongoing, with the Tirlán agri-sustainability advisory team supporting suppliers in making over €5 million of applications under the Farming for Water EIP programme to deliver practical results on the ground. 

“Underpinned by Tirlán’s Living Proof sustainability strategy and supported by the European €60 million Farming for Water EIP and Tirlán’s €16 million a year Sustainability Action Payment programme, we have and continue to work together with our suppliers to empower the adoption of practices that reduce emissions, improve water quality, and strengthen both economic and environmental resilience on farms,” she stated. 

Cogeca President Lennart Nilsson said the awards highlighted how cooperatives deliver practical, farmer-centred solutions to environmental and economic challenges.

“Cooperatives are not just economic actors, they are engines of innovation, sustainability, and community strength,” said Lennart Nilsson. “This year’s awardees exemplify how collective action can turn challenges into opportunities, ensuring a thriving future for European agriculture.”