The Minister for Agriculture, Phil Hogan, today opened the ICT Agricultural Conference in Kilkenny.
In recent years, there has been a a growing movement in agriculture to apply information technologies in order to improve practice efficiencies and yields. Waterford Institute of Technology’s Telecommunications, Software and Systems Group (TSSG) is linking up with EU Commissioner, Phil Hogan, Teagasc, Glanbia, Keenans and other farming organisations, CEOs and all those who want to get involved in EU funding for ICT-agri technology.
Technology experts say application of ICT in agriculture has the potential to completely transform Ireland’s already significant role in global food production. Agriculture Commissioner Phil Hogan opened the event which it is hoped could be a turning point for Irish agriculture into the future.
The Minister said, "ICT technologies are changing the shape of the agriculture industry across the globe providing improvements in the quality of production of crops, the health of livestock and the quality of life for farmers. Additionally, there has been a dramatic increase in emphasis on consumer protection, continuous quality assurance, natural foods, pathogen-free food, reduction in the use of veterinary treatment and increase concern for care of animals.
The Internet through its rapid evolution offers enormous opportunities for the agriculture sector globally. Ireland can lead the way in this new revolution and this conference does that, by beginning the conversation while putting concrete research plans and ideations into place and engaging the key stakeholders."
Source: www.businessworld.ie