Phase 2: Research

Programme Phase 1

The MTI Phase 1 programme was delivered through 6 stragetic research pillars as defined by industry requirements. Each pillar is managed by a lead PI and is supported by researchers from Teagasc, UCC, ICBF, DIT and DCU.

Programme Phase 2

MTI Phase II is an €11.08 million five-year research and innovation programme. The centre continues to be hosted by Teagasc at its Ashtown Food Research Facility in Dublin with the Irish Cattle Breeders Federation (ICBF), Dublin City University (DCU), University College Cork (UCC), the Irish Manufacturing Research centre (IMR), Technological University of the Shannon; Midlands Midwest (TUS), Munster Technological University (MTU) involved as research providers. The Phase II programme has the two priorities of Sustainability and Digitalisation to reflect both the risks and opportunities facing the sector. The programme is delivered through eight strategic research themes. Genetics – breeding for a sustainable carbon footprint, Packaging – retaining quality and while exploiting sustainable materials, Shelf-life – extending shelf-life while exploiting sustainable materials, Factory 4.0 – initiation of the journey towards a digital future, Meat Quality – further advancing improvements in processing for optimum meat quality, Meat & Health – further understanding and validation of the role of meat in a healthy lifestyle,Bioeconomy – Optimum valorisation of all value streams derived from meat processing.