Teagasc Welcomes Commitment to Agriculture and Food Research

The increased investment of €3.8 billion in scientific research in Ireland over the next seven years as outlined in the Government’s “Strategy for Science, Technology, and Innovation” has been welcomed by Teagasc, the Agriculture and Food Development Authority.

Chairman of the Teagasc Authority, Dr Tom O Dwyer said “Teagasc is committed to continuing the development of a knowledge based agriculture and food industry. The government’s commitment to agriculture and food as one of the five key areas for the increased investment in research over the next seven years is a very positive development.”

Dr O Dwyer was speaking in advance of Agriculture and Food 06, a major Teagasc event being held in Kildalton College, Piltown, County Kilkenny tomorrow, Wednesday, June 21.

“Teagasc is well position, through its centres of excellence, to deliver the technologies and innovations that will provide the food and agriculture industry with the competitive edge for the future. Our new Food Biotechnology Centre in Moorepark and the Plant Molecular Centre in Oak Park are world class facilities, and this combined with the Walsh Fellowship Scheme for young graduates will provide the scientific platform for the food and agriculture industries to develop in the future,” Dr O Dwyer said.

“At this major Teagasc event in Kildalton tomorrow some of “Technologies for the Future” will be on display involving the latest research in both agriculture and food. Research on functional foods and the health benefits from these foods will be exhibited, along with a range of innovative food products which are now being produced in rural Ireland. The alternative options being pursued by farmers and the exciting work on energy crops will all make for an interesting day,” he said.

Spatial analysis and mapping is an area where Teagasc research has a strong presence and this technology is now linked with information on soil type to identify areas of environmental risk. This will form part of the Teagasc research exhibit in Kildalton.