About Moorepark

Introduction

Moorepark Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre has played a vital role in the development of the Irish dairy industry. The Irish Government established Moorepark in 1959. Since then it has been the focal point of Irish research into all aspects of dairy production and carries national responsibility for all aspects of dairy production research.

The continuing role of Dairy Production Research at Moorepark is to anticipate the production needs of a rapidly changing farming environment, and to provide dairy producers with new and adapted technologies to improve competitiveness and efficiency.

The major development, which is associated with Moorepark dairy production research, is based on low cost production based on maximum use of grazed grass.

Moorepark Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre has developed a research strategy to provide knowledge necessary to progress in anticipation of major structural changes, which will take place on Irish dairy farms over the next ten years

Business Objectives - Main Drivers for Change

The Irish dairy industry will experience considerable change in the years ahead. Some of the main drivers of change include:

The mid-term review of the common agricultural policy and the decision of the Irish Government to decouple payments from production from 2005 has brought a renewed focus on the structure of the dairy industry in the future. The two major outcomes of the mid-term review will be

a reduced price for milk to the producer and
a decline in dairy farmer numbers.

Negotiations under the World Trade Organisation (WTO), which are expected to result in more liberal world trade and greater globalisation of markets.

Pressures to balance the competitiveness of the agriculture and the food industry. with society’s concerns in relation to the environment, food safety and quality, animal welfare and biotechnology.

Compliance with EU Directives particularly on the environment and food safety (Nitrogen Vulnerable Zones, Water Framework and Strategic Environmental Assessment) and with International Agreements (Kyoto Protocol and Gothenburg Protocol).

On export markets changing consumer demands will lead to increased product differentiation and increases in demand for convenience, novelty, healthier foods, speciality foods, organic/low input foods, local/regional foods and higher levels of quality (taste and freshness) and safety.

Business Objectives - Vision

Vision for milk production and research challenges in the future.

In light of the current policy changes it is possible that there will be scope for a rapid expansion of milk production units over the next 5-10 years.

In the future, viable Irish dairy farm systems will comprise (i) dairy farming units operated by one person (usually the owner). The medium to long-term vision is that one operator will be managing a herd size much greater than the current 45 cow herd. (ii) intensive large dairy units operated by an owner or manager and assisted by farm labour units and (iii) dairy farming units where part of the income will come from off-farm employment.

Milk will have to be produced with a high degree of efficiency, be of good compositional and processing quality and be produced in a manner compatible with maintaining good animal health and welfare and a good quality environment.

Business Objectives - Mission Statement

The Teagasc Mission Statement as outlined in the Statement of Strategy 2003-2005 is “to provide an independent and authoritative research knowledge base, technology transfer and training services for the sustainable development of agriculture and the food processing industry to enable it to respond profitably to consumer demands and requirements and contribute to a vibrant rural economy and society”.

In pursuing this mission, we will focus on:

Developing competitiveness and innovation in sustainable agricultural production and the food processing sector.
Analysing and projecting the impact of policies for the agri-food sector.
Developing and maintaining a strong human resource capacity across the agri-food sector.
Providing a sound scientific basis for decision makers in protecting the integrity of the food chain, protecting the rural environment and addressing the concerns of the consumer.
Developing a capacity in molecular biology and gaining an increased understanding of living organisms with a view to increasing it’s application in the agri-food industry.
On-going investment in our staff and organisational systems to achieve the highest standards of service delivery, corporate governance and accountability.

Business Objectives - Business Goals

In keeping with the Teagasc Statement of Strategy 2005-2009, the Dairy Research Programme will focus on Goal 1 and Goal 4.

In pursuing this mission, we will focus on:

Developing competitiveness and innovation in sustainable agricultural production and the food processing sector.
Analysing and projecting the impact of policies for the agri-food sector.
Developing and maintaining a strong human resource capacity across the agri-food sector.
Providing a sound scientific basis for decision makers in protecting the integrity of the food chain, protecting the rural environment and addressing the concerns of the consumer.
Developing a capacity in molecular biology and gaining an increased understanding of living organisms with a view to increasing it’s application in the agri-food industry.
On-going investment in our staff and organisational systems to achieve the highest standards of service delivery, corporate governance and accountability.

Business Objectives - Research Goals

Improve production efficiency
Increase the value of milk
Meet environmental, animal welfare and food quality targets
Improve labour efficiency

This website provides just a flavour of the extensive range of research in which our staff are engaged. Feel free to contact us for further information on our work.

Dr. Pat Dillon
Head of Centre