Teagasc has lost its sense of purpose

I AM outraged at the rationalisation of Teagasc which now seems to have received the approval of its governing body.

Everyone realises the country is in unprecedented times and that sacrifices have to made by all.

I have no problem with Teagasc having to rationalise but more the way they are going about it. It seems to me Teagasc director Gerry Boyle has taken the easy option.

The cuts mean the “best and brightest” contract workers will be let go and we will be left with the old guard.

We will be left with only two agricultural colleges.

This does not add up considering the current interest in agri-related courses. Potential students will be on waiting lists next.

I believe Teagasc has lost its way and its sense of purpose in Irish agriculture. One only has to look at its handling of the nitrates directive. It was pure madness.

Its science was off the wall and to make things worse, take a look at the green cover rule — winter ploughing is allowed in numerous European countries which have their own version of the nitrates directive.

Recently, Teagasc was involved with the country’s largest milk processor in running a series of roadshows. They both prevailed in fooling farmers into thinking they could produce milk for 14c/litre.

I believe Teagasc should be an independent research and advisory organisation removed from the dairy and beef processors.

I think we will be left with an organisation that will be involved in research and training with little or no resources spent on advisory services which are vital to the vast majority of farmers who are involved with REPS and other similar schemes.

Michael Keane

County Chairman

Waterford IFA

Garranturton

Kilmacthomas

Co Waterford