FBD and UCD invest €14m into new agricultural research and education centre at UCD Lyons Farm

Posted 15 July, 2024

_{Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue with Liam Herlihy, FBD Group Chair; Tomás Ó Midheach, FBD CEO; Professor Orla Feely, President of UCD and Michael Berkery, Chairman of FBD Trust CLG}

FBD and University College Dublin have announced a major investment in new agricultural research and education facilities at UCD Lyons Farm.

FBD Holdings plc and FBD Trust CLG have pledged a philanthropic contribution of €6 million in support of the facility and UCD is providing €8 million bringing the combined investment in UCD Lyons Farm to €14 million.

Construction of the new centre is due to commence in 2025. 

The ‘UCD FBD Agricultural Science Centre’ will enhance UCD’s ability to deliver both teaching and research to the highest international standards and will be a focal point for all users. It will provide a centre where researchers, students, innovators and industry experts can collaborate on projects aimed at addressing the most pressing challenges facing modern farming and agriculture.

This significant new development will also: 

• Allow for an increase in the number of undergraduate and postgraduate students, and UCD staff studying and researching in the areas of agriculture, veterinary medicine, environmental science, and sustainable production systems. 
• Ensure that production agriculture remains at the core of UCD’s agricultural science programmes by providing increased opportunities for students to engage in practical, hands-on learning at Lyons Farm. 
• Facilitate new education programmes in the areas of animal science, animal health, crop science and sustainable food production. 
• Be a venue to showcase the latest research to agricultural advisers, farmer groups and the wider industry. 
• Be available for conferences, open days and corporate events for those engaged in agriculture and food businesses. 

Commenting on the new facilities, (opens in a new window)Professor Orla Feely, President of UCD, said: “This partnership with FBD exemplifies UCD's commitment to fostering collaboration and innovation for the betterment of farming, agriculture generally, the food industry and the environment. With FBD’s generous support and collaboration, we will enhance our ability to enquire, investigate, educate and solve the agriculture problems of the future, and drive positive change for generations to come.”

Michael Berkery, Chairman of FBD Trust said: “This FBD investment underscores the company’s commitment to supporting Ireland’s farming communities, agriculture as a whole and the food industry. This investment in agricultural education and research is vital to meet the environmental challenges facing the sector and to continuously improve the competitiveness of Irish farmers and the food industry in global markets. The important teaching and research to be carried out at Lyons Farm aligns with the objectives of FBD Trust to advance the interests of farm families and the farming sector in Ireland.”
 
Tomas Ó Midheach, CEO of FBD Holdings plc echoed these sentiments, stating: “We are delighted to join forces with UCD in this important initiative that will foster innovation research and education in the agricultural sector. Together with UCD we are dedicated to nurturing the next generation of agricultural scientists who are poised to make a lasting impact on a sustainable future. 

Speaking at the announcement of the partnership, Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue welcomed the development: “The collaboration between FBD and UCD represents a significant investment in the future of Irish agriculture, reinforcing the country’s position as a global leader in sustainable food production.

"Through the development of the new facility at UCD Lyons Farm, both partners are poised to make meaningful contributions to the advancement of agricultural practices and the prosperity of rural communities. I commend the parties for this initiative, and in particular FBD for its long-standing support for projects in the agri-food sector that improve research capacity.”

By: Staff Writers

To contact the UCD News & Content Team, email: newsdesk@ucd.ie