Second phase of VistaMilk research centre to create 130 jobs
More than 130 jobs are expected to be created under Phase 2 of the VistaMilk Research Ireland Centre was launched at a special event hosted at Teagasc Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork.
The announcement featured live demonstrations of novel research tools and technologies developed by VistaMilk and its partners, showcasing how science and innovation are driving positive transformation within the dairy value chain.
Since its inception, VistaMilk has been at the forefront of integrating emerging technologies – such as artificial intelligence, sensor systems, and mathematical modelling – into real-world agricultural applications.
Building on the success of its first phase, which secured more than €20 million in competitive EU funding, VistaMilk has set a similar target for Phase 2. This funding will play a critical role in driving forward world-class research and innovation while enhancing global engagement and collaboration. Industry backing remains strong, with over 50 partners contributing €12 million during the initial phase and continuing their support into the second phase. This investment reflects a balanced mix of local enterprise and foreign direct investment from leading multinational companies.
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless said: “I’m pleased to see this next phase of the development of VistaMilk’s mission to lead the Agri-Food technology sector through innovation and enhanced sustainability. This work is important across the dairy supply chain, positively impacting the environment, animal well-being, the health of consumers and our economy. We’re developing a more cohesive national research and innovation ecosystem, and this project represents the best of this collaboration. It brings together our research ecosystem, with academia, stakeholders, and government working together to support the needs of the sector and our young people, and the future of farming in Ireland.”
Director of Teagasc, Professor Frank O’Mara, added: “Research is the backbone of progress in agriculture. At Teagasc, we are proud to support VistaMilk and its interdisciplinary approach to addressing the challenges and opportunities facing our dairy sector today. The outcomes from this centre are already influencing best practices on farms and informing national policy.”
VistaMilk Centre Director, Prof Donagh Berry (pictured) added: “To build a sustainable and competitive dairy industry, we must harness the capability of data and technology across every part of the soil to society chain. VistaMilk’s integrated research across soil, pasture, animal and food is driving a digital transformation that will shape the future of dairy production and processing in Ireland and beyond.”
VistaMilk brings together 13 Irish research institutions with industry expertise from across the agri-food, ICT and data science sectors to deliver advancements in precision agriculture, environmental sustainability, and dairy production and processing. These innovations are enhancing the efficiency, sustainability, and resilience of Ireland’s dairy industry, while supporting its position as a global leader in agri-tech research and innovation.
Dr Siobhán Roche, Director of Science for the Economy at Research Ireland, commented: “The importance of collaborative, mission-driven research in tackling complex societal and economic challenges such as climate change and food security cannot be over-emphasised. Research Ireland, through an investment of over €26 million under its Research Centres programme, is delighted to partner with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine in supporting VistaMilk’s vision.”
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