Cork researchers develop strategic links with Dutch food scientists

DUTCH food scientists are developing strategic links with Cork-based researchers in Teagasc Moorepark and in UCC, despite the competition that exists between them in terms of bringing projects to market.

Following up on existing industry and academic food research collaborations between Ireland and the Netherlands, Teagasc this week welcomed the Dutch Ambassador, Robert Engels, to Ireland with visits to the Teagasc Food Research Centre at Moorepark, Fermoy.

Mr Engels said: “Good contacts exist between researchers from both countries and some R&D activities of some Irish companies are based in the Netherlands.

“Ireland has three big advantages: clean water, environment and a pasture base, which should be fully taken advantage of with regard to dairy products and presents a win-win situation. This visit to Irish food research facilities precedes the upcoming visit of the Irish President Mary McAleese to the Netherlands in the next couple of weeks.”

Mr Engels also met with food and health researchers at UCC. The bulk of the exchanges are in the fields of food technology and food and health. The Dutch and Irish collaborators are on the cusp of a number of research breakthroughs, despite the healthy commercial competition that exists between them.

Teagasc director Professor Gerry Boyle said: “In some areas, Ireland and the Netherlands will be primarily competitors. That said, businesses in both countries have a lot to gain from enhancing their co-operation. The benefits of enhancing co-operation are many.

“The food innovation landscapes in Ireland and the Netherlands are very comparable. In both economies the food industry plays a central role. The Irish and Dutch governments and businesses are committed to expanding the sector by investing in food innovation.”

Mr Engels was also given an overview of the Teagasc food research programme by the head of the programme, Prof Paul Ross. He also toured the Teagasc facilities, including the National Imaging Centre, the Bio Functional Food Engineering Facility and the Dairy Products Pilot Plant, Moorepark Technology Ltd.

Prof Ross said: “We are already working with many Dutch institutes, companies and universities and this initiative would copperfasten these interactions in a way that should lead to significant economic development on both sides.”

The visit of the Dutch Ambassador is a follow-up to an Irish/Dutch joint food innovation workshop that took place in Dublin last December.

Good communication between those involved in food research in both countries exists, due to many existing and historic collaborations, particularly in European funded projects and dairy company interactions.

The plan is that by adopting an overarching and open food innovation approach, a fresh incentive can be provided for joint economic development in the agri-food sector for both countries.