Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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The new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) has brought a new approach to knowledge transfer (KT) – the new system is more targeted, with equal emphasis on CAP objectives and local needs and not based on specific sectors.

This new KT Programme is far more tailored to the individual farm and targeted to local needs in accordance with the regulations.

The terms and conditions of the Programme set out that the participant must attend the group meetings and one-to-one meetings and submit the annual online form. It also states that the participant must have an active business ID such as a herd number, Registered Farm Partnership (RFP) or Company ID, they must have submitted a BISS application in 2023, and must also submit a BISS application in each year of the Programme. They must apply under the herd number used to submit their BISS application.

Participants must apply for the Programme using the herd number under which their BISS application is made, except for Registered Farm Partnerships. Where participants are members of a Registered Farm Partnership applications must be made under the individual herd numbers. For joint herd owners or single herd partnerships only one Participant can apply. For multi-herd partnerships the number of Participants will be determined by the number of herd owners.

There is no restriction on any of the farmers mentioned from applying, once they meet the above conditions which are essential to the effectiveness of the scheme.