Project 9:
Extension Focus
Milestone 9.1
Model farms and focus groups
This activity will provide a series of focal points for information sharing and demonstration of agroecological crop protection concepts. Model farms will be established on which Proof of Concept (Project 8) can be demonstrated (e.g., land managed by research organisations, or growers wishing to become early adopters of agroecology and host field days). Grower focus groups will promote adoption and incorporation of methods into grower systems and demonstrate how growers can tell their story. Training will be provided on the use of agroecology information tools.
April 1, 2020
September 30, 2020 - Potential Model Farms identified and arrangements made with landowners by to undertake Proof of Concept trials.
October 31, 2020 - Proof of Concept projects (Project 8) carried out on Model Farms beginning and continuing to 31 March 2027 (refer Project 8).
November 30, 2020 - Workplan developed for running Focus Groups in cooperation with participant groups and Model Farms for approval by PGG.
March 31, 2021 - Focus Groups to begin and continue to the end of the programme. Effectiveness of the groups evaluated by mid-term review.
July 1, 2021 - Extension workplans agreed with participant groups, with performance monitored and updated annually. Y2 - Training in the use of agroecology extension tools begins, and continues in conjunction with Focus Groups to the end of the project.
March 31, 2027
Progress
The proof of concept design phase has been completed and the first model farm site has been established in an onion and vegetable system in Pukekohe. Further work is underway to extend this to a Canterbury site.
Milestone 9.2
Agroecological information tools developed
Develop improved tools for growers and other crop protection users to access up to date information on agroecological crop protection in an interactive format.
January 1, 2021
December 31, 2020 - Identify information needs and develop specification for development of information delivery tools and content.
June 30, 2022 - Technical content for the information delivery tools developed under contract, on time and within budget.
December 31, 2022 - Information tools developed under contract, on time and within budget with content incorporated.
December 31, 2022
Progress
Extension activities delivered by all participant groups are incorporating ALT components. The Programme is working towards a central extension plan offering knowledge transfer of agroecological approaches that are not necessarily crop specific.
