Bord Bia, the Irish Food Board, acts as a link between Irish food, drink and horticulture suppliers and existing and potential customers throughout the world. It's objective is to develop markets for Irish suppliers and to bring the taste of Irish food to more tables worldwide. With its headquarters in Dublin, Bord Bia has an extensive network of overseas offices.

The Bord Bia Talent Academy offers a range of world-leading post-graduate opportunities.  Each participant receives a fully funded masters from UCD Smurfit School, combined with real world food industry experience, all while receiving a monthly scholarship bursary.  Learn more about the range of scholarships available.

Learn more about the Bord Bia Talent Academy

"The MSc in Business Sustainability really helped honed my skills for the workplace. The combination of academic knowledge and practical application to business sustainability opportunities in the marketplace were important phases of learning. It has also helped me develop a network of valuable contacts to find my ideal role"
Alison Sheridan, Origin Green Ambassador (2015)

The aim of the programme is to attract and develop a pipeline of talent for Ireland’s food and drink industry, and in particular to build expertise in business sustainability while at the same time building awareness of Ireland’s Origin Green credentials within key international markets.

The MSc Business Sustainability offers a formal learning and development programme in the areas of sustainability that will serve to develop a strong cohort of individuals who can then positively build awareness of Origin Green and thereby grow Ireland’s international market share for food and drink.

This full, 23-month intensive action learning programme begins with an intensive academic element, with modules taught by acknowledged world-leaders in the field of sustainability and the food industry. Following this, the focus moves to experiential learning, as participants conduct placements at the headquarters of the world’s leading food companies where they work side-by-side with leading sustainability practitioners.

Examples of such companies include Danone, Nestle, Coca Cola, Mars, Tesco, McDonalds, Bidvest, Pepsico, Sainsbury’s, M&S, Five Guys, and Bunge.

Ambassadors undertake several assignments within each of their placement companies and are required to report on insights gained into the leading trends and the role of sustainability in global food and agribusiness. Ambassadors also use their time to develop relationships within the global brand-owning organisations with a view to leveraging supply opportunities for Irish exporters.

Robert Erhard, Agricultural Material Director - Dairy, Nestle

“The Origin Green Ambassadors have done an outstanding job in contributing to the further development of our tools on sustainable agriculture and communication. They were professional, passionate and competent and brought a healthy curiosity to learn more. A true win-win for all.”

Majella Darcy, Group HR Director, Ornua

“We have a long-standing and successful relationship with the Origin Green Ambassador programme and Bord Bia. As a leading global dairy organisation, sustainability is critical for our business and the talents and insights that the ambassador programme has brought to our business continue to add huge value.”

Frank Hayes, Director of Corporate Affairs, Kerry Group

“Origin Green Ambassadors are central to customer engagement in the Origin Green Programme and to demonstrating Ireland’s unique sustainability positioning, and the commitment of the entire Irish Food and Drink industry to operating sustainably. Bringing an Origin Green Ambassador on to our Kerry team has added immense value and strategic insights to our Kerry Sustainability Programme.”

Frank Hayes, Director of Corporate Affairs, Kerry Group

“Origin Green Ambassadors are central to customer engagement in the Origin Green Programme and to demonstrating Ireland’s unique sustainability positioning, and the commitment of the entire Irish Food and Drink industry to operating sustainably. Bringing an Origin Green Ambassador on to our Kerry team has added immense value and strategic insights to our Kerry Sustainability Programme.”

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Alison Monaghan

Alison Monaghan

Head of Business Development (Customised)

Are you seeking information about a customised programme tailored to your company's or organisation’s specific learning development needs? For information on Customised programmes, please fill out our Corporate Enquiry Form

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