Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)

Under the Agriculture (Research, Training and Advice) Act 1988, Teagasc has statutory responsibility for the provision of research, education and advisory services to the agriculture sector.

In accordance with section 13(3)(a) of the Act, Teagasc is required to submit a report in writing to my Department before the end of the financial year outlining its proposed programme of activities for the following year. The report, in the form of a programme of activities, covers the principal functions of Teagasc in the provision of education, research and advisory services to the agriculture sector.

The current programme is informed by the Teagasc statement of strategy, which sets out the strategies and priority actions for the Teagasc food and agriculture research programmes over the period 2008 to 2010. Teagasc research activities are designed to support Irish food and agriculture within the framework of Government policies and priorities. They are consistent with national objectives to support agrifood research and development as set out in my Department's Agri-Vision 2015 strategy. They are also in line with Government plans to build a knowledge economy as far as the agrifood and wider bio-economy is concerned.

Teagasc continually develops its research programmes in conjunction with its clients and partners including the main stakeholder groups in the agrifood sector. Particular emphasis is placed on transferring the outcomes of research and development activities to the farming and wider agri-sector to support increased efficiency and economic sustainability at farm and firm level.

The programme also provides the scientific basis for a range of other public good activities in food safety, biodiversity protection and climate change mitigation, and to meet the demand for environmental goods and services.

During the past 15 years Teagasc has built up internationally recognised research programmes in areas such as food safety, food technology, animal breeding and functional foods. Teagasc is currently investing significant resources in restructuring its research and development resources into centres of excellence. The Moorepark Food Research Centre is internationally renowned as a significant research hub. Several major multinational companies are collaborating with Teagasc researchers and in the process, strengthening their commitment to Ireland as a location of choice.

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