Launch of Teagasc Food Assurance Online
Teagasc (the National Farm and Food Research, Advice and Training Organisation) launched today (Thursday 23 December 2004) a new information website on farm food safety and quality issues – Teagasc Food Assurance Online.
The web site was launched by the Chief Executive of the Food Safety Authority of Ireland Dr. John O’Brien.
Speaking at the launch Mr Tony Pettit, Head of Kildalton College, highlighted the importance of farmer awareness of statutory and market food assurance requirements. “Irish farmers have a strong track record of producing safe high quality food. However farmers like all food businesses have to comply with an increasing body of regulations. Teagasc has an important role in helping farmers and the agri-food sector meet food safety and quality requirements,” he said.
The Teagasc Food Assurance Online is a gateway to many sources of information for farmers, agricultural students, teachers/trainers, farm advisers, agri-food sector personnel and indeed all interested parties according to Tony Pettit.. The main objective is to provide an interactive, practical database on good farming practice and food supply chain assurance issues. While Teagasc Food Assurance Online focuses primarily on best farm practice it also provides information on many broader food chain issues.
Food Assurance Online includes:
- Practical fact sheets and information notes on a wide range of topics
- Interactive Online Farm Checklists to gauge compliance with requirements
- Interactive Online Learning Modules for students
- Gateways to key publications and other web information sources
- Links to a wide range of relevant national and international websites
- A quick guide to 'Hot Topics'
- Food Assurance Online search facility.
The Teagasc Food Assurance Online can be accessed through the Teagasc public website (www.teagasc.ie )
Development of Teagasc Food Assurance Online is an ongoing process. Initial funding was provided under the Information Society - New Connections Programme co-ordinated by the Department of the Taoiseach.
Benefits
Teagasc has a major role in providing advice and research on good farming practice. This will become more important as food quality and the environment become the driving forces behind EU farm policy. Under the Single Farm Payment cross compliance measures producers will be required to demonstrate compliance with specified EU food safety, animal disease and animal welfare regulations. Teagasc Food Assurance Online will provide practical up to date information, on good farming practice requirements in a cost efficient way.
Food Assurance Training
Teagasc is also the leading provider of food assurance training to the farming sector. Around 1500 (young and adult) farmers complete Teagasc food training modules annually. Food assurance is a core content area for many of Teagasc’ third level diploma courses. E- learning programmes will become an attractive option for many Teagasc students in the years ahead. Teagasc hope to facilitate this trend by establishing an e college. Teagasc Food Assurance Online will act as the medium for all levels of Teagasc food assurance training.
Teagasc also works closely with the agri-food sector and other agencies and organisations to improve overall food safety and quality standards in the Irish food supply chain. The Teagasc Food Assurance Online will help highlight broader food chain issues to agri food-industry staff and clients.
Further information:
Tony Pettit
Head of Kildalton College
087 –2222511
051- 644402
tpettit@kildalton.teagasc.ie
Ends
Issued by Larry O’Loughlin
Head Public Relations Department, Teagasc
Tel: 059 9183408; 087 2562434
Email: loloughlin@hq.teagasc.ie
