The initiative involves the provision of two specialised services - the Technology and Business Service and the Rural Viability Service.
The Technology and Business Services will target 37,000 fulltime farmers who have incomes of over £22,000. It will be staffed by advisors who are specialised in key enterprises.
Their aim will be to ensure that the best production technology and business management practices are implemented. Part-time farmers who are operating at high levels of productivity will also be targeted.
The second service dealing with rural viability will be directed towards farmers whose viability is under threat and who are not capable of making an adequate household income from farming alone.
The Minister said that the new services would address the key demands of international competitiveness, rural viability, environmental sustainability and food safety and quality.
The director of Teagasc, Dr Liam Downey, said that today's development is an integral part of a major re-orientation of Teagasc's research, advisory and training services.
