A new strategic plan for the Mayo advisory region has been officially launched by Teagasc.

The plan sets out the key priorities and strategic actions for the region's publicly funded service for the next five years, including targeting a 30% increase in milk output. The region is the first of Teagasc's advisory regions to produce a Strategic Plan 2015-2020.

The plan will see the region target a 30% increase in milk output; work with Aurivo and local engineering services to support dairy expansion; and provide a one to one service for new dairy entrants following the abolition of milk quotas. Teagasc will also work with Animal Health Ireland to improve milk quality and disease status of livestock in the region.

The key targets also set out to increase the numbers participating in discussion groups in all industries in the region and stabilise suckler cow numbers.

Speaking at the launch of the plan, Teagasc Board member Padraig Gibbons said: "Because of increasing demand for Teagasc Advisory Services and reduced staff numbers, advisors are carrying unsustainable workloads and this is putting the achievement of Food Harvest 2020 at risk. This Strategic Plan clearly sets out the minimum number of advisers required to support the sector between now and 2020 and it is essential that impending retirements are replaced immediately."

Teagasc Regional Manager for Mayo, Peter Leonard, said that "Following consultation with our stakeholders, we anticipate an increase in the order of 30% in milk supplies in the region over the next five years. In addition we anticipate increased output from our sheep industry and better profit from efficiency in cattle."

Hard copies of the plan are available at each of the Teagasc offices in Mayo.