Pictured at the Teagasc Gateways event in Teagasc Moorepark, Fermoy last Thursday are speakers Patrick Barrett, DAFM; Dr Parikshit Sawdekar, Glanbia; Professor Gerry Boyle, Teagasc Director; Professor Lene Lange, Denmark and Dr Kieran Kilcawley, Teagasc Food Researcher. (Photo O'Gorman Photography)

A showcase of research and opportunities for Irish food and beverage producers took place in the Teagasc Food Research Centre, Moorepark on Thursday last, providing an exciting opportunity for food and beverage producers to find out about national and international activity in this area. 

The event offered attendees the opportunity to engage with experts, see demonstrations of technologies and service platforms available within Teagasc, and obtain information on innovative supports from National Development Agencies.

Teagasc Food Researcher Kieran Kilcawley said; “Food Biotransformation is receiving renewed interest because it is seen as a more natural process, more consumer and legislation friendly, can potentially add value to food waste streams and can offer a more sustainable alternative to other production processes.”

A special edition of the Teagasc Technology Portfolio has been produced, focusing on the capability and expertise in Food Biotransformation within the Teagasc Food Programme.

Dr Rita Hickey, Teagasc pictured with Lisa McAuliffe and Susan Maye of Dairygold, at the Teagasc Gateways event on Food Biotransformation Biological Processes for Sustainable & Novel Food Development held in Teagasc Moorepark, Fermoy. (Photo O’Gorman Photography)

It concisely describes current technologies, capabilities, services and expertise in one volume. A copy of the Technology Portfolio is available to view at https://www.teagasc.ie/publications/2019/food-biotransformation-portfolio.php.

The combined technology transfer strategy takes into account the many different forms of technology and knowledge support ‘gateways’ through which companies can engage with Teagasc.

These include collaborations or contract research agreements, commercial service arrangements, industry training programmes, student placements and consultancy projects.