John Thompson and Sons Ltd, based in north Belfast, have signed a Prosperity Agreement with the Environment Minister, to invest £2.5 million in efficiencies which will reduce its CO2 emissions by more than 10%.

The firm will also work collaboratively with Northern Ireland Environment Agendy (NIEA) regulators on wider environmental priorities.

The agreement seeks to turn environment issues into business growth opportunities rather than being barriers to growth.

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Thompsons will also accelerate their research with key partners to reduce the environmental footprint of the agri food industry, through improved animal nutrition and better production efficiencies. It will work with NIEA to develop sector wide training on management of key environmental issues.

Minister Mark H Durkan said: "This groundbreaking voluntary public private partnership will see compliance standards exceeded at lower costs. It will substantially reduce impact on our environment, provide greater transparency and access, stronger financial results for business and economic growth for Northern Ireland.

"Thompsons is an innovative and progressive company and a key environmental influencer in the Agri-Food sector and an outstanding example that 'good for the environment, good for business' can be achieved through cooperation, innovation and strong leadership."

(CD)