Demand for Teagasc educational courses and advisory services remain high leading to increased levels of activity right across the country, while Teagasc researchers collaborate both nationally and internationally, to provide the scientific base to develop Ireland’s agriculture and food sector.
Speaking at the publication of the Teagasc Annual Report and Financial Statements for 2015, Chairman Dr. Noel Cawley said:”2015 was an extremely busy year for Teagasc in its research, advisory and education functions. That high level of output has continued into the current year, as we work closely with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and other partners in the sector to achieve the objectives of the Food Wise 2025 Strategy for the industry.”
Teagasc Director, Professor Gerry Boyle said: “A Technology Foresight exercise commenced in 2015 and was completed and published in 2016. This report identified the critical technologies likely to have the greatest influence on Irish agriculture and food industry between now and 2030. It is already shaping the future direction of agriculture and food research in Teagasc and collaborating institutions.”
Among Teagasc’s outputs in 2015 were:
- Over 400 A1 Scientific papers published
- Over 43,000 farmer clients serviced
- 3,500 learners enrolled in adult Green Cert education program, up from 500 per annum normally
Highlights
In addition, during 2015:
- A national Strategic Plan for Advisory Services was published
- Two Teagasc bred grass varieties, Glenroyal and Solas, were added to DAFM recommended list
- New White clover variety bred called Buddy
- Post-Doctoral development program established
- Joint declaration signed between Teagasc and INRA, France’s National Institute for Agricultural Research
- NMP-Online, a nutrient management planning tool was launched
- Teagasc appointed Host Institute of Enterprise Ireland funded Meat Technology Centre
- The Paddy O’Keeffe Dairy and Grassland Innovation Centre opened at Teagasc Moorepark
- €10 million expansion of Moorepark Technology Limited pilot plant facility announced
- Beef Production System Guidelines for 14 cattle systems were produced
- Teagasc Dairy Expansion Service launched
- Published ‘Reaching New Heights’ report of the Irish Sports Horse Industry Strategy Committee
- 84,000 sows recorded on Teagasc eProfit Monitor PigSys recording system
- 15 level 5 organic production courses were delivered
Two major Teagasc national events took place in 2015. Thousands of farmers traveled to Teagasc in Athenry for the Sheep 2015 Open Day, and to Teagasc Moorepark for a major dairy and grassland Open Day.
During 2015, building work on a new pig research facility in Moorepark, Fermoy continued, and the development of education, horticulture, and food research facilities at Ashtown in Dublin progressed.
Financial
In 2015 the level of activity in Teagasc increased substantially. Excluding the Net Deferred Funding for Pensions, Teagasc’s income in 2015 was €175 million which was €10 million higher than 2014. Research income increased by €4.3 million (17%) compared to the previous year, with €3.5 million of the increase coming from externally funded research projects. Income in the Teagasc Knowledge Transfer Directorate increased by €5.5 million (34%) compared to 2014. This was made up of an increase of €1.8 million in Education income and there was an increase of €3.8 million in Advisory Services income. A strategic partnership business model with FRS to deliver a GLAS planning service to farmers was introduced.
2015 was the first year in which Teagasc presented its results under FRS102. The 2014 results were restated to reflect this change. Moorepark Technology Limited (MTL) is now accounted for as a subsidiary from 1 January 2014. Previously it was accounted for as a joint venture.
To download the 2015 Annual Report and Financial Statements visit the following link: https://www.teagasc.ie/publications/2016/teagasc-annual-report-2015.php
