Teagasc, Ireland’s national agriculture and food development authority, has placed artificial intelligence (AI) at the centre of the country’s agri-food digital transformation. The organisation hosted its Food Innovation Gateway event in Fermoy, Co. Cork, highlighting how AI can reshape food manufacturing, precision nutrition, and sustainability.

The event convened scientists, engineers, and business leaders from across Ireland and abroad to discuss practical AI applications in food processing and supply chain management. Demonstrations showcased how data-driven automation can optimise production efficiency, reduce energy use, and minimise waste while strengthening traceability across value chains.

Timmy Dooley, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, said AI presents an opportunity to enhance transparency and develop new, sustainable food systems. He emphasised that collaboration among researchers, industry players, and policymakers will be essential to translate AI innovations into measurable productivity and environmental gains.

Teagasc Director Professor Frank O’Mara underlined the agency’s role in connecting science and business, noting that responsibly deployed AI can accelerate innovation and competitiveness for Irish food enterprises both nationally and internationally.

AI’s integration into Ireland’s food sector offers tangible advantages for production and exports, including faster product development cycles through predictive data modelling, automated systems for resource management and quality control, reduced waste and emissions through smarter energy use, enhanced market reach via digital supply chain traceability, and adaptive manufacturing driven by real-time consumer insights.

Teagasc’s Food Innovation Gateways series continues to serve as a platform for aligning academic research with industry adoption. By integrating AI into everyday processes, the programme aims to equip Irish food producers with the tools to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving digital economy.

Explore how Ireland’s agri-food innovation strategy is evolving with artificial intelligence in the full report.