It is essential that an extension to the farmers Knowledge Transfer Scheme is announced by the Minister as there are ongoing problems with the online system and it would not be possible to have all applications completed before the 31st May deadline.
There are many vets throughout the country who have not completed the course yet and there are many more who will not visit farms until the online system is working properly. If the deadline is not extended there will be a huge fallout in the numbers of farmers leaving the scheme. If that happens the numbers left in the various groups will be too small to make them viable under the terms and conditions.
It would be prudent of the Minister to announce an extension now so as farmers and facilitators have time to plan ahead and we want as many farmers as possible to be able to access the scheme. I will be raising this matter in the Dail this coming week.
