Teagasc warns farmers risks on up

TEAGASC is embarking on a capital investment and staff resourcing initiative to ensure that the agriculture and food sectors play their part in the knowledge economy.

Teagasc acting director Tom Kirley said: “Centres of Excellence in Animal Science, Crop Science, Environment and Land Use, Rural Research and Food for Health, are currently being established. A very significant capital investment programme costing €27 million is being undertaken, together with the recruitment of additional research staff. The programmes seek to harvest advances made possible by developments in science — and in the biosciences in particular — for the benefit of Irish agriculture and Irish society generally.”

Mr Kirley was addressing the 16th International Farm Management Congress. The theme of this international congress is ‘A Vibrant Rural Economy – The Challenge for Balance’, with contributions from speakers from all over the world. National and international delegates are participating in a series of conferences in UCC and study tours around the country.