Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 6 May 2021
243. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on a request in a document by an organisation and organisations (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23335/21]
View answer246. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the request in a document by an organisation and organisations (details supplied) in relation to establishing networks of agricultural innovation that provide an enabling environment for on-farm diversification, facilitate peer-to-peer learning and knowledge transfer between farmers, State agencies, civil society and research institutes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23338/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 243 and 246 together.
I am supportive of the role that a well developed advisory service and networks of knowledge and innovation sharing can play in helping the sector to successfully address a range of existing and emerging challenges and issues. Within the current Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), significant levels of support have been provided under Ireland's Rural Development Programme (RDP) in this regard as part of the development of our Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation System (AKIS).
For example, the RDP includes support for 23 projects across a range of key areas under the European Innovation Partnership (EIP) initiative. These projects are designed to increase the sharing of knowledge and innovative approaches in a way that incorporates a wide range of stakeholders. Further EIP tranches have also subsequently been launched in areas such as farm health, safety and wellbeing and the rewetting of peatlands. In addition, the RDP included significant investment in the Knowledge Transfer Programme, which saw support for the training of over 18,000 farmers over three years in a range of key areas.
While the negotiation of the regulations to underpin the new CAP programming period are still ongoing, it is intended that our new CAP Strategic Plan will also include a range of initiatives aimed at developing our national AKIS through support for high quality knowledge exchange and training, and ensuring the flow of research and innovation between all the key stakeholders. The Department is also developing targeted high quality training interventions for the cohort of agricultural advisors in a range of priority areas, including the areas of biodiversity and water quality.
In addition, the Department's most recent call for research proposals which closed in Quarter 1 of 2021 offered the opportunity to develop multi-actor approaches and knowledge transfer and exchange within research projects including the funding of innovation intermediaries. This development offers each project that will be funded the opportunity to develop a proportionate knowledge transfer plan with a focus on engagement with stakeholders to co-create research solutions and disseminate research outputs.
Finally, the Agri-Food Strategy to 2030 outlines the intention to develop a dynamic knowledge exchange environment. Action 4 (of Mission 4, Goal 3) proposes to develop an enhanced enabling environment to support on farm innovation and diversification, and facilitate peer-to-peer learning and knowledge transfer through development, testing and sharing of knowledge and experiences through for example focus groups, living labs, incubators, and other co-operative activities. The draft strategy also sets out the intention of prioritising more farmer engagement and peer to peer learning and advice tailored to the primary producers in their local area and capitalising on the expertise and communication skills of farmers through more farmer-led talks, videos and other outreach activities. A public consultation on the Strategic Environmental Assessment of this draft strategy is currently underway.
