Caitriona Murphy

THE recruitment process has begun for facilitators to host the Department of Agriculture-led equine discussion groups later this summer.

On Thursday, Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney announced the launch of the Knowledge Transfer measure under the Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 with the opening of an online facility for consultants to register their interest in operating as knowledge transfer group (also known as discussion group) facilitators.

The initial expression of interest for advisers will close on May 22nd and following this, approved group facilitators will be put in place to allow equine discussion groups to be formed.

Funding of €100m under the Rural Development Programme has been allocated for 27,000 farmers to participate for three years in Knowledge Transfer Groups. The scheme is co-funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD).

The priority areas for 2015 are the dairy, beef and equine industries, while knowledge transfer groups for the poultry, sheep and tillage sectors will commence in 2016.

The first equine discussion groups are expected to get off the ground in July and the Department is planning for this first tranche to cater for around 500 interested breeders and producers. Further tranches will open later in 2015, with group commencement dates of early 2016 planned.

Discussion group members will be paid a total of €750 annually for each of the three years they successfully complete but in order to receive this payment, each member must complete a Farm Improvement Plan.

The plan will include a profit monitor, a carbon navigator/sustainability management plan, a herd health plan (in conjunction with a veterinarian) and a breeding plan.

Additionally over the period of the programme advisers will be required to hold one meeting on Health and Safety with a recognised expert in attendance and a further meeting with a qualified Veterinary Practitioner in attendance.

In addition, each member will be required to attend at least five knowledge exchange meetings or four meetings and one national event, facilitated by a Department-approved adviser.

For those in the equine sector interested in applying to become a group facilitator, the payment is €500 per participating group member. This will be paid directly by the Department of Agriculture to the facilitator.

For this, the facilitator must hold a minimum of five knowledge exchange meetings and oversee the preparation and submission of a Farm Improvement Plan for each participating farmer.

Advisers will also assist participating farmers in the completion of a tailored Farm Improvement Plan that will address profitability, sustainability, herd health and farm safety.

Equine group facilitators will need to have a NFQ (FETAC) Level 8 qualification in Agricutural Science or equivalent qualifications which have yet to be clarified by the Department of Agriculture.

Further information is available by telephone on 057-8674400 or via email to KTInformation@agriculture.gov.ie