The Knowledge Transfer (KT) scheme has fallen short of expectations due to complex and rigid rules and additional costs farmers have to incur to participate, according to IFA rural development chair Joe Brady. At a meeting with the Department of Agriculture, the IFA called for a review of the scheme once the first year has been completed over the coming months.

The KT scheme was allocated €100m in the RDP and was expected to attract 27,000 farmers but with only around 20,000 farmers taking part, the numbers have fallen far short. This is mainly due to farmers being turned off the measure due to rigid rules, additional charges and too much paperwork.

“The KT scheme is a valuable measure towards improving the technical knowledge of farmers, but it has got bogged down in red tape and bureaucracy. At a recent meeting, the IFA told the Department that the scheme is fraught with difficulties, with some farmers questioning their continued participation,’’ Brady said.

“One of the main issues is the attempt by vets to impose charges which significantly dilute the value of the scheme to farmers. Also, farmers in peripheral areas are being forced to use a vet who has done a particular course but may not be based in their locality. The IFA also expressed concerns to the Department about the payment mechanism to farmers through Teagasc and the consultants.”

Brady said that an opportunity exists to reorganise the scheme and reduce the red tape involved. He said the challenge will be to ensure that the 20,000 farmers in KT groups continue to participate and to determine if more farmers can be attracted in. Reopening to farmers who were excluded in the past should also be considered. First-year KT payments are due in the third quarter of this year.