Coughlan reveals €31m agri-research grants aid

GROWING consumer interest in quality foods and healthy lifestyles is reflected in a range of research projects selected for a total of €31 million in grant aid by Agriculture and Food Minister Mary Coughlan.

The assistance approved for 57 food research projects brings to €93m the total funding approved for the Food Institutional Research Measure (FIRM) under the National Development Plan 2000-2006.

The grants were awarded, following an open call for proposals and an evaluation process by external experts, cover a number of themes.

These include food and health, food quality and manufacturing, consumers and the food chain, new uses for food and drink by-products and the safety and security of the food chain.

Ms Coughlan said the research projects selected for funding are novel and innovative in nature.

The outputs of the research will ensure a supply of well-trained graduates and a base of knowledge to the Irish food industry to meet the challenges provided by the modern global marketplace.

Both the Agri-Vision 2015 Plan of Action and the Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation 2006-2013 place considerable emphasis on building a competitive, innovative and consumer-focused agri-food sector.

Ms Coughlan said her department is fully committed to play its part in bringing this about.

Funding was also being provided under FIRM towards new initiatives in the area of strategic equipment, graduate development and networking and team building.