We’re proud to share that Colin Donnery, Group CEO of FRS Co-Op, was awarded Best Sustainability Driver at the 2025 National Dairy Awards, held last Thursday 19th June. The award recognises Colin’s leadership in advancing practical, measurable sustainability initiatives across Ireland’s dairy sector.
Leading with Purpose
Since taking on the role of Group CEO, Colin has worked to align FRS Co-Op’s business growth with a clear sustainability strategy, supporting dairy farmers with the tools, training, and systems needed to manage land and livestock in a more environmentally responsible way.
A key milestone in this journey was the launch of FRS’s first ESG Report in 2025, setting out long-term environmental, social, and governance commitments across all areas of the organisation.
Recognised for Real Impact
This award reflects a number of tangible achievements led by FRS in recent years, including:
- Ireland’s largest soil sampling initiative, covering 125,000 samples across 10,500 farms.
- Expanded access to training in biodiversity, animal welfare, and sustainable farming practices.
- Ongoing efforts to reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 20% by 2030, with a longer-term target of net zero.
- Support for the adoption of creosote-free fencing alternatives nationwide.
- Sustainability-focused investments in FRS operations, including reduced paper and plastic use and planned solar installations.
These initiatives are underpinned by a strong focus on data, training, and continuous improvement, ensuring sustainability is embedded in how we work and how we support farmers.
Supporting Farmers at Farm Level
A key part of the FRS approach is providing practical, locally relevant support. Our coordinators work directly with farmers to understand their needs and deliver tailored solutions, whether that’s farm operatives trained in climate-smart practices or access to training courses.
The goal is to ensure sustainability isn’t just a target, but something that works on the ground, improving efficiency, protecting the environment, and contributing to farm viability over the long term.
Looking Ahead
This award recognises progress, but the work continues. FRS will keep refining its ESG strategy, strengthening industry partnerships, and finding new ways to support Ireland’s dairy farmers as they navigate the challenges of sustainability and resilience.
Congratulations to Colin on this recognition and thanks to the many teams and farmers involved in helping us move this work forward.
