The Teagasc Authority has reappointed Prof. Frank O’Mara as director of Teagasc for a second five-year term, beginning today October 1, 2026.

The Authority approved the appointment, with the consent of the Minister for Agriculture, Food, and the Marine Martin Heydon and the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Services, Reform and Digitalisation, Jack Chambers.

Chairperson of Teagasc, Liam Herlihy said: “Teagasc has moved forward over the last five years, under Frank’s leadership as director of the organisation, addressing many of the big issues facing farming and agriculture over the period.

"The focus over the next five years will be on continuing to build the resilience and competitiveness of Irish agriculture.” 

Frank O'Mara

Appointed in 2021, Prof. O’Mara oversaw the implementation of the organisation’s strategy for 2021-2024 called ‘Teagasc Together’.

He advocated for an organisation he felt was most effective when its research, advisory, education and operations functions work together to address critical challenges.

Teagasc has said that O'Mara implemented initiatives around diversity and inclusion, people development, digital transformation and embedded a strong culture centred around new Teagasc values.

Over his first term as director, O'Mara oversaw the launch of the Teagasc Climate Action Strategy which featured the development of AgNav with the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF) and Bord Bia; the Better Farming for Water campaign; new advisory and education strategies and the completion of the National Agricultural Sustainability Research and Innovation Centre at Johnstown Castle. 

In 2025, he led the development of Teagasc’s new strategy ‘Innovating for Impact’.

The aim of the strategy is to empower the Irish agri-food sector to develop through scientific leadership, expert knowledge and innovation support. 

Reacting to his reappointment, Prof. O’Mara said: “It is a privilege to lead such an important organisation as Teagasc and to work with our exceptionally dedicated team.

"Ireland’s agri-food sector is a cornerstone of our national success, and our aim is to be an independent and trusted driver of its competitiveness and resilience by promoting productivity, environmental sustainability and attractiveness through innovation."