Teagasc’s new strategy, launched on 8 December at its food research centre in Ashtown, Dublin, sets out the organisation’s priorities until the end of 2028.

The plan sets increased productivity, environmental sustainability and innovation in the agri-food sector among its chief goals.

There are also goals around increasing the attractiveness of a career in the agricultural industry to the next generation.

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Teagasc said the plan includes “more than 40 new initiatives” to help shape the agri-food industry over the next three years.

It added that the initiatives will be reviewed during the lifetime of strategy to ensure that Teagasc is achieving real impact. As a result, additional initiatives may be introduced over time, while others may be phased out.

Partnerships

Speaking at the launch, Teagasc director Professor Frank O’Mara said: “Teagasc will build on existing partnerships to ensure we remain thought leaders, accelerating innovation and delivering real benefits for our clients, stakeholders and the wider community.”

Secretary General of the Department of Agriculture Sinéad McPhillips, who delivered the keynote address at the launch, welcomed the focus on competitiveness and resilience.

She said that both practical and innovative solutions will be needed to address the challenges and opportunities facing the agri-food sector over the coming years.

Director of Food Drink Ireland Paul Kelly particularly praised the establishment of a dedicated Office for Agri-Food Innovation Support, which will have a dedicated team that will work proactively with companies in the agri-food and agri-tech sectors to identify opportunities, embed innovation and provide strategic insights on emerging trends and technologies.

Chair of the Teagasc Authority Liam Herlihy said in his introduction to the plan: “Oftentimes, ’strategy’ is just a word on paper, but Teagasc have the team to make sure this is fully implemented.”

See this week's Irish Farmers Journal for more on the new Teagasc strategy.