The Irish Journal of Agricultural and Food Research is a peer reviewed open access scientific journal published by Teagasc (Agriculture and Food Development Authority, Ireland). Manuscripts on any aspect of research of direct relevance to Irish agriculture and food production, including plant and animal sciences, food science, agri environmental science, soils, engineering, buildings, economics and sociology, will be considered for publication. The work must demonstrate novelty and relevance to the field of research. Papers published or offered for publication elsewhere will not be considered, but the publication of an abstract does not preclude the publication of the full paper in this journal.