Cowen defends our dedication to advanced agricultural research

IRELAND has far greater dedication to advanced agricultural research than we give ourselves credit for, according to Taoiseach Brian Cowen.

The Taoiseach said the new strategic alliance between UCC and Teagasc researchers at Moorepark, Fermoy, Co Cork, would ensure that public funding was put to maximum use in underpinning innovation in the food industry. Mr Cowen was speaking in reply to criticism of Irish food research during the ICMSA’s annual conference in Limerick.

ICMSA president, Jackie Cahill, said: “The analysis done by state agencies, including Teagasc, and particularly, our universities on the agri-food sector is either insufficient or simply non-existent. Why is it that UCD – the biggest university in the state – has now no real competence in agricultural economics? What is their focus on these matters?