Commitment to invest in Agriculture and Food Research and in Teagasc Research facilities welcomed
A major investment in agriculture and food research announced by the Minister for Agriculture and Food Mary Coughlan T.D today has been described as “the most positive development in the industry for years” by the chairman of the Teagasc Authority Dr Tom O’ Dwyer.
In launching the Agricultural and Food Sectoral programme of the new Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation, the Minister for Agriculture Mary Coughlan outlined the Government’s commitment to invest in Agriculture and Food research. The announcement was made in Teagasc, Oak Park, Thursday August 10.
Responding to the announcement, Dr. Tom O’ Dwyer said “I am very pleased with the importance given to the agri-food sector in building a knowledge based economy in Ireland. I welcome this important role been given to Teagasc in delivering this strategy. Specifically I welcome the announcement that the National Development Plan will provide a framework for the capital development of Centres of Excellence in Teagasc. The Minister’s commitment that funding of €27 million arising from the sale of some Teagasc assets will be reinvested in upgrading Teagasc’s research resources and capability is an extremely positive development for the future of the organisation.”
He continued “I welcome the recognition in the strategy that the development of a profitable and sustainable food and agriculture sector is vital to the well being of the economy. Teagasc is conscious of the role that Research and Development and Innovation can play in developing our economy. We are delighted that proposals put forward last year by Teagasc for a new vision for research have been incorporated into this current strategy.”
He said “This vision gives emphasis to research on foods for health and on crop and animal bioscience to assist the sector to remain competitive and profitable in the future. Teagasc will maintain its more applied research into production systems to provide the most up to date information to farmers and food processors.”
Teagasc is committed to having Centres of Excellence in its research programme. It plans to have
- A Centre of Excellence in crop bioscience here in Oak Park, networked with the local Carlow Institute of Technology and other higher Institutions;
- A Centre of Excellence in animal bioscience in Grange allied to more applied animal research facilities at Mellows Athenry and Moorepark with close collaboration with UCD and other third level Institutes;
- Centres of Excellence in food science at Moorepark and Ashtown;
- A Centre of Excellence in environmental science at Johnstown Castle;
- A rural economy Centre of Excellence at Mellows Athenry.
Dr O’Dwyer said “We look forward to the challenges set in this strategy and Teagasc will play a full part in delivering the targets set in this excellent but ambitious programme.”
