Tomato grower MF Nurseries or Flynn's Irish Tomatoes has switched to the renewable gas biomethane in a new trial project with Gas Networks Ireland. The firm trades as Flynn's Irish Tomatoes and says it "continues to lead the way in agrifood sustainability" by switching from growing its red tomatoes with natural gas to renewable gas in its greenhouse system. MF Nurseries will receive formal certification from Gas Networks Ireland to show that the gas it is using is from renewable sources.
The renewable gas, known as biomethane, is a carbon-neutral gas being produced from farm and food waste by Green Generation in Nurney, Co Kildare, and injected into the national gas network via a dedicated renewable gas entry point in Cush, Co Kildare.
Managing director Michael Flynn said that introducing renewable gas into the food production process allows the company to deliver on its business sustainability objectives. He said: "The food production and agrifood sector are energy intensive sectors by nature, and our customers want to see the steps we are taking to reduce our carbon footprint. This is coupled with growing pressure from major retailers who want to see real movement and effort to reduce emissions across the supply chain.
"In 2020, we undertook a major investment program, and as part of carbon reduction plans within the redevelopment of our business, we built a connection to the national gas network. Following the great success and positive engagement with Gas Networks Ireland, we are delighted to trial renewable gas as another way to demonstrate our eagerness to future-proofing our business and reduce carbon emissions, now and into the future.
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