Knowledge Transfer is one of a number of measures included under the Rural Development Programme (RDP) 2014-2020, and is the third most funded scheme under the RDP after the Green Low Carbon Agri-Environment Scheme (€1.3 billion) and the Beef Data and Genomics Programme (€300 million).

The measure involves Department approved groups operating discussion groups with farmers over a three year period, with 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.

Some €100 million 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.

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The advisor application facility will allow approved facilitators to 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 21 August 2015.

Commenting on the launch of the advisor application facility today, Coveney said that "Knowledge Transfer will provide farmers with an excellent opportunity to enhance their enterprises by developing a tailored Farm Improvement Plan through one to one discussion between the farmer and his/her facilitator and veterinary practitioner."

He added that the measure will benefit "not just the individual farmers participating but also each of farming sectors concerned."

The Department clarified that once advisors have successfully applied to run Knowledge Transfer Groups under a particular sector, detailed terms and conditions on the transfer scheme will be made available to farmers. At that stage farmers will be able to contact approved advisors from a list published on the Department’s website with the intention of joining a group to participate in Knowledge Transfer.

The full terms and conditions and list of approved advisors will be made available as soon as possible after the 21st August closing date. Farmer information meetings will also be held at this time.

More information on the Knowledge Transfer Programme is available on the Department's website here.