Teagasc: The Irish Agriculture and Food Development Authority

Founded in 1988, Teagasc serves as Ireland's Agriculture and Food Development Authority, offering comprehensive services in research, advisory, and education to enhance the agriculture, food industry, and rural communities. Its headquarters are located at Oak Park, Carlow, Ireland.

Facilities and Factories

Teagasc operates a network of facilities across Ireland, including key research centers:

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

Management

The authority is managed by a board led by the Chairman, Liam Herlihy, and the Director, Professor Frank O'Mara. Together, they steer Teagasc towards its strategic objectives.

Significant Events

In recent developments, Teagasc's 2022 annual report highlighted a concerning trend of declining farm incomes, influenced by increased input costs, market volatility, and challenging weather conditions impacting crop yields.

Financial Indicators

Teagasc's funding primarily comes from government allocations, supplemented by income from advisory, research, and education services. The organization's reported turnover in 2022 was approximately €200 million. Despite this, the financial conditions for the farms it supports have been pressured by rising operational expenses and market instability.

Company Plans

In response to these challenges, Teagasc has laid out several strategic objectives:

• Promoting sustainable farming practices to combat climate change and secure future agricultural viability
• Investing in research and technology to boost productivity and minimize environmental impacts
• Expanding educational programs to update farmers and agri-professionals on new agronomic and business management strategies
• Enhancing collaboration with international research entities for knowledge exchange and technological advancement

Noteworthy Insights

Professor Olivia McAuliffe, associated with Teagasc, has articulated a vision for the reuse of dairy by-products, demonstrating the organization's commitment to sustainable practices. Additionally, the Teagasc National Dairy Conference served as a platform for addressing industry challenges and opportunities.

For comprehensive details, refer to Teagasc's official publications and the latest annual report available on their website.

Modified: 2025/02/02

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