Claims advances in plant breeding deliver 90% of rise in cereal yields

INNOVATIONS in plant breeding have delivered almost 90% of the increase in average cereal yields over the past 25 years, according to a leading Teagasc expert.

Professor Jimmy Burke of Teagasc Oak Park said Ireland’s enviable global reputation for quality cereals is largely due to its commitment to traceability across the food chain, the soil, climate and the technical skill of Irish farmers.

“There has been a continuing focus on improvement over the past 50 years,” said Prof Burke.