Dairygold Co-Operative Society has awarded two bursaries to students undertaking the bachelor of agricultural science degree at University College Cork (UCC).

The course is anchored in UCC's school of biological, earth and environmental sciences with input from across the university, and is run in partnership with Teagasc.

This year’s recipients are Sarah Shannon from Clonakilty, Co. Cork and Katy Halpin from Colbinstown, Co. Kildare.

The chief executive of Dairygold, Michael Harte said: “Our strategic partnership with University College Cork and Teagasc is very important. Initiatives such as the Dairygold Agricultural Science Bursary allow us to continue to invest in the future of agriculture and succession planning within the sector.

"By recognising and supporting individuals like Sarah and Katy, we drive positive change and innovation within the industry, and I wish them all the best in their future studies," Harte added.

Head of agricultural science and academic director of the agricultural science degree programme at UCC, Professor Frank Buckley said:

"Our ambition from the outset has been to attract Ireland’s brightest and best, and as evidenced by demand for the course, and the calibre of students attracted, as exemplified by our bursary winners today, we are certainly succeeding in this regard, and excited for the future."

The students will receive an annual bursary for the duration of their four year undergraduate degree, and will be given the opportunity to take part in a 12 week placement with Dairygold.

Head of animal and grassland research and innovation programme at Teagasc, Laurence Shalloo stated: “Globally, we face a challenge to feed a population that is projected to exceed nine billion by 2050.

"To meet this challenge, the agri-food sector and agricultural professionals need a strong technical, agronomic, and environmental knowledge base to ensure the production of safe, nutritious food products, while protecting the environment"