Teagasc and University College Cork (UCC) have signed an updated Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), reaffirming their long-standing, valued, partnership. This MoU strengthens collaborative activity over the next five years across research, education, and innovation in support of Ireland’s agri-food sector.

Speaking at the signing of the new MOU, which took place recently in Teagasc Moorepark, Fermoy, County Cork, Professor Frank O’Mara, Director of Teagasc said: “Teagasc warmly welcomes the updating of this new Memorandum of Understanding with UCC which reaffirms our shared commitment to working together to develop high quality research and education programmes for benefit of the agri-food sector over the next five years. With ambition for the future, we will build on substantial programmes of work delivered over recent years, including with APC Microbiome Ireland, VistaMilk and the B.Agr.Sc. Degree.”

Professor John O’Halloran, President UCC said: “We were delighted to visit Moorepark and we look forward to highlighting successful activities delivered in partnership with Teagasc over recent years as part of our upcoming celebration of one hundred years of Food in UCC. We also look forward to exploring future collaborations in areas such as Artificial Intelligence and Fermented Foods as well as expanded education opportunities at degree and post graduate level.”

This partnership builds on established research collaborations across Food, Microbiome and Health – central to the research strategy of both organisations. It will be further strengthened through partnership across the UCC Futures initiative, including UCC Futures - Food, Microbiome & Health, and the Sustainability Institute, a UCC Futures Institute, supporting interdisciplinary research addressing global food system and sustainability challenges.

The five-year MOU renews commitment to joint strategic initiatives spanning food, agriculture, food business, sustainability, and health. It outlines cooperation across joint research planning, shared education and training programmes, innovation and entrepreneurship initiatives, international agri-development projects and coordinated public engagement activities including:

• Joint strategic planning for research in food and agriculture supported by co-ordinated approaches to funding and use of resources.

• Joint education, training and skills enhancement programmes at undergraduate, post graduate and continuing professional development levels.

• Shared approaches to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship as well as collaboration on International Agri-Development projects, and relevant regional initiatives.

• Adjunct appointments to strengthen institutional linkages and knowledge exchange.

• Coordinated communications and public engagement activities to highlight the impact of shared research and innovation.