Innovation Visits (IVs)
Innovation Visits (IVs), provide farmers with the opportunity to visit farm businesses in other parts of the UK or Europe to learn about new innovations. Each visit has a specific theme and visits are organised and led by a CAFRE Adviser or Technologist.
What is a Innovation Visit?
An Innovation Visit is a study trip by a group of farmers from Northern Ireland to a location outside Northern Ireland. The size of the group is usually between 15 and 20 people. The group aims to study a particular innovation in farming that is being used in other countries but not yet here. The groups are led by CAFRE staff who have expertise in the subject area.
Who is eligible to go on an Innovation Visit?
To be eligible for a IV study visit you need to be aged over 18 years, own or be a member of a farm business, or be an employee (working more than 16 hours per week). Depending on the focus of the visit you may need to meet additional criteria as detailed in the visit application form. The aim is for IV participants to learn about the innovation and consider on farm implementation.
How long does an Innovation Visit last?
Depending on location, visits will usually last two or three days. Typically the group visits a number of farms and perhaps research centres where the innovation of interest has been implemented. In addition there is often input from people who have world class specialist knowledge of the subject area.
Which countries can be visited?
It is expected most visits will be to Great Britain and the European Union. However, with strong justification some visits may be to other countries outside European.
What are the financial arrangements for an Innovation Visit?
The main costs of the IV are met through the Sustainable Agriculture Programme. The cost of all travel outside Northern Ireland is covered, as is accommodation and meals. The scheme will also cover the cost of technical experts and translators in the country being visited.
Participants are expected to cover the cost of any farm relief while they are away, their travel within Northern Ireland and also their travel insurance.
What is expected from the group members ?
Participants will also be asked to attend pre and post visit training which is an essential element of the programme and will be provided by CAFRE. The pre-visit training will outline the itinerary, your responsibilities on the trip, ensure all necessary emergency contact information and travel documentation is available.
Group members are required to share their findings from the visit and to work with the CAFRE facilitator to support the dissemination of the innovation following the visit. The first post-visit meeting will be held shortly after the visit to assess applicability of innovations to your farm. A further visit after approximately one year will be held to share experiences of implementation.
Are there any IVs being planned?
Over the life of the Scheme around ten visits will take place per year. These will include all the sectors in the local industry.