We asked a range of questions about this sector. Click on the button below to read what they say...
Organisation Profile
Teagasc, the Agriculture and Food Development Authority, is the national body providing integrated research, advisory and education services to the agriculture and food industry and rural communities.
It was established in September 1988 under the Agriculture (Research, Training and Advice) Act, 1988. The 11 member Board of Teagasc is appointed by the Minister for Agriculture and food and has representatives from the farming organisations, the food industry, the Universities, the Department of Agriculture and Food and Teagasc staff.
The organisation is funded by State Grant-in-Aid; the National Development Plan 2007 to 2013; fees for research, advisory and education services; income from national and EU competitive research programmes; and revenue from farming activities and commodity levies.
Teagasc employs over 1500 staff in 100 locations throughout Ireland. It has annual operating budget in excess of €170 million.
Teagasc operates in partnership with all sectors of the agriculture and food industry and with rural development agencies.
Advisory Services Teagasc provides advisory services to the community of farmers and rural dwellers across the country, of which over 50% avail of on-farm consultancy services. Some 500 advisors and specialists, located across some 80 regional, county and local offices, assist farmers maximise profit and productivity through the application of findings of Teagasc research programmes. Advisory services cover business and technology, good farm practice, rural development and adult training programmes. Analytical services are also available including testing of soil, water, feeds, crops etc.
Education Teagasc provides education for those who wish to further a career within agriculture together with further and continuing education for those already working in the sector. Teagasc has 8 colleges throughout the country providing a wide variety of courses at many levels up to and including CAO degree courses. It is now also possible to engage in some on-line web-based training courses through their eCollege programme.
Research Teagasc is also involved in Agriculture and Food research. Some 200 Research Scientists and 300 Research Technicians operate out of nine centres throughout the country.
Agricultural Research Agriculture research is carried out relating to the dairy, beef, sheep, cereals, and pig sectors as well as alternative enterprises such as forestry and bioenergy. Research also covers the economics of the regional and rural economy, geography, sociology and the environment.
Food Research Food Research Programmes includes food safety, food ingredients, meat technology, prepared food, dairy products and functional foods.
The main thrust of the food programme is directed towards developing the base of expertise and information in generic technologies to assist the Irish food industry to achieve consistent quality and guaranteed safety, allied to product and process innovations.
Farmer - Dry Stock
Kieran Magee "I guess its down to making important decisions with confidence and having courage and not to follow everybody else."
Event Rider
Luke Drea "In a modern 'cyber' world I feel really lucky to be able to spend time outdoors and lead a healthier lifestyle"
Horticulturist
Paul Dowling "You get to do projects from the start, and bring them to completion, you get to see something for the work you've done"
Farmer - Dairy
Denis Reidy "I came from an agricultural background and I have a keen interest in pedigree breeding"
