An Bord Bia, the Irish Food Board, has become one of the first national food promotion authorities in the world to back the idea of a gastronomic university.
It has announced sponsorship of the world's first University of Gastronomic Sciences, which will open later this year in Italy.
The brainchild of the founder of the Slow Food movement, Mr Carlo Petrini, the university curriculum will include a programme on the science, nutrition, history, culture and gastronomy of Irish food.
The university is based in Bra, Italy, and for the past few months Mr Petrini has been touring the world seeking sponsorship of the university, which will promote a knowledge of good food.
The Slow Food movement is already recognised in Italy for its teaching role and the holders of its master of food degree are recognised by the Italian Ministry of Education, which allows them teach in schools.
Announcing its decision to back the university, Bord Bia said the sponsorship would give the board unique access to the next generation of opinion-forming food media.
It was an investment in the future of the Irish food and drink industry.
The Irish aspect of the curriculum will include a 10- to 12-day field seminar in September 2005, when students will visit Ireland to study food production and agricultural traditions, focusing on small producers.