TNO sets foot in Ireland with big data technology for the dairy sector

The MoU, which builds on a long-standing relationship between Teagasc and TNO in delivering EU Framework research contracts, provides for collaboration in research and knowledge transfer across a broad range of priority areas. In particular, the new MoU will focus on jointly developing the area of SDairy Farming, drawing on TNO’s expertise and experience in developing the Dutch Smart Dairy Farming project. This resulted in the first data hub in the dairy farming sector (www.join-data.nl), open to all parties active in dairy farming.
Speaking at the signing, the Ambassador stated “Both TNO and Teagasc are pioneers in the agri industry. We are dedicated to promote the partnership between these quality knowledge institutions. The embassy encourages and facilitates expansion of ongoing collaboration in the fields of agriculture, sustainability and innovation between Ireland and the Netherlands.”

Berry Vetjens, Market Director ICT at TNO, is excited about the strengthened relationship between both parties: “I am convinced that by bundling our knowledge and expertise in the field of agrotechnology, major steps can again be taken in IoT and big data for dairy farming. Continuous development in the field of big data is of great importance to circular and sustainable farming.”

Teagasc has recently secured a Science Foundation Ireland (SFI)-funded Research Centre – VistaMilk – to develop an Irish Smart dairy farming system. By developing and deploying new knowledge, new technologies and decision support tools will maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of the entire dairy production chain in Ireland, building on TNO’s experience in that area. Further collaboration will focus on the training of PhD and Postdoc students. Finally, both parties will investigate a joint strategy for participating in future EU projects. The development of the current collaboration between the parties was initiated and supported by the Netherlands Embassy in Ireland.

About Teagasc

Teagasc – the Agriculture and Food Development Authority – is the national body providing integrated research, advisory and training services to the agriculture and food industry and rural communities in Ireland. It was established in September 1988 under the Agriculture (Research, Training and Advice) Act, 1988. Find out more about Teagasc here.

About the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Ireland

The Netherlands Embassy in Ireland aims to strengthen and broaden Dutch-Irish trade relations and partnerships on sustainability and innovation. Agriculture is one of the focus areas.