“The Teagasc ConnectEd programme was born from the need to enhance knowledge resources to services and professionals that support the agri-food sector,” said Teagasc director Prof Gerry Boyle. “The dissemination, and importantly the application, of knowledge at all levels within the agri-food sector will be crucial if we are to achieve the targets set out in the FoodWise 2025 strategy.”

ConnectEd ties in to the underlying philosophy of the European Innovation Partnership for agriculture – to enhance interaction between science and practice and to facilitate communication and networking among stakeholders.

Teagasc ConnectEd programme manager Mark Gibson said: “The programme seeks to leverage the extensive knowledge base that Teagasc maintains and has been designed specifically to meet the needs of professionals and businesses working with the agri-food sector. Businesses can now join the ConnectEd Programme and benefit from Ireland’s largest agri-food knowledge base. I look forward to working closely with industry stakeholders and agri-related businesses across the country in developing knowledge transfer programmes to meet their specific needs.”

Businesses interested in finding out more about Teagasc ConnectEd can visit the new website www.teagasc.ie/connected.

The application process can be completed online.