Frequently Asked Questions About The Ashtown Food Research Centre
- When was The Ashtown Food Research Centre set up?
- What is the mission of The Ashtown Food Research Centre?
- What is the annual budget for The Ashtown Food Research Centre?
- How many staff work at The Ashtown Food Research Centre?
- What facilities are available at The Ashtown Food Research Centre?
- Does The Ashtown Food Research Centre support technical development within the food industry?
- What training does The Ashtown Food Research Centre provide?
When was The Ashtown Food Research Centre set up?
The National Food Centre was established in 1988. It is a division of Teagasc, the Irish Agriculture and Food Development Authority. The Centre serves the meat and prepared foods sectors. The dairy sector is supported by The National Dairy Products Research Centre in Cork.
What is the mission of The Ashtown Food Research Centre?
To support the development of the food industry through excellence and leadership in research, technical development and training.
What is the annual budget for The Ashtown Food Research Centre?
The annual expenditure on food research and development in Teagasc is €16m, over half of which is incurred at The National Food Centre. The budget is generated by public funding, including EU and national competitive bidding programmes, and by fees for services.
How many staff work at The Ashtown Food Research Centre?
There are130 scientists, technicians, research students and support staff working at the Centre.
What facilities are available at The Ashtown Food Research Centre?
The main campus is at Ashtown, Dublin 15, with a subsidiary at Raheen Industrial Estate in Limerick. The physical facilities are the research and analytical laboratories, pilot plants for food product/process development complete with nursery units for start-up businesses, test kitchens, a test bakery and a sensory evaluation suite. Specialist facilities include a class 3 pathogen laboratory and a research-scale abattoir.
Does The Ashtown Food Research Centre support technical development within the food industry?
The Centre services companies and new start-ups with market research, new product development and pilot-scale manufacture. Expert analysis and testing is provided by the ISO17025-accredited laboratories. Food authorities are advised on the development and implementation of voluntary quality assurance schemes and standards. The National Food Centre's auditing and consultancy services are accredited to ISO9000.
What training does The Ashtown Food Research Centre provide?
In-employment training for the food sector is a priority, and each year thousands of managers, supervisors and operatives are trained in-company or at The National Food Centre. Expert courses, linked with research, are provided in food safety and quality, and in product and process development. The National Food Centre’s training services are accredited to ISO 9000.
