Teagasc Support
Teagasc
Teagasc – the Agriculture and Food Development Authority – supports science based innovation in the agri-food sector and broader bio-economy to underpin profitability, competitiveness and sustainability. Through its research (agriculture and food) and its knowledge transfer services (education and advisory) it pursues four goals;
• Improve the competitiveness of agriculture food and wider bio economy;
• Support sustainable farming and the environment;
• Encourage diversification of the rural economy and enhance the quality of life in rural areas;
• Enhance organisational capability and deliver value for money.
Knowledge Transfer Services for Farmers Advisory
The Teagasc Advisory Service maximise the income and sustainability of farm families within rural communities through the implementation of the following programmes:
Business and Technology Programme
Farmers need technical and financial management support to develop their businesses in response to competitive pressures and the challenges posed by more volatile international markets. Through its Business and Technology (B&T) service Teagasc continue to increase the competitiveness of Irish agriculture through promotion of innovation in production efficiency and product quality. The key components of the B&T programme include increased use of financial and business tools (the profit monitor, cost control planner and other financial tools), monitor farms, discussion groups, industry joint programmes, focused farm visits, and business and technology training for adult farmers. The programme focuses on better business management and uptake of proven technology by farmers, ensuring that they can compete internationally.
Soils and Environment Programme
Achieving sustainable systems of agriculture is one of the major goals for Teagasc. This programme supports sustainable farming through the provision of environmental services, nutrient/manure management planning services and the transfer of environmental technologies from research. The Programme provides a balance of environmental and technical advice for farmers.
The key activities of the programme are:
• Support farmers participating in environment schemes such as AEOS and REPS;
• Deliver fertilizer planning services to farmers;
• Improve the efficiency and profitability of farms;
• Support national initiatives around national water quality and greenhouse gas abatement.
Rural Innovation Programme (Options Programme)
This programme delivers advice on diversification enterprises and businesses. The Options Programme assists rural people in assessing the possibilities of starting their own diversified business. It also supports farmers with significant developmental or financial viability issues. Participants are supported through a formal planning process to deal with the challenges which confront them and will be referred to relevant support services as appropriate.
Services to Agri-Business
A range of specialised advisory, training and consultancy services are provided by Teagasc to the agri-business sector.
• Joint development programmes leverage the capacity of dairy processors, meat processors, livestock marts and other agri-businesses to deliver improved supports on key common objectives for farmers.
• Teagasc ConnectEd is a new training and support service for all rural professionals who engage with farmers. Corporate clients who wish to avail of these or any Teagasc advisory, training, research or laboratory services can participate.
Analytical Services
Teagasc provides an independent analytical service to farmers and to the industry through the following locations:
Soil Analysis
Teagasc Environment Research Centre, Johnstown Castle, Wexford, Y35 Y521. Tel: 053 9171200
Plant Pests and Diseases
Teagasc Crops Research Centre, Oak Park, Carlow, R93 XE12. Tel: 059 9170200
Specialist Residue and Chemical Contaminant Analysis
Teagasc Food Research Centre, Ashtown, Dublin 15, D15 KN3K. Tel: 01 8059500
Food Industry Research and Development Supports
Teagasc provides contract research and consultancy services to food companies from its two food research sites at:
Teagasc Food Research Centre, Ashtown, Dublin 15, D15 KN3K. Tel: 01 8059500 Teagasc Food Research Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, P61 C997. Tel: 025 42222
Food industry supports are provided by a number of means as follows:
• Access to the expertise and outputs from the food research programme;
• Access to a range of modern food production and product testing facilities located in Dublin and Cork;
• Food training programmes and individual company contract research and consultancy opportunities.