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Meat Technology Ireland (MTI), a strategic research and innovation base in beef and sheepmeat processing, was launched on Thursday by the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Mary Mitchell O‘Connor and the Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed.
MTI is a new industry-led initiative with significant funding from Enterprise Ireland that will create a one-stop shop for meat processing research and technology.
The launch took place on Thursday at the Teagasc Food Research Centre in Ashtown, Dublin.
It is an €8.1m five-year research and innovation programme, developed by industry and co-funded by Enterprise Ireland and a consortium of nine beef and sheepmeat processing companies.
Processors
ABP Ireland, Ashbourne Meat Processors and Irish Country Meats are just some of the processors involved.
The initiative emerged from a five-year research vision from IBEC’s Meat Industry Ireland (MII) industry group which was presented to Enterprise Ireland.
John Malone is the chair of MTI and Dr John Colreavy has been appointed as director.
Build on success
Speaking at the launch, Minister Creed said that MTI has the potential to build on the success of our beef and sheep sectors.
“By providing consumer-focused research that can best inform processors and farmers, MTI can be a driver for Ireland’s meat industry as it seeks to meet Food Wise 2025 targets and mitigate the potential impacts of Brexit.”
He also said that MTI will enhance Ireland’s endeavours in the marketplace.
“The scientific approach of MTI will be a critical ingredient in our toolbox [in establishing new markets].”
Exports
MII chair Phillip Carroll said that the output of MTI will be an important enabler for further developing Irish beef and sheepmeat exports meeting marketplace requirements and growing value.
Minister Mitchell O’Connor said that establishing MTI through Enterprise Ireland is one of the key initiatives under the Action Plan for Jobs and will help to build a competitive advantage in the food sector, through investment in research and innovation capability.
Also speaking at the launch was Teagasc director Gerry Boyle, who said that MTI will serve as a hub to coordinate all beef and sheepmeat processing research needs.
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