Biotechnology will benefit farmers

DEVELOPMENTS in biotechnology have the potential to benefit Irish farmers by up to €250 million annually within the next 20 years, according to Professor Jimmy Burke, Head of Teagasc Crops Research Centre in Oak Park, Carlow.

He was speaking at the official opening yesterday of a new state-of-the-art crops bioscience facility by the Agriculture and Food Minister Mary Coughlan.

The minister also launched the sectoral programme for agriculture and food, part of the overall Government Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation 2006-2013.