1.1 Human Resources

1.2 Information & Communications Technology

Having carried out a comprehensive review of ICT in Teagasc, an ICT Strategy and Plan was produced late in 2002. A Head of ICT was appointed in 2003. An Implementation Plan is now being developed and will be launched in Autumn 2003.

Already major strides have been made within Teagasc in both IT infrastructure and applications. Because of the large number of small Teagasc locations and the cost of dedicated networks, only the larger centres had been connected to the Teagasc wide area network (WAN). Now, through availing of the Government sponsored Virtual Private Network (VPN) Teagasc will have all its significant offices connected and be in a position to roll out a range of systems that will improve the efficiency and operation of the organisation. Amongst these are the roll out of the core organisational financial system (INTEGRA) to advisory offices and a new Client Information Management System (CIMS) linked to the Integra system. Development work is beginning on a HR system (linked to an updated payroll system). The selection of a Laboratory Information Management System for the main laboratories in the organisation is well advanced, together with a library system. Future developments will include desktop standardisation, upgrading of PCs, completion of HR System, redevelopment of the programme and data capture of the National Farm Survey, development of a data centre, document management and the development of virtual learning and e-services for clients in the agricultural and food sectors.

1.3 Quality Customer Service Initiative

Teagasc is implementing the Quality Customer Service Initiative within the organisation and has appointed a full-time Customer Services Officer. A Quality Customer Service Action Plan is currently being developed based on the outcome of consultation which spans the breath of service provision by the organisation.

The Action Plan will include appropriate performance indicators and will be implemented throughout the organisation.

1.4 Programme Evaluation

As set out in the Teagasc Statement of Strategy, Teagasc is setting out its programme objectives in a format which facilitates evaluation. Impact evaluation of programmes has become a core responsibility of senior managers. An Evaluation Unit is being established to oversee the design and conduct of the performance measurement system and to develop a cyclical plan for the systematic evaluation of the impact of the key programmes of the organisation. The Evaluation Unit will also develop procedures to measure the output and impact of those aspects of the services where, because of the nature of the activity, it is particularly difficult to measure performance. With the assistance of an outside firm of consultants, Teagasc has developed the overall strategies for performance evaluation within the organisation and is now in the process of developing the performance evaluation plan. This evaluation plan will be implemented in the period of the overall plan.

2.1 Introduction

The Teagasc research programme for the five-year period 2004-2008 is firmly focused on the challenges facing the agri-food sector and rural communities.

The changing structure of Irish farming combined with the trend towards further liberalisation of world food trade and a continuing growth in world food demand creates substantial challenges and opportunities for the industry. Allied to this, the relentless demand by consumers for food safety assurance and growing concern about protection of the environment have become critical imperatives of sustainable, competitive food production and processing. Ireland's ability to compete will be dependent on the quality of our technology and the capacity of farmers and food processors to apply that technology.

While farming will continue to be the mainstay of the rural economy, the continued viability of rural communities will require innovative approaches to the planning, organisation and implementation of rural development strategies.

The Teagasc research programme over the next five years reflects the central role which the organisation must play in supporting the agri-food industry and rural communities to become an innovative, high-productivity, high-quality and highly-skilled sector which can successfully compete in the more global market.

2.2 Priorities

Teagasc's research priorities are to provide the scientific, technological and analytical capabilities required in:

• Food Processing: To enable the highest standards of consumer safety, food quality and nutrition to be consistently achieved in existing and new food products.
• Agriculture: To support internationally competitive and environmentally sustainable farm production.
• Rural Economics: To develop and project the impact of policy and markets on the agri-food industry and analyse the dynamics of economic and structural changes in rural areas.

The scope of Teagasc's research programmes in the period 2004-2008 for the food industry, agriculture and rural economics is detailed in the following pages, along with the major strategies to be employed. In view of the special funding made available by the Department of Agriculture & Food to re-tool the research capabilities of Teagasc, the programme will include an enhanced level of activity in biotechnology research in the food, crops and animal production programmes.

2.3 Food Processing

The objectives of Teagasc's food processing research, technology development services and training programmes are to ensure that the highest standards of safety, quality and nutrition are consistently achieved in food products and to provide the necessary scientific and technological enabling capacity in food products and ingredients.

It comprises the following seven sub-programmes and strategies:

2.4 Agriculture

The objective of Teagasc's research in agriculture is the development of livestock and crop production systems designed to reduce production costs and produce food products of assured safety and consistent quality, while ensuring protection of the rural environment and improved animal welfare.

It comprises the following key strategies:

2.5 Rural Economics

The objectives of Teagasc's research in rural economics is to develop and project the impact of policies and other changes on the agri-food industry and rural areas; to assess changes in the market demand for food products and to analyse adjustment processes in rural areas.

It comprises the following key strategies:

• Develop models to project the impact of policy developments and changes in the agri-food sector on the economic performance of farm enterprises, on consumer markets and on the competitiveness of the agri-food industry.
• Provide the strategic knowledge base to project the future structure of rural areas, including the impact of policy, demographic and other changes.
• Provide national and international agencies with up-to-date statistics, analysis and consultancy services on agri-food economics and rural development.
• Quantify the factors which influence the establishment and viability of alternative employment opportunities and enterprises in rural areas.
• Develop interactive agri-food industry and rural development related databases.

2.6 Research Re-Tooling Initiative

In February 2000, the Minister for Agriculture and Food awarded Teagasc special government funding of £25m (€32m) over five years to re-tool its research infrastructure. The research areas designated for support were:

• Biotechnology
• Environmental Sciences
• Food Training.

The funding provided for the recruitment of 25 research staff on five-year contracts, the purchase of laboratory supplies and equipment and investment in the construction of new labs and the upgrading and modernisation of existing labs and offices.

The agreed capital projects were as follows:

• Moorepark biotechnology lab
• Oak Park biotechnology lab and necessary refurbishment
• NFC food training facilities
• Johnstown Castle lab refurbishment and new offices
• Moorepark animal facilities
• Grange animal and lab facilities
• Athenry lab facilities.

By end 2003 it is projected that €22.366m of the re-tooling fund will have been expended on the approved headings of staff, equipment/consumables and buildings. It is vital that the balance of the fund is spent over the remainder of the five-year period to continue to strengthen Teagasc's role in these key areas.

2.7 Capital Investment

Whilst progress has been made in recent years in adding to and modernising the physical infrastructure of the research programme, a continuing high level of investment is required. Further investment is needed in order to update facilities to meet modern day requirements and ongoing investment is required to ensure that the buildings are not allowed to deteriorate and become unsuitable. The infrastructural requirements for a national research programme need constant renewal in order to ensure that the programme can continue to meet the increasingly sophisticated demands of the Irish agri-food industry.

Of the €32m awarded under the Research Re-tooling Fund in 2000, €16.5m was allocated to the capital projects outlined in Section 2.6. To date, projects have been completed in Moorepark Production and in Athenry, and partially completed in Grange, Johnstown Castle and Oak Park. Funding will be required over the remainder of the five-year period to complete the DPC laboratories, which are currently under construction and to complete the Oak Park, Johnstown Castle and Grange projects. Funding will also be required in order to proceed with the construction of the food training facilities at NFC.

2.8 Performance Measurement

The research programme management and evaluation system includes the monitoring of performance through regular consideration of output indicators. The primary indicators, common to the majority of research areas, are:

• Number of research projects successfully completed.
• Quantity and quality of scientific publications and reports.
• Number of end-of-project reports.
• Numbers of open days, training courses, workshops and symposia.
• Contribution to public advice and debate.
• Patents.
• Innovation outputs of near market potential:
• Applications trials/pilot plant validations successfully completed.
• Product/process innovations tendered to industry.
• Amount of industry commissioned research and consultancy
• Uptake of research as measured by follow-on commercial contract activity.
• Products in market test by industry.

3.1 Introduction

Over the next five years the pace of change in Irish agriculture is likely to accelerate due to the likely adjustments in income support policies, environmental pressures and the increase in part-time farming. While many of the changes can be anticipated and built into a plan, the advisory service must always retain the capacity to deal with emergencies - whether weather or disease related - that may emerge in any year.

While the number of full-time farmers is declining there has been a substantial increase in the number of part-time farmers. The separate needs of full and part-time farmers are taken into account in the planning and implementation of the advisory programme. Very close working relationships have been established with the Department of Agriculture and Food, agribusiness (through an extensive series of joint development programmes), farming organisations and local development or community groups. IT is increasingly being used both by the individual adviser in the performance of the day to day work and in the development of services for clients.

3.2 Services

Teagasc will operate two advisory services; each targeted on different segments of farmers. These are:

• Technology and Business Service for the 20,000 full-time and more commercial farmers
• Rural Viability Service for the 40,000 less intensive and smaller scale farmers, both part-time and full-time

3.3 Advisory Programmes

The following four priority programmes will be delivered by the advisory services:

• Improved Competitiveness: The main thrust of this programme is the adoption of low cost technologies and improved business practices by the full-time and more commercial farmers. The programme is delivered by the Technology and Business Service and will target 15,000 clients per year.
• Opportunities for Farm Families and Diversification: The aim of the programme is to assist farming families that are under pressure to improve the viability of their farms, to undertake diversification and exploit opportunities for additional income generation, both on and off the farm. This programme is delivered by the Rural Viability Advisory Service and will target 21,000 clients during the period.
• Sustainable Farming: The programme is focused on minimising the environmental impacts of agricultural practices, with particular attention to improving fertiliser utilisation, better waste management and protection of important natural habitats. The programme is relevant to all farmers. A total of 26,000 REPS plans for clients are planned together with about 4,000 nutrient management plans for more intensive farmers in the period.
• Food Safety and Quality: The aim of the programme is to ensure that farmers have the knowledge, skills and technology to meet the new standards of food safety and quality assurance. The programme is targeted at all farmers, in particular those participating in quality assurance schemes. Some 5,000 farmers will be targeted for training during the period.

3.4 Delivery of Services

Teagasc's advisory services are delivered through a variety of activities including farm visits, office and phone consultations, regular technical newsletters, seminars, farm walks, client website and Today's Farm, the bi-monthly magazine for Teagasc farmer clients.

Teagasc also operates a network of Discussion Groups in dairying, cattle, sheep, tillage and alternative enterprises. These are a central element in the delivery of the Technology and Business Service.

Monitor Farms have been established throughout the country to demonstrate and measure the value of research at local level. Teagasc is also working with all the major agri-business companies in undertaking joint development programmes. These programmes are firmly focused on improving efficiency and quality consistent with market requirements. Continued developments of these Discussion Groups, Monitor Farms and joint programmes will take place together with an increased use of financial analysis and planning in working with individual farm businesses. This development is set out in the table below for the major enterprises.

Developing the capacity of the advisory service in relation to information technology is a top priority. Information technology offers significant opportunities for the development of cost-effective services for the farming community in line with the developments in eGovernment policy. Teagasc will add to its on-line information and interactive services in line with its ICT strategic plan.

Teagasc plays a major role in assisting farmers with their applications for a wide range of income support schemes and is an approved agency for REPS planning services and for servicing the other development schemes introduced under the National Development Plan. With the aid of a significant investment in IT, Teagasc in association with the Department of Agriculture & Food and others, will have the capacity to lead in the development of IT applications as the eGovernment policies are rolled out in future years.

3.5 Performance Measurement

Ongoing programme monitoring is in place which will focus on the measurement of the following outputs each year for the services:

• Number of paying clients
• Number of farmers participating in Discussion Groups
• Number and scale of joint Teagasc/Industry programmes
• Advisory contact as measured in the National Farm Survey

In addition, the mid-term review of the National Development Plan will include the mid-term review of the Rural Viability Service in 2003 with the final review taking place in 2006. Delivery of the targets in relation to this service will be crucial in terms of securing funding from 2007 onwards. Individual advisory programmes will be subjected to evaluation every 2 - 3 years.

4.1 Introduction

The Teagasc medium-term plan, Teagasc 2000, the report of the Ministerial Task force on Agricultural Education and Training and the Teagasc Statement of Strategy continue to provide the framework for the Teagasc Education and Training Programme over the coming five years.

The establishment during 2001 of the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland and its subsidiary awarding councils, HETAC and FETAC, has given an impetus to the process of achieving national accreditation for all Teagasc courses. This process will be further facilitated by the development of a National Framework of Qualifications.

Over the coming five years, nationally accredited third level and vocational courses will be provided for young people entering careers in agriculture, horticulture, related land-based enterprises and the agri-food industry. A key component of the programme is the opportunity to progress right up to degree level. In line with the national accreditation of Teagasc training programmes and the linkages with Institutes of Technology, the continued upgrading of facilities at colleges will be an ongoing priority in the years ahead.

In recognition of the increasing trend towards part-time farming, courses will continue to be provided outside of normal working hours. In addition, E-learning and distance learning will be facilitated and further developed. There will also be increased emphasis on the provision of ongoing training and education for adults. The provision of adult training will be delivered on a modular basis with standardised syllabi and assessment procedures, thereby facilitating the ongoing accumulation of credits towards awards for adults.

4.2 Education and Training Programme Goals

Teagasc's Education and Training programme goals are to develop the human resources for:

• Future Commercial Farmers: To enrol annually some 200 to 250 young people embarking upon careers in commercial farming combined in some instances with a professional career in agriculture, and to ensure that upwards of 160 to 180 of these qualify with a third level qualification from the joint Teagasc/Institute of Technology programmes accredited by HETAC.
• Future Full and Part-time Farmers: To enrol 500 to 600 young people taking over the operations of both full-time or part-time farm enterprises and ensuring that upwards of 400 to 500 of these qualify with Vocational Certificates in Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry or Horses (accredited by FETAC).
• Adult Farmer Training: To meet the growing demand from adult farmers for new skills/additional information to enable them improve or diversify their farm business. It is proposed to provide training to 8000 adult farmers each year.

4.3 Third Level Courses

The following 11 third level programmes will be provided by Teagasc college/institute of technology partnerships. Application will be through the Central Applications Office.

• National Certificate in Agriculture (Four Courses)
• National Diploma in Horticulture (Three Courses)
• National Certificate in Agricultural Science
• National Certificate in Agri-Business
• National Certificate in Equine Studies
• National Certificate in Agricultural Mechanisation

It is intended that an add-on National Diploma in Agriculture will be in place from 2003 onwards.

4.4 Vocational Certificate Courses

The following 10 nationally accredited vocational certificate courses in agriculture, horticulture, forestry and horses will be provided in 9 agricultural and horticultural colleges.

• Vocational Certificate in Agriculture
• Advanced Certificate in Dairy Herd Management
• Advanced Certificate in Farm Machinery and Arable Crops
• Advanced Certificate in Drystock Management
• Advanced Certificate in Farm Management
• Certificate in Horticultural Skills
• Vocational Certificate in Horticulture
• Vocational Certificate in Horse Breeding & Training
• Vocational Certificate in Forestry
• Vocational Certificate in Greenkeeping

Participants who achieve the necessary results may transfer via the Higher Education Links Scheme to appropriate third-level courses.

4.6 Adult Farmer Training

The comprehensive adult farmer training programme will be aimed at equipping farm families with the latest technology and information on production, financial management, environmental control, food safety and quality, information technology and rural diversification. It will include a wide range of training courses of varying duration in the following areas:

• 100 Hour Basic Agricultural Courses
• 80 Hour Farm Management Courses
• Advanced 120 hour Courses in Dairying, Tillage, Drystock etc.
• Rural Viability Modules
• Technology and Business Modules
• Diversified Enterprise Modules
• Information Technology Modules
• Environment/Food Safety Modules
• Discussion Groups

4.7 Participation Rates

Enrolments in colleges fell during the 1990s but have stabilised and actually increased marginally in the current year. In the uncertain economic climate prevailing in agriculture, it is difficult to project with any degree of certainty, the participation rates in the education and training programmes. This is especially true of the higher education programmes which constitute a new departure in agricultural education in Ireland.

Current enrolment numbers, together with the projections to 2011 contained in the ESRI Review of the Future Number and Status of Agricultural Training Colleges (commissioned by Teagasc in 2000) indicate that somewhere in the region of 850 young people may enrol annually in these programmes in the immediate years ahead.

Based on these projections, the following indicative enrolment and qualification targets are used to determine the performance of the new third level education and vocational training programmes.

4.8 Capital Investment in Colleges

There has recently been a welcome recognition of the lack of adequate capital investment in colleges over a long number of years.

The proposed allocation of €24.5m over the five-year period 2000-2005 is being spread across all colleges, but higher priority is being accorded to the colleges involved in partnership arrangements with institutes of technology. There is need for a further capital expenditure of about €10m in the years 2005-2007. The investment of capital funds in 2000 - 2003 in the different colleges is outlined in Appendix 1. The ultimate objective is to have larger better equipped colleges each of which will be in a position to provide a critical mass of teachers with a wide range of competencies and a critical mass of students thereby generating a campus atmosphere.

4.9 Marketing and Promotion

Intensive national and local publicity campaigns will be undertaken each year aimed at maximising awareness among school leavers, parents and career guidance teachers of third level and vocational courses and of career opportunities.

The awareness campaign will be supplemented by visits by Teagasc education staff to second-level schools and by participation by Teagasc in all appropriate careers seminars and exhibitions. A detailed course prospectus will be prepared and updated annually and made available to all second-level schools and other relevant stakeholders. Full details of all courses will also be made available on the Teagasc website and application forms will be available for downloading.

In addition, careers events will be held in all colleges twice each year and will focus on course availability, course content and career opportunities.

4.10 Monitoring and Evaluation of Programmes

From now on, the provision of adult training will be monitored using the Adult Management System (AMS) a fully functional, interactive web-based system designed to manage a centralised database of course participants, training courses and attendance records. All courses are developed using a modular approach with standardised syllabi and assessment procedures.

Young entrant training will continue to be monitored using the Education Management System (EMS) which will be upgraded to an interactive web based system.

In line with the requirements of both HETAC and FETAC, comprehensive internal and external verification procedures are in place for all training programmes. The recently established Education and Training Forum will have a role in advising Teagasc on the future development of the Education and Training Programme and in the ongoing review of the programme.

5.1 Information & Communications Technology

Immediate ICT capital requirements are being addressed in 2003 but going forward Teagasc will require an annual investment in new technology, networks and modern operating systems together with the skilled staff to support and lead the IT developments.

In terms of Capital investment alone, Teagasc will need to spend at approximately €4m each year for the next 5 years to make up for the under investment in the past. It will need to recruit a significant number of ICT staff to fill defined skills deficits in the organisation.

5.2 Research

To maintain the progress made in modernising the physical structure of the research programme, a continuing high level of investment is required. Investment will also be required to consolidate activities onto a smaller number of larger centres and to automate processes where possible in order to improve efficiency. The infrastructure required for a national research programme needs constant renewal in order to ensure that the programme can continue to meet the increasingly sophisticated and changing demands of the Irish agriculture and food industry. We estimate a requirement of €5.0m in 2004, €5.5m in 2005, €4.0m in 2006 and €1.0m in 2007 and 2008.

5.3 Training

While many of the very urgent needs of the agricultural training programme have been met, student facilities are seriously lacking in many colleges. With the consolidation of students on to a smaller number of campuses and with the development of joint courses with Institutes of Technology, the standard of the facilities must be improved. The traditional approach to accommodation is no longer appropriate. We estimate that the requirement for capital in training will come to €5m per year for 2004 and 2005 reducing to €1.5m thereafter.

5.4 General

The refurbishment of offices to facilitate the relocation of staff from Head Office and other offices/centres being disposed of will come to about €2.5m in 2004. General upgrading and modernisation of offices and local training centres will require an additional €0.75m in 2004 and €1.0m per year thereafter.