UCC Agricultural Science Degree launched by Minister Creed in Teagasc

5th November 2019

The new Agricultural Science Degree at University College Cork, delivered in collaboration with Teagasc, was officially launched by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed TD at the Teagasc, Animal & Grassland, Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, County Cork, on Friday, 1 November. The first intake of 24 students took place in September 2019, and those students attended today’s event.

Minister Michael Creed, commented; “This degree will provide graduates with a strong foundation in the core scientific, economic and sustainable principles underpinning Irish pasture-based farming. It will equip future leaders of the industry with the skills needed to drive the future of the Irish agriculture and food sector.”

Speaking at the event, President of UCC, Patrick O’Shea said; “There has been a deep collaboration between UCC and Teagasc over several years. Both institutions share a mutual wish to contribute to the long term development of the Irish agri-food industry. The degree will be delivered in the School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Studies at UCC, and in the Animal & Grassland Research Centre in Teagasc Moorepark, allowing students to learn and experience the excellence of both UCC and Teagasc.”

Professor Gerry Boyle, Director of Teagasc, said: “This is an exciting time in Irish agriculture with opportunities and challenges facing the sector. The best and brightest graduates will be needed in the industry in the future and I am confident this degree will equip students with the scientific, technical and business skills needed to prosper. This new BAgrSc will further strengthen our excellent collaboration with UCC under the Teagasc/UCC Strategic Alliance.”

Students awarded Dairygold Bursaries

Dairygold Co-operative Society has awarded two annual undergraduate bursaries to students undertaking the BAgrSc at University College Cork. The two successful students were Hannah Dinan from Clarecastle, County Clare, and Liam Wall from Crookstown, County Cork and they were presented with their bursaries today.

Chief executive of Dairygold Co-op, Jim Woulfe congratulated the successful students saying; “Dairygold’s commitment to sponsoring these bursaries reflects the importance of continued investment in people development across our business on an ongoing basis. We’re very pleased to be playing an active role in developing the talent our industry needs to keep meeting ambitious growth and expansion targets.”

The Bachelor of Agricultural Science programme focuses on practical skills, the science behind modern agriculture, and on supporting students to gain skills in farm management, business acumen and modern farm technology over their four years of study. It will also include a placement opportunity which will provide students with experience of working in modern Irish agriculture.

Teagasc chairman Liam Herlihy concluded by saying; “I wish all the students well in the future as they pursue their education. I’m sure they will go on to make their mark in Irish agriculture. Teagasc are delighted to be involved in this new degree. It combines two of the main functions of the organisation, research and disseminating the results of that research, with education and transferring knowledge.