Teagasc and UCD to host knowledge transfer conference

From left: Dr Stan Lalor, director of knowledge transfer, Teagasc; Professor Karina Pierce, dean of agricultural science and head of school, UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science; Brian Leonard, assistant professor of generational renewal and rural viability, UCD; and Mark Gibson, head of Teagasc outreach and innovation.

A knowledge transfer conference will explore the impacts of agricultural advice, education and research and how they support farmers, and will be held this October.

Teagasc and University College Dublin (UCD) will jointly host the Knowledge Transfer Conference 2026 on Thursday, October 22, at Teagasc Ashtown.

The conference is aimed at advisers, educators, researchers, policymakers, students, and others involved in sharing knowledge across the farming sector.

Titled ‘Knowledge Transfer for Future Ready Farming’, the event will examine how agricultural advice, education and research can support farmers to respond to the challenges facing their businesses and communities.

The programme aims to address issues including farm succession, water quality, livestock safety, digital skills, and farmer wellbeing. Presentations will also explore the impact of bovine TB on farmers, the experiences of women in agriculture, and how advisory services can support the adoption of new technologies and farming practices.

Keynote speakers for the event include associate professor in the Department of Education and Communication at the University of Florida, Matt Benge; Wexford tillage farmer and overall winner of the Teagasc FBD Environmental Sustainability Award 2025, Don Somers; and co-founder and director of development and innovation at FoodCloud, Aoibheann O’Brien.

Speaking ahead of the conference, head of Teagasc outreach and innovation Mark Gibson said: “Agricultural advisers and educators have a vital role in supporting farmers and the wider agri-food sector to adopt technologies that enhance environmental and economic sustainability.

This conference brings the wider sector together to explore those opportunities, and we are particularly delighted to welcome a strong line-up of national and international speakers.” 

Professor Monica Gorman of UCD said: “The future success of Ireland’s farming sector depends on agricultural advisers and educators who are committed to continuously seeking better ways of supporting farm families with the challenges and decisions they face. This conference is an opportunity for these graduates to showcase their research with the wider agricultural knowledge and innovation network.” 

To register for the event and access the full agenda, visit teagasc.ie.