A new chapter as UCD marks major agri-education milestone

University College Dublin (UCD) has marked a major milestone in its history with the launch of A History of Agriculture at UCD, a landmark publication celebrating 100 years of agricultural education, research and innovation there. The book, written by Mark Duncan, was launched by UCD president, Professor Orla Feely at a special centenary event in O’Reilly Hall, attended by alumni, staff, students, industry representatives, Government stakeholders and guests from across Ireland’s agriculture, food, forestry and horticulture sectors.
Published as part of the centenary celebrations of the UCD School of Agriculture & Food Science, A History of Agriculture at UCD chronicles the origins, evolution and impact of agricultural education at UCD and its role in shaping Ireland’s agriculture, food, forestry and rural development sectors.
The publication traces the school’s origins from the Glasnevin Model Farm and Albert Agricultural College through to the establishment of the Faculty of Agriculture at UCD in 1926 and its development into one of the world’s leading centres for agricultural and food science education and research.
Today, the UCD School of Agriculture & Food Science delivers 17 undergraduate and 16 graduate taught programmes and educates approximately 3,000 students, including 2,150 undergraduates, 450 graduate taught students, 200 executive education students and 190 graduate research students. The school has 85 academic staff and 195 staff in total across academic, research, technical and administrative functions.
UCD is ranked 27th globally for agricultural sciences and 15th globally for food science and technology by US News & World Report.
Commenting on the 100-year chapter, Professor Orla Feely, president of UCD, said: “This centenary provides an opportunity to reflect on the extraordinary contribution that agricultural education and research at UCD have made to Ireland over the past century. Through the dedication of our staff, students and alumni, UCD has played a central role in advancing agricultural knowledge, supporting rural communities and driving innovation across the agri-food sector. This publication captures that remarkable story and preserves it for future generations.”
Professor Frank Monahan, dean of Agriculture and head of the UCD School of Agriculture & Food Science, said: “The story of agriculture at UCD is ultimately a story about people. It is the story of generations of students, academics, researchers, farmers, industry leaders and policymakers who have worked together to improve agricultural productivity, food quality, environmental sustainability and rural livelihoods. As we celebrate our first century, we also look ahead to the role the school will play in addressing the challenges of the next 100 years.”
Mark Duncan, author of A History of Agriculture at UCD, said: “Researching this book revealed the remarkable influence that UCD graduates, staff and researchers have had on Irish agriculture and wider society. From the earliest days of agricultural education in Ireland to today’s globally connected agri-food sector, the school has continually adapted to meet the changing needs of the country. This history is not simply about an institution; it is about the people whose ideas, leadership and innovation helped transform Irish agriculture over the past century.”
The event included a conversation between the author and Professor Karina Pierce on what he discovered when writing the book, followed by a panel discussion with representatives from Government, industry, education and the student body reflecting on the past, present and future of agriculture and food systems in Ireland. The launch forms part of a wider programme of centenary events celebrating 100 years since the establishment of the Faculty of Agriculture at UCD in 1926 and recognising the contribution of generations of students, staff, alumni and partners to Ireland’s economic, social, scientific and
rural development.