Agri-food tie-up with scientific community to boost sector output

Scientists from agriculture, food, and other scientific and engineering disciplines are to share their expertise following the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Science Foundation Ireland and Teagasc.

Signed at Teagasc Research Centre, Moorepark, Co Cork, the collaboration, called “The Future of Agri-Food”, will lead to knowledge-sharing between disciplines such as genomics, robotics, material science, nanotechnology, immunology, and ICT.

Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney said: “Agri-food has delivered a record €9bn in exports in 2012, a terrific achievement considering the fiscal difficulties experienced globally. Continued innovation in the area of agri-food is essential to maintain Ireland’s status as a leader in primary production and secondary processing of agri-food worldwide. The commitment of Teagasc and SFI to support science-based innovation in this sector will prove invaluable to the future of the agri-food economy in Ireland.”