Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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403. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to amend regulations regarding participation in the knowledge transfer programme under the rural development plan, in particular as it relates to substitute members, participation in more than one group, and proposals to involve a vet in the herd health plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34727/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Under the 2014-2020 Rural Development Programme Knowledge Transfer Groups across a range of sectors, including beef, dairy and sheep, will be established. The design of the measure has been informed by experience from previous discussion groups, extensive stakeholder consultation, and the relevant EU regulations. Participants are required to attend Knowledge Transfer Group meetings and complete a Farm Improvement Plan. I believe that the combination of both farmer knowledge exchange meetings and one to one interaction between the farmer and advisor in the development of a Farm Improvement Plan will ensure the transfer and exchange of information and best practice to participating farmers.

The analysis of previous discussion group schemes and consultations leading up to the design of the Knowledge Transfer Programme highlighted the importance of addressing all aspects of a farming enterprise including profitability, environmental sustainability, farm safety and animal health and welfare measures. This is reflected in the scheme design which includes the requirement for a private veterinary practitioner (PVP) to oversee the preparation of an individual animal health and welfare plan.

While a payment to cover the PVP’s involvement is not an eligible cost under the relevant article in the Rural Development Regulation covering knowledge transfer, the time spent by the farmer in completing the Animal Health Measure aspect of the Farm Improvement Plan is included in the total payment to participating farmers. Over the period of the programme this totals €160. In effect this reduces the PVP cost over the period of the programme by €160, thereby significantly reducing the net PVP cost. The total payment to a farmer participating in a knowledge transfer group will be €2,250 over the three years.

As currently constituted, participation in more than one Knowledge Transfer Group across sectors is not permitted. This is largely due to potential double funding which would arise from the completion of more than one Farm Improvement Plan for a single farming enterprise. I have, however, asked my officials to examine how farmers could participate in more than one Knowledge Transfer group across two sectors, while at the same time avoiding double funding issues.

The issue of allowing a named nominee to attend a Knowledge Transfer Group has been raised on a number of occasions. Following on from further consideration of this issue, an appropriate named nominee will now be allowed to attend meetings in the place of a farmer participating in a Knowledge Transfer Group. This would include spouses/partners or children of 18 years or more.