Moorepark 07 focuses on innovation

THE latest science and technology available to help the Irish dairy industry to compete even more successfully on world markets will be outlined by Teagasc at an open day on Thursday.

Up to 10,000 people are expected to attend Moorepark 07, which will reflect the challenges and opportunities facing the country’s 21,000 milk suppliers and the overall industry.

It will take place at the Teagasc Moorepark complex near Fermoy, Co Cork, against a backdrop of continuing trade liberalisation and the probable phase-out of European Union milk quotas by 2015.

Some 85% of Irish dairy products, valued at €2.1 billion, are exported annually by the sector, which employs 9,000 people in processing with a further 4,500 in ancillary industries.

Moorepark 07 will focus on the appliance of science, technology and innovation to increase efficiency and scale at both farm and processor level to optimise output and profitability.

Dr Pat Dillon, head of the Teagasc Dairy Production Research Centre, said the development of blueprints for dairy farmers to expand in a non-EU milk quota scenario will be a highlight.

“Irish Dairying — winning on a world stage,” will be the theme of a conference, which will be addressed by key industry stakeholders. There will also be an elaborate display of practical demonstrations, products and services. FBD Trust is the overall sponsor of Moorepark 07, which will run from 10am-5pm.