An updated Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Teagasc and University College Cork (UCC) has been signed.

The agreement aims to strengthen collaborative activity over the next five years across research, education, and innovation to support Ireland’s agri-food sector.

The 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.

Teagasc

Speaking at the signing of the new MOU, which took place recently in Teagasc Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork, Prof. 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 Bachelor of Agricultural Science degree."

Prof. John O’Halloran, president of UCC, added: "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 (AI) and fermented foods as well as expanded education opportunities at degree and post graduate level."