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The facility was created to accelerate the development and validation of practical technologies for the Irish, European and global agricultural industries, according to the company. The laboratory will serve as a centre for applied research focused on improving nutrient efficiency, reducing environmental impact and supporting renewable energy generation from agricultural systems. It has been designed to bridge scientific research with on-farm implementation, ensuring technologies can be tested under practical operating conditions. Both Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon and Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs in Northern Ireland, Andrew Muir were present.
Commenting, Dr Mark Lyons, president and CEO of Alltech said: “From this lab in Ireland, we will advance our dedication to solving real agricultural issues and scale practical solutions to farms across more than 140 countries. It enables us not only to deliver on our promise to improve the nutrition and wellbeing of animals but to create new income streams such as energy generation for farmers, which further drives down the environmental impact of the farm.”
Dr Patrick Ward, Europe and Asia-Pacific applications manager at Alltech, added: “As agriculture faces increasing pressure to improve sustainability, reduce emissions and strengthen energy security, the timing of the investment is particularly significant and reflects Alltech’s continued long-term commitment to innovation-led agriculture. He continued: “This facility represents an increased strategic focus on research, applied science and new product development capable of delivering practical on-farm solutions, helping to position Ireland at the forefront of sustainable agricultural innovation and climate-smart farming systems.”
DAERA funded key equipment through the Sustainable Utilisation of Livestock Slurry project, which aims to reduce excess nutrients from slurry in Northern Ireland.