Teagasc

Teagasc (Irish pronunciation: [ˈtʲaɡəsˠk], meaning Instruction) is the semi-state[citation needed] authority in Ireland responsible for research and development, training and advisory services in the agri-food sector.

The official title of the body is Teagasc – the Agriculture and Food Development Authority. In 1988, Teagasc was formed as an amalgamation of two preceding bodies - An Foras Talúntais (AFT) / The Agricultural Institute, which was responsible for agricultural research, and An Chomhairle Oiliúna Talmhaíochta (ACOT) / The Agricultural Training Council, which was responsible for education and advisory services.

History

An Foras Talúntais was established on 23 May 1958, with Dr. Tom Walsh acting as its first director. Walsh had established the National Soil Testing Service and Research Centre at Johnstown Castle, Wexford in 1948, and eventually established all the main Teagasc research centres which exist today. Walsh also served as the first director of An Chomhairle Oiliúna Talmhaíochta. The two organisations, as well as "the local committees of agriculture", were dissolved on 8 September 1988 to form Teagasc.

Teagasc colleges and research centres

The authority has a number of county advisory centres, colleges and research centres in which it carries out its main business. The Teagasc headquarters are located in the Oak Park Estate in Carlow.

Teagasc agricultural and horticultural colleges

Private agricultural and horticultural colleges

Food research centres

Agricultural research centres

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Teagasc". gov.ie. Retrieved 10 September 2026.
  2. 1 2 "Agricultural Institute – An Foras Talúntais". Irish State Administration Database. Retrieved 10 September 2026.
  3. ↑ "Growing Knowledge – 50 years of Research Development in Irish Farming and Food". teagasc.ie. 1 June 2008. Retrieved 10 September 2026.
  4. 1 2 3 "A Man with a Mission: Dr. Tom Walsh (1914-1988) 'Harnessing the power of science for Irish agriculture'". teagasc.ie. 16 July 2021. Retrieved 10 September 2026.
  5. ↑ C., H. (23 July 2014). "Centenary Lecture to Mark Birth of Leading Irish Agricultural". horticultureconnected.ie. Retrieved 10 September 2026.
  6. ↑ "Teagasc – Irish Agriculture and Food Development Authority". Irish State Administration Database. Retrieved 10 September 2026.
  7. ↑ Hogan, Dick. "Test tubes in dump traced to farm centre" Irish Times, 17 January 1995