Agri-Food Sensing Technology
Ireland’s status as a major food producer means there is a strong community of indigenous firms that fully recognise the value of innovation. MiCRA is open for business and actively supporting the agri‑food sector, building on extensive experience collaborating with start-ups. SME's, processors, co‑operatives, and industry associations through the Gateway programme.
MiCRA offers a suite of analytical services that directly benefit agri‑food producers. These include microbiological testing, chemical and physicochemical analysis, method development and validation, and rapid screening approaches tailored to real production environments. These services help companies diagnose process issues, verify product quality, and accelerate innovation.
Rising expectations from regulators, consumers, and downstream customers for consistent quality, safety, and traceability continue to drive demand for enhanced analytical and sensing capabilities. MiCRA is ready to support the sector with practical, science-led technologies and services that strengthen quality assurance, bolster compliance, and enable value-added growth across the agri‑food supply chain.
Our Equipment Capability for Agri‑Food Research
1. Bruker MPA II (NIR) – Near Infrared Spectroscopy System
Uses for Agri‑Food Companies:
- Food composition analysis
- Agricultural product testing
- Moisture content determination
This is an excellent match for dairy, meat, grain, and ingredient manufacturers who require rapid, non‑destructive quality testing.
2. Dionex ICS 6000 HPIC System – Ion Chromatograph
Uses for Agri‑Food Companies:
- Food additive analysis
- Environmental monitoring related to water quality in processing
- Chemical process control
Particularly valuable for verifying additives, contaminants, salts, nitrates/nitrites, and ensuring process water meets regulatory standards.
3. Synergy H1‑Hybrid Multiplate Reader
Uses for Agri‑Food Companies:
- Enzyme activity assays
- Protein, DNA, and RNA quantification
- Cell viability and microbiological assays
A strong fit for companies developing new food products, validating functional ingredients, or investigating spoilage and microbial activity.
Reasons for Agri‑Food Companies to Engage with MiCRA
1. Access to Advanced Agri‑Food Technologies
MiCRA provides cutting‑edge tools and rapid on‑site testing capabilities for contaminants, allergens, spoilage and quality control, critical for maintaining high standards in food safety and traceability.
2. Comprehensive Analytical Services Tailored to Food Producers
Agri‑food companies benefit from MiCRA’s microbiological testing, chemical and physicochemical analysis, method development, validation, and rapid screening, all designed to support real production environments.
3. State‑of‑the‑Art Equipment and Specialist Scientific Expertise
MiCRA’s facility includes advanced analytical instrumentation, development labs, surface science equipment and microbiology labs — all staffed by chemists, microbiologists, electrochemists, and engineers who support industry‑focused research.
4. Proven Capability in Sensor Development for Food Quality & Safety
With expertise in bio‑, immuno‑ and chemical sensors, MiCRA develops technology for detecting microbes, biomarkers, chemicals and food allergens — providing rapid, sensitive solutions tailored to agri‑food sector needs.
5. Strong Experience Collaborating with Agri‑Food SMEs, Start‑Ups & Processors
MiCRA actively supports innovation across the agri‑food supply chain, working with start‑ups, SMEs, processors and co‑operatives to diagnose process issues, verify product quality and accelerate product development.