World Class Meat Researchers Convene in Ireland

Four hundred and fifty leading meat scientists from all over the world have converged on Ireland this week for the 52nd International Congress of Meat Science and Technology.

Chairman of the organising committee and Head of the Teagasc Ashtown Food Research Centre, Declan Troy said: “This is an exciting time in the meat industry. This is the first time in over 30 years that the leading researchers in the world will be in Ireland for this international meat congress to discuss the latest scientific developments and their impact on meat quality, food safety, and the role of red meat in the diet.

“It is very appropriate for Ireland to host this event at this time as we strive to develop our knowledge based economy. Research is critical to building that success and at the congress we have the most eminent meat scientists from around the world.

“This week we plan to increase the interaction between the research community and the industry, so that the knowledge gained by scientists working all over the world can be applied here in Ireland, where the meat industry is so important to the economy. We will also be taking on board the needs and expectations of the consumer in terms of developing safe, high quality meat products which will play an important role in the diet of the modern consumer,” he said.

“I believe that there are very positive opportunities for the meat industry in Ireland. Some of those were highlighted by the keynote speaker, Professor Lowell Catlett, who has travelled from New Mexico State University in the US to be with us. I was particularly interested to hear his insights into how the market for food may develop in the future and these new concepts of ‘free food’ and ‘prescription food’,” he said.

John Rafferty, Head of Product Marketing from Fáilte Ireland, the national tourism development authority, said: “The International Congress of Meat Science and Technology is a very significant conference to be held in Dublin this year and will generate €900,000 for the Irish economy. Fáilte Ireland is delighted to support this congress which showcases Ireland as a business tourism destination. It is a tribute to the hard work of the organising committee that this high yield international congress, which is of particular importance to agricultural exports and the reputation of the Irish meat industry internationally, is taking place in Ireland.

“Business tourists are high yield visitors who tend to spend around 70 per cent more than regular holidaymakers and often extend their visit by travelling around the country after the conference has finished. In the case of this congress, regional tourism attractions will benefit, as delegates will take the opportunity to participate on day trips in neighbouring counties,” he added.

Declan Troy added: “Today we have speakers from the UK, US, France, and Australia addressing ‘The Science of Meat Quality’, while tomorrow papers on the ‘Scientific Advances Underpinning Meat Safety’ will be presented.

“Important research work on these two areas has been ongoing in Ireland and in these first two days of the week-long congress, we have significant contributions from Dr. Anne Maria Mullen and Dr. Geraldine Duffy from the Teagasc Ashtown Food Research Centre,” he concluded.