Teagasc plans to have more web based resources for the potato sector and are encouraging collaboration with dairy farmers.

Potato targets

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  • Plant breeding: biotechnology will be used for the development of marker and genomics assisted breeding to develop varieties of potato, and other crops better suited to Irish tillage systems

  • Potatoes: target to maintain the area at 9,000 ha; target to increased salad potato production by 5,000t; target to increase seed production by 7,000t; target to increase peeling production by 30,000t

  • Ensure the exploitation of the above by the industry by exploiting novel ‘Knowledge Transfer’ models, such as: Extension of RDP ‘Knowledge Groups’ to tillage farms; web-base resources; more effective use of industry advisors; ICT-aided decision support; all of which will include principles of financial management and planning

  • Collaboration with dairy farmers: exploit opportunities arising in provision of forage; utilisation of slurry