European Union & Ireland unveil US$3.73M investment to boost nutrition

SINGAPORE – The European Union and Ireland have launched the “European Dairy – Ireland, “Where Nature Meets Science” campaign, a US$3.73 million (€3.2 million) co-funded investment that aims to strengthen Asia’s nutrition pipeline and foster long-term trade partnerships. 

Positioning Singapore as the regional hub, the three-year project running until 2028 will focus on building supply resilience, and driving new partnerships across Singapore, China, and Vietnam.  

Her Excellency Sarah McGrath, Ireland’s Ambassador to Singapore, emphasized that the campaign reflects Ireland’s commitment to deepening ties between Europe and Asia through innovation and sustainable development.

“This campaign is a symbol of Ireland’s commitment to strengthening the bridges between Europe and Asia. By launching in Singapore, we are reinforcing not only a vital trade relationship but also our shared pursuit of innovation, research, and sustainable development in food. Ireland’s expertise in science-driven agriculture, combined with Asia’s leadership in food innovation, creates an opportunity to deepen trust and collaboration across sectors. This initiative reflects the spirit of partnership that will define the future of our cultural and economic ties,” she said.

The initiative is spearheaded by Bord Bia, the Irish Food Board, which champions the national and international growth of Ireland’s food, drink, and horticulture sectors.

With a strategic network of offices across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the United States, and Asia (Singapore, Shanghai, Tokyo), Bord Bia connects European producers from Ireland with priority partners in these key markets, strengthening trade links and fostering long-term collaboration.

Lisa Phelan, Bord Bia’s Director for Southeast Asia and Australia/New Zealand, highlighted the importance of collaboration, noting that Ireland’s dairy sector—backed by the Origin Green sustainability program—offers high-quality, science-driven nutrition solutions.

By partnering with Singapore’s advanced research infrastructure and market expertise, the campaign aims to secure Asia’s nutrition future with dairy products that are trusted and future-ready.

In Europe, Ireland leads in sustainable dairy production, combining grass-fed farming at scale with advanced science, research, and development.

Key credentials include: 90% of herds are grass-fed, unique globally at this scale, 95% of processors are enrolled in Origin Green, the independently verified sustainability programme, ranked second globally in the Food Security Index, underscoring safety and reliability and home to the Dairy Processing Technology Centre, developing functional ingredients for infant formula, medical nutrition, and food innovation.

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