Name / Title

Teagasc – The Agriculture and Food Development Authority

Case Study Region

BMW, West of Ireland – Roscommon

Geographical coverage

National, with a range of county advisory centres and several research centres. It has 3 Advisory Offices in County Roscommon (Roscommon Town, Castlerea, and Boyle.

Type

Government; training scheme; advice service; policy; project

 

Main activity / focus

 

Policy advice to government on agriculture and rural development; training and advisory services mainly for the agricultural sector (but including rural development activities, particularly where these are on-farm).
 

Target beneficiaries / market

Government; farming community; rural communities; academic community

Year established

1988

Current Funding source(s)

National Exchequer; EU sources; client fees


Participants


Teagasc comprises a management board co-ordinated by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food; it has a staff structure divided into research and advisory. Members of the farming community may take out membership of Teagasc, which entitles them to certain services.

Website

http://www.teagasc.ie

 

Description

 

Teagasc (The Agriculture and Food Development Authority) is a semi-state authority which is responsible for research and development, and training and advisory services in the agri-food sector. The authority has a number of county advisory centres, colleges and research centres. Its Rural Economy Research Centre is located in Athenry, Co. Galway. It also has 3 Advisory Offices in Roscommon; Roscommon Town, Castlerea, and Boyle. Teagasc provides a range of training programmes and other supports to individuals in rural areas to assist them in innovation and diversification of activities that would lead to economic viability.

This includes, but is not exclusive to, farming-related or farm-based activities. Teagasc’s policy remit and funding are via the Department of Agriculture. Teagasc has in the past formed links with Local Action Groups, particularly LEADER groups, in the delivery of training programmes to rural-based communities which underpin provision of project funding via LEADER. Other training (Higher Certificate and Bachelor Degree courses) that is more directly related to agriculture and rural development is also provided via arrangements with Institutes of Technology. It also has links with the university sector for research and development, particularly in relation to sponsoring postgraduate and postdoctoral students.
 

 

Contact details

 

info@teagasc.ie
Teagasc Rural Economy Research Centre
Athenry
County Galway