Dr. Stan Lalor:

We will dig that out. When we discuss this matter with people, there are mixed feelings about it. We have many groups with mixed participation. They are predominantly male, but that is not to say that there are not groups with females. There are a number of female-only groups. A small number have been running a long time, but more have now been established. The positive feedback we have received indicates they are working well.

Based on the feedback from adviser level, the discussion group model has been an effective addition to the knowledge transfer advisory tools that have been available over the past 15 to 20 years. The policy that supports this is positive and has to be commended. The constant fear is whether the funding criteria get in the way of the operational benefits to the groups. It is a challenge. Criteria have to be in place to justify payments, but we must also have a mind to what is feasible.

We have many registered advisers who can facilitate groups and there is a great deal of activity happening regionally in terms of scoping out the potential for groups. Irrespective of the knowledge transfer group scheme, though, we continue to be committed to, and positively disposed towards, maximising the advisory work we do through discussion groups. Within our existing groups, we are actively promoting the new programme as a benefit to farmers. The response has been mixed. Some groups bite and say it is an opportunity to access funding while other groups whose members appreciate the groups’ value irrespective of funding say that their groups are functioning well and they do not want to interfere with that.