Towards Operational groups in Flanders (belgium) Anne Vuylsteke

Case 1: organic farmers’ networks What challenge / opportunity does “OG” discuss? Exchange of practical knowledge and information Bottom-up approach to identify demand-driven research questions in organic farms How did the “OG” start, who initiated? Bioforum and Landwijzer in collaboration with the Dutch Louis Bolk Institute, after the Dutch example What have been the key success factors for the “OG”? Guidance / facilitation Bioforum and Landwijzer Interest and active involvement of the farmers Coupling with applied research funding (CCBT) How have (national) policies contributed to the “OG”? Funding by the Flemish Government

What challenge / opportunity does “OG” discuss? Case 2: Sietinet, the ornamental plant production technology and innovation network What challenge / opportunity does “OG” discuss? Importance of technological advances in ornamental plant production to remain competitive in the world market  cooperation with knowledge institutes and improve the access to scientific knowledge How did the “OG” start, who initiated? Demand by the sector (60 companies), but submitted / managed by the research institutie What have been the key success factors for the “OG”? Innovative companies and the specificity of the knowledge needed Good work by the scientist working on the project Funding  but limited in time (project has ended) Dense network with many informal interactions How have (national) policies contributed to the “OG”? Grant by IWT (80% government funding, 20% companies)

What challenge / opportunity does “OG” discuss? Case 3: the coordination centre for extension and support on sustainable fertilization - water quality groups What challenge / opportunity does “OG” discuss? Supporting policy of the Nitrate Directive: addressing poor water quality Local networks of farmers and applied researchers try to explain (and address) red measurements How did the “OG” start, who initiated? Government in cooperation with experimental stations What have been the key success factors for the “OG”? Process is still young: not always easy to involve farmers Voluntary participation is crucial Combination of activities within the Coordination Centre for Information and Support on Sustainable Fertilization How have (national) policies contributed to the “OG”? Clear need to improve the situation Financial support to make it happen

Cases that would not qualify as OG Demand by a farmer or a single company to solve his particular problem / knowledge gap 1 farmer with specific knowledge institute / advisor knowledge is generated tailored to the specific business Knowledge remains private, between the partners Farmers’ or mixed groups solely aimed at lobbying and advocacy Producer and branch organisations continue their usual (not innovation-related) activities Existing steering boards (of experimental stations, projects, …)

Bottlenecks for farmers to discuss and be active in innovation Different groups of farmers have a different degree of involvement Frontrunners are active and search for innovation opportunities Frontrunners and early adopters visit experimental stations and attend information activities Others only rely on commercial information Main bottlenecks Lack of time No tradition to pay for advice Big differences between sectors (animal versus plant, within animal / plant) Difficult to access and test available knowledge No real innovation instruments for agriculture Funding for on-farm research is scarce / non-existent Exclusion from generic instruments (90% does not qualify as an SME because of legal structure) Research is the driving actor in the agricultural research and innovation

How can EIP / Operational Groups address these bottlenecks? Provide money for facilitation (process money) Address frontrunners and use them as examples for their colleagues Improve accessibility of knowledge Allow / fund experienced researchers to spend part of their time on interaction with the sector

How can Operational Groups be set up and farmers be motivated ? Set-up of operational groups In function of the needs Demand by the sector, but others will have to write the proposal and do the administration Initiators should have a clear view on the finality and the activities (costs) needed to get there Motivation of farmers Trust and empowerment Clear objectives and benefits Reward their efforts in field trails, on-farm experiments, … Search for methods for interaction between face-to-face meetings

Bottlenecks in linking farmers with other stakeholders? Farmers already interact with Farmers’ associations Experimental stations Innovation support centre ILVO Others Correct entry point (who to contact?) Different language  how to translate a very practical issue into a research question? Trust