Four Irish researchers involved in projects with colleagues in other European countries have secured grants supported by the EU, the Department of Agriculture and Teagasc to reduce the environmental impact of crop production.

The scientists who obtained funding under the European Research Area Network (ERA-Net)'s SusCrop programme are:

  • Dr Sheila Alves from Teagasc, who is developing improved vicia faba (broad bean) breeding practices and varieties to drive domestic protein production as part of the ProFaba project.
  • Dr Julio Isidro-Sánchez from UCD, who studies knowldege-driven genomic predictions for sustainable disease resistance in wheat with the WheatSustain project.
  • Dr Achim Schmalenberger from the University of Limerick for his work with the PotatoMetabiome project harnessing the potato-microbiome interactions for breeding and production.
  • Dr Dan Milbourne from Teagasc who co-ordinates the DIFFUGAT project developing a novel fixation-restitution potato breeding method.

    • Leading role

    "Today’s research funding announcement recognises the leading role that Irish researchers and research institutions are playing in this critical area and builds on the spirit of international co-operation, alignment and knowledge sharing which will be of profound benefit to the Irish agri-food sector," said Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed.

    The Department is providing €350,000 for these grants, the European Commission €325,000 and Teagasc €176,000.

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