Tirlán’s Sustainability Action Payment now includes Milk Solids, TB resistance bull selection and enhanced water protection measures

Tirlán Chairperson John Murphy highlighted the Co-operative’s focus on evolving the Sustainability Action Payment in line with new technologies and to assist suppliers in continuing to take positive and impactful action on farms.

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Launching the new updated programme, John Murphy said: “Tirlán family farms are renowned for producing high quality dairy products with world leading sustainable credentials.

“Our farmers have engaged with this programme, as over 99% of active milk suppliers are in receipt of this payment. Our Sustainability Action Payment programme has been pivotal in enabling a 6.8% reduction in on-farm carbon footprint since 2018*.

“We’ve continued to review and update the Sustainability Action Payment since its inception to help answer on-farm challenges, gain efficiencies and enhance the environment.”

The new options in this year’s Programme include:

• Participation in Tirlán’s Milk Solids Growth Programme
• Use of AI Bulls with Genetic Resistance to TB
• Identifying Farm Nitrogen Balance using AgNav

Dr. Lisa Koep, Tirlán’s Chief ESG Officer, reminded Tirlán farm family suppliers that to continue to receive the 0.5 cent per litre Sustainability Action Payment from 1 January, 2026, suppliers are asked to undertake seven options in 2025 from a list of 20 options.

“These new measures join a robust suite of sustainability actions available. Tirlán suppliers are asked to declare their chosen actions on the Tirlán FarmLife online portal to ensure continued eligibility for the Sustainability Action Payment.”

In addition, the purchase of protected urea counts as two actions towards meeting the required seven actions. This is focused on incentivising farmers to switch to protected urea, which reduces both nitrous oxide and ammonia emissions.

*in kg of CO2e (Carbon Dioxide Equivalence)