A native of Thurles, County Tipperary, Ciaran Carroll has worked as a Specialist Pig Development Officer with Teagasc since 1993, and specialised in the areas of pig nutrition, pig reproduction, planning & IPPC Licenses and education.

He holds a degree in Agricultural Science and a Masters in Animal Science from University College Dublin. As a specialist in the Teagasc Pig Development Department he has been responsible for Transferring Technical Information to pig producers and the pig industry and developing close links with the sector. He has also developed strong international links with North Carolina State University, University of Minnesota, Iowa State University, Alberta Pork, and in organisations in Australia, the Netherlands and Denmark.

Speaking after his appointment Mr Carroll said: “The Teagasc Pig development team is working to put in place a new joint programme with the pig sector which is key to its survival. The pig sector is the third most important agricultural sector after milk and beef. It is facing many challenges and investing in research, Knowledge Transfer and training will ensure that a vibrant sector is maintained in the years to come. The joint programme will provide a strong research, advisory and training service for the pig producers in the country.“

Head of Knowledge Transfer in Teagasc, Dr Tom Kelly said: “The target to increase the output of the pig sector, as set out in Food Harvest 2020 will require improved sow productivity and increased herd size. Teagasc will be benchmarking herd performance and providing a strong knowledge transfer programme, led by Ciaran for the Irish pig sector.“

Mr Carroll will be based at the Teagasc Animal and Grassland, Research & Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork.