Reducing the use of antibiotics in agriculture is one of the animal health and welfare challenges being addressed in a new Teagasc-led research project.

NUI Galway and Teagasc have been granted €400,000 for two joint research projects under the Department of Agriculture’s €6m Research Stimulus Fund.

Teagasc has produced a guide for farmers interested in establishing farm partnerships, as part of the organisation’s broader campaign to promote a variety of collaborative farming ventures.

ON-FARM food production is a virtually untapped resource in Ireland, with just 0.4% of farmers taking the direct sales route, said one industry expert.

BORD Bia believes it is getting closer to being able to roll out Food Brand Ireland, the highly anticipated umbrella brand to promote Irish agrifood exports.