TResearch
2023
Hide and seek As fresh produce consumption rises, so too do potential risks. New research in Irish horticulture explores where hidden contamination can occur, and how to stop it before it reaches your plate. While fresh produce is increasingly a part of healthier diets, it’s important to understand potential sources of contamination […]
Chipping away at food waste Potato processing side streams contain valuable nutrients like proteins and starch, which can be efficiently extracted using green technologies. Scaling up these processes enables a zero-waste biorefinery model, turning waste into economic and environmental benefits. Both discarded whole potatoes and leftover scraps can be valuable sources of […]
Securing farm futures Low pension coverage and late retirement are stalling generational renewal. New research compares EU systems to explore solutions for supporting Irish farmers through the retirement transition. The sustainability of agriculture in Europe is deeply intertwined with the financial wellbeing of its farmers, particularly concerning retirement provisions. As the farming […]
Think before you till A new study reveals the conditions under which Irish tillage growers adopt innovations. Research highlights that peer-to-peer exchange is a highly valuable knowledge source for Irish growers, especially plough-based growers. Credit: Oleg Marchak/istockphoto.com Most Irish tillage farmers won’t adopt a new practice unless they see proof that it […]
Rooting innovation: shaping Ireland’s apple future A research initiative at Teagasc Oak Park aims to boost apple production in Ireland by exploring innovative training systems and rootstocks. The project focuses on improving yield efficiency, enhancing fruit quality, and cutting labour costs, offering Irish growers strategies tailored to the local climate. Credit: Teagasc […]
Going viral Research at the Horticulture Development Department at Teagasc Ashtown is exploring the potential use of viruses to combat pathogens in commercial mushroom cultivation. Typical symptoms of dry bubble disease on a mushroom crop. Credit: Teagasc Mushroom cultivation is a significant horticultural enterprise in many countries. In Ireland, commercial mushroom production […]
Cultivating safety: sowing the seeds of safer farming How do farming experience and social influences shape safety awareness among young farmers? This research explores the behavioural drivers of farm injury risk perception. Credit: SolStock/istockphoto.com Although farm safety is governed by legislation, it is strongly influenced by individual behaviours. These behaviours are shaped […]
Turning waste into wealth: the hidden potential of animal blood proteins Animal blood is a nutrient-rich by-product offering sustainable solutions. Innovative processes transform it into valuable products, turning waste into wealth and advancing a circular economy. Credit: MediaProduction/istockphoto.com Ireland has established itself […]
Interview: Not for lack of drying A Senior Research Officer at Teagasc Moorepark’s Food Research Centre, Eoin Murphy is focused on improving drying processes and associated energy usage in the dairy industry. An upcoming symposium in Cork will be examining this sector’s challenges and opportunities. […]
Celebrating Teagasc’s Food Programme Highlighting the Food Programme’s lasting impact on the evolution of the agri-food sector. Teagasc’s Food Programme focuses on research, development and innovation across key sectors such as meat, dairy, cereals, prepared consumer foods and marine food. The programme also emphasises training and technology transfer, ensuring knowledge and expertise […]