TResearch: Spring 2008

Editorial: 50 years a-growing

February marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of An Foras Taluntais (AFT – now part of Teagasc) under the visionary leadership of the late Dr Tom Walsh. At the time, over 60% of total national exports were agricultural, and the level of agricultural production had been relatively static for some time. AFT responded to the challenge by putting in place a national programme of agricultural research, which underpinned the dramatic developments in Irish agriculture and enabled it to benefit from access to new markets following accession to the EEC in 1973.

The organisation has continued to provide the technological base to enable the industry to adapt to many subsequent policy changes. It initially set out to help farmers increase productivity and income, broadening its research over the years as the policy environment, market conditions and new consumer demands set new priorities for research. By putting representative liaison or advisory committees in place from the start, AFT ensured not only that its programme would focus on the real problems of the industry, but also ensured a productive two-way flow of information. This two-way flow was consolidated with the merger of AFT and ACOT (the farm advisory and training body) in 1988.

While maintaining close contact with the industry, AFT emphasised the importance of developing a comprehensive science base, with particular emphasis on recruiting high quality scientific and technical staff and developing national and international linkages. Public investment made in AFT/Teagasc has paid off, and the organisation has contributed greatly over the past 50 years. This must be maintained as we embark on new challenges. The existence of a strong research function, fully integrated with advisory and training services, is an essential component of that future. A number of events will be held throughout 2008 to mark the anniversary.

Dr Tom O’Dwyer, Chairman of Teagasc

Table of Contents

• News
  • Environ2008
  • Teagasc 2030
  • FP6 food publication
• Food
  • Enterobacter sakazakii – an emerging pathogen
  • Raising standards
  • Honeysweet slices: a new addition to the fruit salad range
• Livestock
  • Extended grazing of the ewe flock – the current thinking
  • Novel management practices that reduce the labour inputs for calving and calf care
• Forestry
  • Unlocking farm forest potential
• Crops
  • Meeting the challenges of sustainable agriculture
• Horticulture
  • Nitrogen requirements of brassicas
• Environment
  • Growing grass for greener grazers
  • A soil geochemical atlas for Ireland
• Economics
  • Disability on Irish farms – a real service/support issue
  • Situation and outlook for Irish agriculture
• Comment
  • Buffers and stress tests
• Events
  • Science events 2008