Teagasc to offer specialised service

The country’s commercial farmers are to be offered a more specialised advisory service by Teagasc.

But the director of the State authority, Jim Flanagan, told the Agricultural Science Association annual conference in Waterford that farmers who want this more specialised service will have to pay a greater proportion of the cost.

A recent development in the Connacht Gold area was a welcome indicator that specialised farmers are willing to pay most, if not all, of the cost of a dedicated advisory service that meets their needs.

He said Ireland's commercial farmers will have to operate at the leading edge of technology to be profitable and competitive in the more open market situation post decoupling.

Mr Flanagan said he saw a need to free specialised advisers in areas such as dairy, drystock, tillage and pigs from all "scheme" work to deliver a dedicated technology and business advisory programme.

Future advisory services will have to achieve a balance between the developmental and service needs of farm families. These will be structured around three specific programmes managing change, technology and business and good farming practice.

He said Teagasc is setting up an e-college this autumn as an alternative means of delivering its various courses.

Management is also being reorganised into six directorates administration, management services, advisory services, training and development units, agricultural research and food research. A €25m "retooling" fund has been largely expended in upgrading facilities.