Teagasc invests €4m in centre to support expansion of farming

Teagasc is investing up to €4m in a new research and education facility that will play a pivotal role in supporting the expansion of Irish farming in the context of Food Harvest 2020.

The Paddy O’Keeffe Innovation Centre at the Teagasc Animal and& Grassland, Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, near Fermoy, Co Cork, will be central to the delivery of the new dairy business BAgrSc degree (UCD), and Teagasc’s diploma in professional dairy farm management. Some 50% of the funding will be provided through a capital grant from FBD Trust.

Teagasc director Professor Gerry Boyle said: “As well as being used for teaching and training functions, the centre will also be available for the delivery of in-service training for Teagasc advisers, and as a venue for small scale scientific, or farmer meetings and conferences.”

The centre is named after the late FBD founding chairman and Irish Farmers Journal editor Paddy O’Keeffe, and reflects his contribution to the development of Irish agriculture.

FBD chairman, Michael Berkery, said: “This facility will greatly assist Teagasc in its delivery of cutting-edge research combined with a strong education programme for the next generation of young farmers, two vital areas championed by Paddy O’Keeffe in his lifetime.

“It will stand as a fitting tribute to him for generations to come.”