Teagasc has confirmed that not all vacant posts in the authority will be filled this year due to an allocated pay ceiling.

Teagasc operates as a non-commercial State body under the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM).

Its statutory remit is to provide research, advisory and education services to the agri-food sector.

The number of permanent staff employed in Teagasc is governed by a framework, which gives the organisation discretion to make appointments within an overall pay ceiling.

This year, Teagasc received State grant aid of €175.6 million, up from €172.3 million in 2025 and €167.1 million in 2024.

In addition to the grant aid, the organisation generates income through fees for research, advisory, and training services, along with revenue from farming activities.

Teagasc

Teagasc currently has around 1,230 staff, along with 300-350 funded contract staff.

The most recently published Teagasc annual report showed that pay costs at the organisation increased by 9% to €109 million in 2024.

124 members of staff in Teagasc earned over €100,000 in that year, which included salaries, overtime, allowances, and other benefits.

When asked by Agriland, if recruitment of staff is currently operating as normal, a spokesperson for Teagasc said the authority "continues to recruit to fill priority roles".

"The work programme will be reorganised accordingly," the spokesperson added.

The Teagasc allocated pay ceiling for permanent staff increased from 2025 to 2026.

However, the spokesperson noted that "there is a gap, which means that not all posts will be replaced".

"Teagasc prioritises recruitment decisions based on our business plans and statement of strategy goals," they added.

Signpost

Teagasc said its climate action Signpost Advisory Programme is continuing in 2026, but is "being adapted to ensure the best use of available advisory resources".

This will include a reduction in the number of advisors dedicated solely to specialised climate and sustainability advisory roles, along with a greater integration of climate-related advice within the advisory programmes across all enterprises.

"Like other areas across Teagasc, the 2026 budget allocation presents organisational challenges, including recruitment and operational costs.

"Teagasc is therefore seeking efficiencies across programmes to maintain delivery and maximise impact," the spokesperson said.

Teagasc said that the Signpost programme remains a core element of its climate action strategy.

"The Signpost Demonstration Farms initiative is moving into its next phase, including updates to a number of joint industry programmes that form a key part of the stakeholder and partner engagement in the programme," the spokesperson said.

As more farmers have now engaged with AgNav platform, Teagasc said the Signpost Advisory Programme is increasingly moving towards supporting the implementation and adoption of emissions-reducing technologies and best practice on farms.

Work programme

Teagasc said there is "no impact of the schedule of events and activities being planned for 2026 as a result of the budget".

"As in any year, the programme of events is planned in accordance with available resources in order to maximise the programme of events and activities in an efficient manner.

"Client-facing advisory services, including discussion groups, are also a priority for the organisation to provide ongoing continuity of support to clients," the spokesperson said.

This year, Teagasc will provide services to 42,000 farmer clients, support around 4,000 learners in Teagasc Education programmes and manage 500 on-going research projects.

The authority will also run "a large programme of national and regional events", including an open day for beef farmers at Grange and an open day at Johnstown Castle focused on soil health and water quality.