Minister Canney welcomes opening of Forestry Knowledge Transfer Group Scheme 2026

Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, has welcomed the announcement by Minister Michael Healy-Rae, of the opening of the Forestry Knowledge Transfer Group (KTG) Scheme 2026.

The scheme supports private forest owners to improve the management of their forests by participating in small peer-learning groups, led by professional foresters. Groups of up to 20 forest owners will meet for seven sessions focused on practical, hands-on learning.

Welcoming the scheme, Minister Canney said: “This is a very practical initiative that supports forest owners to actively manage and maximise the long-term value of their forests. Knowledge transfer and peer learning are essential in ensuring our forestry sector continues to develop in a sustainable and commercially viable way.”

A key enhancement to the 2026 scheme is the introduction of two dedicated Focus Areas, allowing organisers and participants to tailor learning to their specific needs.

For 2026, groups can specialise in one of two Focus Areas:

As Focus Area B is a new addition, and in order to maximise uptake, all forest owners will be eligible to join a Focus B group, regardless of previous participation in a Forestry KTG in previous years. This removes earlier restrictions and ensures that any owner wishing to develop a Forest Management Plan or progress towards certification can do so through the scheme.

Participants will receive €80 per meeting attended, up to a maximum of €560 across seven meetings. Organisers will receive a flat payment of €7,400 per group.

The scheme also allows participants who cannot attend a meeting to nominate a family member or joint owner to attend on their behalf.

Applications must be submitted by 5pm on Friday, 20 March 2026 to forestryktg@agriculture.gov.ie.

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