Information meetings for Department approved facilitators for the new Knowledge Transfer Scheme will be held over the next two weeks.

The Minister for Agriculture, Simon Coveney released further details of the Knowledge Transfer Advisor Application facility under the Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, this week.

Knowledge Transfer is one of a suite of measures included under the Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 and will involve the formation and administration of knowledge transfer groups across a range of sectors.

Funding of €100m under the Rural Development Programme has been allocated for 27,000 farmers participating for three years in Knowledge Transfer Groups across the dairy, beef, equine, sheep, tillage and poultry sectors.

The measure is co-funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and this release provides the opportunity for Department approved facilitators to apply to run dairy, beef and equine Knowledge Transfer Groups.

The measure involves Department approved groups operating over a three year period with farmer meetings involving the exchange of information and best practices facilitated by qualified advisors.

Facilitators and vets will also assist participating farmers in the completion of a tailored Farm Improvement Plan that will address issues such as profitability, sustainability, animal health and welfare and farm safety.

Detailed scheme conditions are available on the Department’s website at www.agriculture.gov.ie.

Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine approved facilitators can now register their proposed Knowledge Transfer Groups on the Department’s on-line facility for the dairy, beef and equine sectors.

The closing date for registration of Knowledge Transfer Groups is August 21, 2015.

Information meetings for Department approved facilitators on the provisions of the measure will be held over the next two weeks.

Details are as follows:
  • Bush Hotel, Carrick on Shannon. Tuesday 21st July 7 – 9 pm
  • County Arms, Birr. Wednesday 22nd July 7 – 9 pm,
  • Woodlands Hotel, Limerick. Thursday 23rd July from 7 – 9 pm
  • Talbot Hotel, Carlow. Tuesday 28th July 7 – 9 pm