Teagasc Annual Report 2005 – Directors Review
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Significant progress was made in 2005 in achieving the goals and objectives of the organisation as laid out in the Statement of Strategy 2005-2007. In particular, the research efforts in agriculture and food will underpin further improvements in the competitiveness of the industry. The focus in both dairy and beef research was on increasing profitability through better management and cost control. A particular emphasis was placed on developing better breeding programmes.
Innovative Food Research
Exciting and innovative developments occurred in food research in 2005. Moorepark Food Research Centre (MFRC) and Ashtown Food Research Centre (AFRC) operated as part of the same directorate. Consumers are becoming increasingly conscious of the role that food plays in maintaining health. A new research initiative, ‘Foods for Health’, was started and is part of a new ‘Vision’ programme for research in the organisation. A study examined the potential health benefits arising from Conjugated Linoleic Acid, a component of milk fat, in a range of foods like cheese, pork products, and beef.
A new research programme commenced with the aim of developing technology to formulate foods targeted at the obese.
Sustainable Agriculture
The environment advisory programme focused on improving the efficiency and delivery of services to REPS clients. Particular attention was given to water quality by promoting efficient nutrient use and better manure management. Teagasc staff prepared 4,500 REPS 3 plans last year and assisted clients in claiming €107 million in REPS payments during the year. A new web-based REPS planning system, eREPS, was developed and introduced in June.
Viable Rural Areas
A major government aim is to build a competitive and environmentally sustainable rural economy. Teagasc’s Rural Economy Research Centre, with the National University of Ireland, Maynooth and University College Dublin, undertook a foresight study to determine if this objective could be achieved in the current climate. The research found that unbalanced regional development and the impact of globalisation threaten the economic viability and long-term sustainability of rural areas. It concluded that this would manifest itself in the continued decline in the number of full-time farmers and in a restructuring of the agri-food sector.
A Modern Organisation
Teagasc is committed to providing a high quality service to its customers and I acknowledge the current excellent service provided by our staff. Last year a Customer Charter was published outlining the standards of service our customers can expect. Thirteen commodity teams were established to provide advice and feedback on the organisation’s research and advisory services and their input is incorporated into the 2006 business plans.
Jim Flanagan
Director
