Expert calls for new research centre
Dr Liam Downey, former Director of Teagasc and currently Honorary Professor in UCD and NUI Maynooth, said environmental research is fragmented. He said it lacks critical scientific mass, reflected in the controversy surrounding the nitrates directive.
Addressing a conference in Armagh run by the Agricultural Science Association (ASA) and the Northern Ireland Institute of Agricultural Science (NIIAS), Dr Downey said an integrated rural environment research centre is vital to ensure the environmental and economic sustainability of rural economies.
“Such a centre is a prerequisite to having the necessary knowledge base to achieve the optimum balance between economic development and protection of Ireland’s rich natural and cultural heritage,” he said.
The conference was attended by experts involved in all aspects of agri-food development on both sides of the border.
Dr Downey said the two EU policy goals of competitiveness and sustainability present unique challenges for the agriculture, food, marine and tourism industries.
He said new scientific and business thinking is required to develop profitable livestock and crop production that delivers food of assured safety and quality in a manner compatible with environmental and animal welfare requirements.
“The new policy goals impose radical demands on agricultural graduates in the rural economy,” Dr Downey added.
