Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 May 2023
494. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he is taking to ensure that the tillage sector is represented on the Teagasc authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21336/23]
View answerTeagasc has statutory responsibility for the provision of education, research and advisory services to the agricultural sector. Its programmes and activities are developed in conjunction with clients and partners and is overseen by the Teagasc Authority who are collectively responsible for leading and directing Teagasc activities.
The Authority comprises a Chairman and 10 ordinary members appointed by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine. The composition of the Authority is set out in statute under the First Schedule of the Agriculture (Research, Training and Advice), Act 1988. It provides for strong stakeholder representation with five positions reserved for nominations from organisations deemed to represent persons engaged in agriculture or the agricultural industry. The nominating organisations are the IFA, ICMSA, ICOS, Macra na Feirme and a Teagasc staff representative.
Five other persons, including the Chair, are appointed following a competitive selection process overseen by the Public Appointments service in respect of persons who have knowledge or experience in relation to agriculture, agricultural research, education etc. One position is reserved for a representative from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
Teagasc has an active Tillage Stakeholder Consultative Group with 14 external members comprising representatives from tillage farmers, seed trade, end users and the drinks industry. This group spearheaded publication of the Crops 2030 report - a strategic plan to deliver environmental and economic sustainability for the Irish Crops Sector.
