Farmer-driven Innovation in New South Wales, Australia

ABSTRACT

Knowledge generation and the interactions that allow for knowledge exchange are key processes of innovation. Yet these processes are not well understood at the farm level, nor are they well reflected in policy approaches for agricultural innovation. Farmers in New South Wales have used diverse ways to implement innovations in land management. They employ a range of strategies including observing signals from the landscape, independent testing and trialling, use of agronomists, participation in farmer groups and in farmer-driven research programmes. Steps to foster farmer-driven innovations and knowledge-intensive agricultural systems require greater subtlety to enable flexibility, the incorporation of contemporary scientific knowledge and support for sustainable initiatives. More research on innovation and on policy engagement is required to foster on-farm innovative capacity.

Keywords:

• Innovation
• knowledge
• networks
• agriculture
• sustainability
• farmers