Teagasc: The Irish Agriculture and Food Development Authority

Founded in 1988, Teagasc serves as Ireland's premier authority in agriculture and food development. It provides a comprehensive range of services in research, advisory, and education aimed at enhancing agriculture, the food industry, and rural communities. The headquarters of Teagasc is located at Oak Park, Carlow, Ireland.

Facilities and Research Centers

Teagasc operates an extensive network of facilities across Ireland, fostering innovation and development in the agricultural sector. Key research centers include:

• Moorepark Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, located in Fermoy, Co. Cork.
• Teagasc Food Research Centre, situated in Ashtown, Dublin.
• Teagasc Crops, Environment, and Land Use Programme, based in Oak Park, Carlow.
• Environment Research Centre, located at Johnstown Castle, Co. Wexford.

Management

The authority is managed by a dedicated board led by Chairman Liam Herlihy, and the Director, Professor Frank O'Mara. Together, they guide Teagasc in achieving its strategic objectives through focused leadership.

Significant Events

In its 2022 annual report, Teagasc highlighted a concerning trend of declining farm incomes, attributed to rising input costs, market volatility, and challenging weather conditions affecting crop yields. These factors underscore the complexity facing the agricultural sector.

Financial Indicators

Teagasc's primary source of funding is from government allocations, supplemented by revenue from advisory, research, and education services. The organization reported a turnover of approximately €200 million in 2022. Despite this, the farms it supports have experienced financial pressure due to increased operational costs and economic instability.

Company Plans

In response to these industry challenges, Teagasc has devised several strategic initiatives:

• Promoting sustainable farming practices to address climate change and ensure long-term agricultural viability.
• Investing in research and technology to increase productivity while reducing environmental impacts.
• Expanding educational programs to keep farmers and agri-professionals informed of the latest agronomic and business management strategies.
• Enhancing collaboration with international research bodies to facilitate knowledge exchange and technological advancement.

Noteworthy Insights

Professor Olivia McAuliffe has expressed a vision for reusing dairy by-products, showcasing Teagasc's commitment to sustainability. Furthermore, the Teagasc National Dairy Conference remains a critical event for discussing industry challenges and future opportunities.

To review comprehensive details, refer to Teagasc's official publications and the latest available annual report on their website. Additionally, Teagasc, in collaboration with the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF), provides guidelines to enhance herd sustainability and profitability for upcoming breeding seasons.

Modified: 2025/04/21

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