The award promotes the sustainable contribution of forestry and acknowledges the farmer’s role in managing the forest and promoting tree planting.

Having joined the organisation as financial controller in 1995, before being appointed as CEO less than 18 months later, Mr O’Sullivan has overseen a major period of transformation and growth within the organisation.

The Coleman family from Bandon, who supply Barryroe Co-op, were crowned winners of the Adoption of Technologies Award, and the O’Leary family from Cloghroe, who supply the Dairygold Co-op, won the Highest EBI Award.

A reduction in the range of 62-81% was outlined for electricity, with a 42-50% reduction in transport and a 25% target agreed for agriculture.

ÓR-REAL Irish Butter will now be available to purchase in Supervalu and Centra stores nationwide