Knowledge and technology transfer and adoption

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://elibrary2.sugarresearch.com.au/handle/11079/13847

Research outcomes: Research results and new technologies are communicated and transferred in an appropriate and timely manner across the industry value chain, supporting increased uptake of best-practice and innovative technology. A skilled advisory sector that drives the adoption of new technology. An industry knowledge base that incorporates and makes freely available the most up-to-date production methodologies to industry. Collaborative alliances, partnerships and networks that optimise synergies, integrate knowledge and share best-practices.

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2001 - 20022

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Subject: search.filters.subject.AdoptionSubject: search.filters.subject.Best Management Practice

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    Developing a new approach to extension for widespread adoption of Best Management Practice
    (2002)
    MUL001 has sought to improve the uptake of research outcomes by the sugar industry’s growing sector. It is recognised that the traditional one-to-one extension approach is no longer affordable and the current system was not adequately facilitating the uptake of research at a time when the industry needed to make every post a winner. This project developed a group extension program in the Mulgrave region to promote the development and adoption of best management practice. 13 productivity groups were established which sought to involve 100% of growers. These groups utilise discussion type meetings and field demonstrations in order to enhance the individual knowledge and understanding of various aspects of sugarcane production, which are relevant to the management decisions faced at the time. Typically each group would meet 4 to 5 times each year. Emphasis is placed on learning from other growers as well as people with specialist knowledge in each particular field. Monitoring programs were also utilised to enhance the knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes of individuals. Monitoring harnesses the power of learning-by-doing and has proven very effective. Monitoring programs for production constraints such as canegrubs, rats and weevil borer were coordinated by this project and strategically timed to enhance the effectiveness of group activities. The group extension program has been in operation since March 2000 and continues to improve in effectiveness and grower participation. Throughout the project 89% of growers participated in the extension program and on average, 63% of cane production areas were represented at each group activity. Although it is difficult to objectively measure change in knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes, there are numerous examples of subtle but visible change in the behaviour of farm managers, which could be attributed to the extension program. An important output of the project has been the development of a communication structure. This structure has proven invaluable to maintain information flow throughout all sectors of the industry and maintain a dialogue in an age of continuous change and uncertainty. This structure will be necessary to drive real and sustained change in the industry.
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    Towards long-term sustainability of sugarcane farming in the Johnstone River catchment
    (2001) Stewart, RL
    Cane farmers are important stakeholders in the Johnstone River Catchment. Their engagement in the sustainability debate is essential, however, at times they appear to be isolated from it. The Johnstone River Catchment Management Association (JRCMA) saw the need for their engagement and applied to The Sugar Research and Development Corporation (SRDC) for a grant to do an action research project to achieve that end. Growers meeting in small groups discussed all aspects of cane growing with the aim of producing a booklet of guidelines for best management practices for the catchment. Growers were invited to speak freely but challenged to be certain that the practices they nominated were sustainable and demonstrable on their own farms. More than 100 growers participated in the discussions over two years and a booklet entitled “Growers perspective of best management for sustainable cane farming (Documenting practices in the Johnstone, Moresby and Liverpool Creek Catchments)” was published in best management practice format. The project received wide acclaim and The Honourable Rod Welford; Minister for Natural Resources, Environment and Heritage launched the booklet in April 2000. Demonstration of best practices for sustainable farming from a grower’s perspective were achieved through a major field day organised by the JRCMA and through a series of video clips of many practices throughout the catchment. “The Most Significant Change Approach” also known as “The Story Method” was used to determine changes growers perceived were occurring in the farming, agency and general communities as a result of this project. Focus group technique was also used to gauge the effect of the project on the general community and agency groups.