The BioConnect centre in Monaghan town is expected to be operational before the end of the year.
The sod was officially turned at the Knockaconny site by Minister Heather Humphreys yesterday, and the project will be overseen by Kells-based Midland Construction.
The research and innovation centre aims to allow local food producers act as a consortium to problem solve, network and brainstorm in what's been described as a non-competitive environment.
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Works are planned to take 50 weeks to complete, in what's described as an "aggressive construction programme".
CEO of BioConnect David Macauley told Shannonside Northern Sound that this is only the first part of the vision.
