The world’s first Prosperity Agreement between DOE and Linden Foods/Linergy plants in Dungannon has seen over £1 million invested by the company.

This has resulted in a major carbon reduction, demonstrating that Northern Ireland is serious about creating a world-class clean, green agri-food sector.

Environment Minister, Mark H Durkan, visited the Linden Foods/Linergy plants in Dungannon to see the impressive progress made against the world’s first Prosperity Agreement just over a year after its signing.

Linden Foods/Linergy signed the voluntary public private Prosperity Agreement with NIEA in August 2014, making groundbreaking commitments to improve their environmental performance.

Speaking following his visit to the Dungannon facilities, Minister Durkan said, ” The progress made by Linden /Linergy in just 12 months is most impressive and has surpassed all expectations. Just 12 months into the agreement, Linden has invested over £1 million in carbon reduction initiatives including a new refrigeration and heat recovery system, the only facility of its kind on the island of Ireland. This system is already delivering significant environmental benefits with a reduction in CO2 emissions from the heating and cooling process of some 75%. This alone will deliver an overall 24% reduction from Linden/Linergy operations.

“Linden and Linergy are outstanding examples that ‘good for the environment, good for business’ is achievable through cooperation, innovation and strong leadership It is a real step change in how businesses and regulators can work together. It has enormous economic potential for the company, benefiting farmers in its supply chain as well as the local community and environment. Further, these benefits flow equally to the North’s economy while also achieving our environmental protection goals. Linden/Linergy’s successful developments exemplifies how my vision for the environment agenda – ‘A Better Environment – A Stronger Economy’ – is being realised. I hope to see more of this type of innovation and leadership from other businesses across all sectors here.

Commenting on the impact the signing of the Prosperity Agreement has had on their business, Linden Foods managing director, Gerry Maguire said, “When we signed up to the Prosperity Agreement 12 months ago – we reinforced our commitment to sustainability, and to working diligently to reduce the impact of our operations. The significant financial investment made in refrigeration and heat recovery, and the time invested in other elements of the Prosperity Agreement such as the Stakeholder Forum, are clear demonstrations of our intentions to ensure we are a market leader and responsible business.”