Our Organisation
Teagasc – the Agriculture and Food Development Authority – is the national body providing integrated research, advisory and training services to the agriculture and food industry and rural communities. It was established in September 1988 under the Agriculture (Research, Training and Advice) Act, 1988.
The organisation is funded by State Grant-in-Aid; fees for research, advisory and training services; income from national and EU competitive research programmes; and revenue from farming activities and commodity levies. Around 75% of Teagasc's yearly budget comes from the Irish exchequer and EU funding with the balance generated from earned income. Some 40% of the budget is devoted to research with the remainder split half and half between advisory and education services.
The 11 member Authority is appointed by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine and has representatives from the farming organisations, the food industry, universities, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and Teagasc staff.
Teagasc is a client-based organisation employing approximately 1,100 staff at 55 locations throughout Ireland with an annual operating budget in excess of €160 million. We operate in partnership with all sectors of the agriculture and food industry and with rural development agencies. We have developed close alliances with research, advisory and training agencies throughout the world and are continuously seeking to expand our international contacts.
Mandate
The principal functions of Teagasc as outlined in the Agriculture (Research, Training and Advice) Act 1988, shall be:
- To provide, or procure the provision of educational, training and advisory services in agriculture, including such educational, training or advisory services in agriculture as may be specified by the Minister for the purpose of giving effect to any directive, regulation or other act adopted by an institution of the European Communities.
- To obtain and make available to the agricultural industry the scientific and practical information in relation to agriculture required by it.
- To undertake, promote, encourage, assist, co-ordinate, facilitate and review agricultural research and development (including research and development in relation to food processing and the food processing industry).
This mandate gives Teagasc responsibility for meeting the knowledge and technology needs of the entire food chain and the authority to integrate research, advice and education services to deliver the innovation support necessary to add value to Ireland's agri-food sector.
Mission
To provide scientific leadership and support to Irish farmers and food companies in achieving a sustainable food system.
Vision
For Teagasc to be a globally recognised leader in developing innovative science-based solutions for the sustainable transformation of our land resources into products and services for the benefit of society
Our Values
Respect
We foster a culture of respect where we listen and take action to help everyone, prioritse inclusion, recognise the strength in our differences and promote positve well-being.
Excellence
We endeavor to consistently deliver excellence & value for money
Integrity
We deliver our work with integrity for the common good, and we are accountable for our actons and decisions
Teagasc Goals
Teagasc has five strategic goals:
Goal 1
To support improvements in farmers’ living standards and well-being.
Goal 2
To enhance the production and processing of safe, nutritious and flavoursome foods in line with sustainable circular bioeconomy principles.
Goal 3
To provide science-based evidence and technologies to enable Ireland meet commitments in regard to gaseous emissions, water quality and biodiversity.
Goal 4
To ensure, through science-based innovation, healthier soils, animals and people.
Goal 5
To constantly improve organisational excellence and efficiency in the delivery of our services.