Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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1633. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the charges of €145 per year (details supplied) by Teagasc to farmers for participation in the knowledge transfer groups is within the terms and conditions of the scheme in view of the fact Teagasc is already receiving a €500 per year payment for each participant in their groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27667/17]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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The Knowledge Transfer Programme under Ireland's Rural Development Programme (RDP) 2014-2020 is delivered by a network of  approved Knowledge Transfer Facilitators. Facilitators who meet their commitment under the programme are due a payment per participant of €500 for each year of the three year programme while farmers are due €750. Payment to facilitators under the programme covers the cost of preparing for and holding meetings as well as the time they spend producing an individualised Farm Improvement Plan for each farmer participant. My Department does not require a participant under the Knowledge Transfer Programme to be a client of Teagasc.  It was open to participants to enrol in a group facilitated by either a private or Teagasc advisor. 

In addition to its involvement in the Knowledge Transfer Programme, Teagasc also provide an extensive range of Advisory Services to Ireland’s farmers, including 45,000 direct contracts. The primary purpose is to maximise the income and sustainability of farm families within rural communities through improved farm efficiency, based on the transfer of knowledge, new technologies and best practice to all sectors of the industry. The cost of delivering these services is partially borne by the State in the form of an annual Grant-in-Aid, with the balance provided by fees charged to farmers, and some programme support from industry – mainly dairy processing co-ops.